Introduction
Cialis is the brand name of a prescription drug called tadalafil. Tadalafil has other common brand names for example Adcirca. Just like is the case in many other countries, Cialis is a prescription drug in Australia and one can only acquire the drug from a pharmacy or store if they have a written prescription for the drug.
Uses of Cialis
Cialis is indicated in the following conditions:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or Hypertrophy (BPH)
- High blood pressure
How the drug works
Cialis (tadalafil) is in the same class with many other drugs for example sildenafil, vardenafil, dipyridamole and vardenafil hydrochloride. These drugs work by inhibiting the fifth isotype of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase (PDE5). PDE5 is found in erectile tissue of the penis, the eyes and the lungs. PDE5 usually breaks down cGMP, a molecule which is required for formation of Nitric Oxide (NO) in tissues. By Inhibiting PDE5, this drugs therefore effectively increase the concentration of NO in the target tissue. NO is a potent vasodilator – vasodilatation increases volume of blood vessels thus relieving increased blood pressure. Vasodilatation also allows more blood to enter into and get trapped in the erectile tissue of penis thus increase the hardness and the length of time which the penis remains erect. This explains why the drug can be used as a male enhancer or for treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Dosage of Cialis
The drug is available as a film coated tablets with each containing 2.5 mg of tadalafil. For erectile dysfunction, user should take 10 mg of drug prior to sexual activity. Based on the drug’s efficacy and ability of body to tolerate it, the dose can be increased to 20mg or reduced to 5mg. the drug should be given at a frequency of only once in a day. The drug is able to enhance erectile function for up to thirty six hours after being taken.
Recommended dose of Cialis for management of BPH is 5mg taken once daily for a period of twenty six weeks. Cialis can be taken with or without food.
Side effects of Cialis
Unwanted effects of tadalafil include:
- Headache and confusion
- Dyspepsia and nausea
- Upper respiratory tract infections with cough and nasal congestion
- Myalgia with back and sometimes jaw pain
- Blurred vision and rarely hearing loss
- Chills and cold sweats
- Prolonged and sometimes painful penile erection
Buying Cialis in Australia
Cialis is stocked in many medication stores and pharmacies in Australia. It being a prescription drug, one needs to have a written prescription for one to buy the drug. The drug is sold at a price of 2.95 US Dollars in Australia.
I am self employed. General Practitioner in Melbourne, VIC. My special interest: male reproductive system.