Cialis Generic Name: tadalafil (ta DAL a fil)

Brand Names: Cialis

What is Cialis?

Cialis relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to particular areas of the body. It is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Cialis is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence). It works by helping to increase blood flow into the penis during sexual stimulation. This helps you to achieve and maintain an erection. Cialis may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide .

Important information about Cialis

Do not take Cialis if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems. This includes nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, and others), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket). Nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). Taking Cialis with a nitrate medicine can cause a serious decrease in blood pressure, leading to fainting, stroke, or heart attack. If you become dizzy or nauseated during sexual activity, or if you have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, stop and call your doctor right away. You could be having a serious side effect of Cialis.

Do not take this medication more than once a day. Allow 24 hours to pass between doses. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours. A prolonged erection (priapism) can damage the penis. Cialis can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye, causing sudden vision loss. This has occurred in a small number of people taking Cialis, most of whom also had heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or certain pre-existing eye problems, and in those who smoke or are over 50 years old. It is not clear whether this medication is the actual cause of vision loss. Stop using Cialis and get emergency medical help if you have sudden vision loss.