High levels of PDE5 in your body can block the flow of blood to the penis and thereby prevent you from achieving or retaining satisfactory erections. Cialis, an oral anti-impotence medication, helps relax your penile muscles and eases blood flow to the penis so that you are able to achieve a satisfactory erection.

What is Cialis?

Cialis is one of the most popular prescription medications used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Like Viagra and Levitra, Cialis belongs to a class of drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors that restrict the action of the chemical PDE5. This drug takes effect in as little as 30 minutes after ingestion and may last for up to 36 hours. This long lasting ED drug is therefore also known as ‘The Weekend Pill.’ Cialis, however, does not work as an aphrodisiac and is effective only in the presence of external sexual stimulation.

Prescription Cialis is prohibited in women and in individuals who are below the age of 18 years. Consultation with a doctor is mandatory before taking Cialis. Various clinical trials have reported that tadalafil, the active ingredient present in Cialis, substantially improves erectile function in men suffering from mild, moderate or even severe erectile dysfunction.

What are the recommended Cialis dosages?

The ideal beginner’s dosage of Cialis is 10mg, to be taken about 30 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. Your doctor might increase the dosage to 20mg or lower it to 5mg, depending on how effectively a particular dosage works for you and how your body reacts to that particular dose. Ideally, Cialis should be taken just once per day; trying to increase or decrease the dosage on your own will certainly not enhance its positive effects but might intensify the drugs adverse effects. Therefore, it is essential that you consult your doctor before changing your Cialis dosage.

Risks and side effects of Cialis use

ED medications and their side effects often vary according to individual tolerance levels. However, some commonly experienced side effects of Cialis use include nasal congestion, headache, back and muscle pain, indigestion, facial flushing, dizziness, as well as swollen, reddish or painful eyes. Most of these side effects are usually mild in nature and tend to disappear or reduce in frequency and severity after a while.

Although, most men are never bothered by side effects, enough to stop taking Cialis. However, there is a risk of rare occurrences like experiencing an erection for more than 4 hours (Priapism); in such a condition it becomes mandatory to consult your doctor immediately. Cialis side effects such as abnormal vision, seeing a blue tinge to objects and vision problems may also occur rarely.

Why is Cialis better than Viagra and Levitra?

There are many similarities between Cialis, Viagra and Levitra, since all the three drugs belong to a family of medications known as PDE5 inhibitors. They have nearly identical positive and negative effects, but there are substantial differences in the duration of their affect. Unlike Viagra and Levitra, Cialis offers you a lot of flexibility and freedom. Because the effects of Cialis are present for a period of up to 36 hours, you can plan your intimate moments at leisure and even afford to wait for your right moment. Moreover, Cialis effects are not marred by food intake, so you don’t have to go on an austerity drive before indulging in sexual activity.