It is estimated that around 18- 30 million men in Australia suffer from erectile dysfunction (the inability to get or maintain an erection during intercourse). This grueling statistic means that an increased number of men are suffering from the psychological, relationship and societal implications that come with Erectile dysfunction.
It is for this reason that drugs like Cialis have grown in popularity. As the brainchild of LilyICOS, Cialis (whose generic name is Tadalafil) was a joint pharmaceutical venture aimed at offering a safe and sustainable treatment option for men suffering from erectile dysfunction. Through the years Cialis has continued to impress and has become a formidable competitor to its predecessors (Viagra and Levitra).
Spectrum of Action
Under the brand name Cialis, Tadalafil has been used for the treatment of Erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia (A condition where prostate tissue grows unchecked and begins to press on the urethra causing irritative urinary symptoms like urgency, frequency and incontinence)
Tadalafil has also been marketed under the name Adcirca, for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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Behind The Scenes; How It Works
The physical phenomenon known as an erection is the result of the relaxation (vasodilation) of arteries found in the penis. This relaxation allows blood to rush in and engorge the arteries. This engorgement results in hardening and straightening of the penile tissue otherwise known as an erection.
The relaxation is mediated by a substance known as Nitric Oxide (NO) which causes the release of cGMP (Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate) a chemical that directly causes the relaxation and dilation of the smooth muscle of penile arteries.
Tadalafil or Cialis is a PDE5 (Phosphodiesterase 5) inhibitor. Phosphodiesterase 5 increases the breakdown and slows the release of cGMP. Cialis acts by reducing the levels of PDE5 and consequently increasing the levels of cGMP
Its Proper Use and Proper Dosage
There are two possible options for using Cialis, Cialis can be taken either as part of a daily regimen or it can be used when needed.
The first option i.e. for daily use, can be used to treat either ED or BPH.This is a low dose treatment (containing 2.5 mg or 5 mg in each capsule). The full dose should be taken only once a day and at a specific time every day. The effects of treatment will be seen within the first 4-6 days for erectile dysfunction treatment and within the first two weeks for BPH treatment.
The second option also known as the use as needed treatment, contains a higher dose (i.e. 5 mg,10 mg or 20 mg in each capsule) and is exclusively used for treating erectile dysfunction. The man takes the pill just before intercourse and an erection is achieved 30 -45 minutes after. This high dose capsule is able to remain in the system for close to 36 hours and during that time the man is able to achieve spontaneous erections
The pros and cons
Cialis has been able to carve out an enviable space for itself in the erectile dysfunction market. This is because of specific properties that set it aside from its competitors. Cialis has a longer duration of action than other ED drugs ( can lasting up to 36 hours as compared to the 4.5 hours of Levitra and Viagra),during this time man is able to achieve spontaneous erections and Cialis is only taken once a day making it very convenient.
However there are associated side effects usually experienced within the first 48 hours after which they gradually subside. Possible side effects are like nausea and vomiting, headache, back ache, flushing, gastro esophageal reflux, indigestion and other stomach upsets. Other adverse but infrequent effects of the drug like hearing or vision loss have been reported especially in people with other comorbidities (like heart failure, coronary artery disease).
Conclusion
Conditions like Erectile Dysfunction and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia can undoubtedly make a man feel a bit lacking. However Cialis continues to shine a ray of hope and promises to be the more effective and convenient option.
I am self employed. General Practitioner in Melbourne, VIC. My special interest: male reproductive system.