Cialis has established itself as one of the most accepted and widely used medicines for treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED). It contains an FDA-approved active ingredient, Tadalafil, which can also treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) urinary symptoms.
If you are being prescribed Cialis to treat any of these conditions, one question you may raise is How does Cialis work and how can you increase its effectiveness?
Cialis has a specific mechanism of action, which helps this little yellow pill not only reduce erection problems but also reduce the urinary symptoms of BPH.
This article explores Cialis’s workings and duration, how to increase its efficiency, what factors it depends on, and when it is unlikely to work for you. So, let’s learn in detail.
How does Cialis work?
Before learning about how Cialis works, let’s briefly understand what Cialis is. Cialis is a prescription pill used to treat Erectile Dysfunction in men. It contains Tadalafil, an FDA-approved active ingredient. Cialis belongs to a higher class of medicines called Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. As a result, Cialis works by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, which is the main culprit for erection issues.
When a man is sexually stimulated, it raises Nitric Oxide (NO) in the penile region. This rise in NO increases the body’s cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) level. Increased cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) levels further help in relaxing the blood vessels. The relaxed blood vessels, hence, allow an increased blood flow to achieve and sustain erections for sexual intercourse.
It is important to note that Cialis does not work without sexual stimulation and should not be taken by individuals who do not have ED.
How long does it take for Cialis to work?
The onset of action of Cialis can vary depending on individual factors such as metabolism, diet, and dosage. However, on average, it takes about 30-60 minutes for Cialis to start working after ingestion.
It is important to note that Cialis is not an instant solution for ED, and sexual stimulation is required to achieve an erection. Furthermore, Cialis does not increase libido in men.
Thus, it is essential to follow your doctor’s recommended dosage and instructions and not exceed the prescribed dose. If you have any concerns about the effectiveness or duration of Cialis, it is essential to speak with your doctor.
How long does Cialis stay effective?
Once you have taken a prescribed dosage of this yellow pill, it can stay effective for up to 36 hours, providing a long window for sexual activity. However, it doesn’t mean that your erection will stay for this duration. Instead, the more extended period of Cialis’s effectiveness means you can achieve an erection within that timeframe.
What can affect the working of Cialis?
Several factors can affect the working of Cialis, such as the following factors:
- Age: Older individuals have a slower metabolism, affecting how quickly the body processes Cialis.
- Health conditions: Certain conditions, such as heart disease, High Blood Pressure, or kidney disease, can affect how the body absorbs and processes Cialis. Individuals with liver disease should not take Cialis.
- Medications: Some medications, such as Nitrates, Alpha-blockers, and blood pressure medications, can interact with Cialis and cause severe side effects.
- Food and alcohol: Eating a high-fat meal before taking Cialis can delay its absorption and reduce its effectiveness. Drinking alcohol can also affect how the body processes Cialis and increase the risk of side effects.
- Dosage: Taking too much or too little of Cialis can affect its effectiveness.
Talking to a doctor before taking Cialis is essential to ensure its safety and effectiveness. They can also guide on dosage and potential interactions with other medications.
Cialis vs other ED medications
When comparing Cialis with other ED medications, such as Viagra, the following table briefly explains the differences between these PDE5 inhibitors:
| Aspects | Cialis (Tadalafil) | Viagra (Sildenafil) | Levitra (Vardenafil) | Stendra(Avanafil) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onset of action | 30-60 minutes | 30-60 minutes | 15 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Action duration | Up to 36 hours | 4-5 hours | 4-5 hours | 6-12 hours |
| Food effect | None | Delays its absorption | Minimal | Very less |
| Daily dosing options | Yes | No | No | No |
Cialis stands out for its long duration and daily dosing option, making it suitable for men who prefer not to plan sexual activity. Consult your doctor and seek prescribed Cialis for improved erections and satisfactory sexual intercourse.
Conclusion
Cialis (Tadalafil) is one of the most common medicines used to treat male impotence. But how does Cialis work? The answer is covered in this article. It works within 30 to 60 minutes and stays effective for up to 36 hours.
Cialis is a PDE5 inhibitor, and once a man takes it, the blood vessels around the penile region are relaxed. Further, this helps a man achieve and keep an erection. It also reduces the symptoms of BPH related to urination in men.
Several factors, such as medication, food, dosage, etc., affect Cialis’s effectiveness. Furthermore, it may not work for everyone. If you have doubts about Cialis and why it does not work for you, consult your doctor and seek treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cialis make you harder than Viagra?
No, Cialis and Viagra have similar effects. It’s just that Cialis is effective and lasts for up to 36 hours. However, Viagra lasts for around 5 hours. Thus, the opportunity to engage in sexual intercourse remains active longer in the case of Cialis compared to Viagra.
What are the risks of taking Cialis?
The risk factors for Cialis include headache, nausea, dizziness, Low Blood Pressure, and prolonged erection, also called Priapism. These risk factors are rare and disappear once the body adjusts to the medicine. However, if they persist, consult your doctor.
Can Cialis affect my vision or eyes?
Yes, Cialis can cause vision issues such as sudden vision loss, changes in color vision, blurred vision, eye pain, or swelling of the eyelids. These effects are very uncommon but require immediate medical attention if they occur. Consult your doctor and seek immediate treatment.
Why doesn’t Cialis work if I’m not aroused?
The medication depends on the body’s natural release of Nitric Oxide (NO) during sexual stimulation. Without this trigger, the mechanism needed for an erection doesn’t start, so Cialis has no effect. Therefore, Cialis does not work if you are not sexually aroused.
When referencing outside resources, GoodrxMedicine always provides full citations. To learn more about the measures we use to maintain the quality of our content, please review our Content Information Policy.
