Cialis is an FDA-approved, prescription-only medication for treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in men. Its active ingredient is a Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor called Tadalafil. Cialis is the brand version manufactured by Eli Lilly, which is now widely available in generic forms.
The efficacy of this medicine significantly relies on the correct dosage. When treating ED and BPH, a daily dose of 2.5 mg and 5 mg is considered effective and safe, respectively. If the dose is too high, it can increase the risk of side effects or trigger health risks. At the same time, a low dose can be ineffective in treating ED or BPH. Therefore, it becomes necessary to learn about the strengths and dosage of this Tadalafil-containing medication.
In this article, we will talk about Cialis dosage, strengths and formulations, and special-case adjustments for both ED and BPH. You’ll also learn what to do in case of taking an incorrect dose to prevent any potential risks.
Cialis dosage for ED
Cialis is available in doses of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. It’s known as the weekend pill for its 36-hour effectiveness. Given below is its dosage for:
As-needed:
- The recommended dosage is generally 10 mg.
- It is taken 30-60 minutes before indulging in sexual activity.
- If 10 mg is too strong, it can be reduced to 5 mg after consulting a doctor.
- The maximum dosage for ED is 20 mg, taken once a day.
Daily use:
- The usual starting dose is 2.5 mg.
- It can be increased to 5 mg by a doctor, on the basis of tolerability and effectiveness.
- It should be taken at the same time every day. No need to schedule it with sexual activity.
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Cialis dosage for BPH
For the treatment of BPH (excessive growth of the prostate gland) and its symptoms, the dose guidelines are given below:
- Generally, the recommended starting dosage is 5 mg once daily.
- It should be taken at the same time every day.
- When treating ED and BPH together, the starting dose will typically be 5 mg once daily.
- Unlike ED treatment, the maximum dose can’t exceed 5 mg.
How to take Cialis
For both ED and BPH, the basic administration guidelines will remain largely the same. These are as follows:
- Swallow the tablet as a whole with water.
- Avoid crushing, splitting, or chewing the tablet. It can impact the effectiveness of the medicine.
- Do not take more than 1 tablet in 24 hours without consulting a doctor.
- It can be taken with a full or empty stomach, as food intake doesn’t interfere with its effectiveness.
Dosage adjustments in special cases
Men taking nitrates or dealing with severe liver issues or heart conditions should entirely avoid the weekend pill. For certain medications and health conditions, a doctor’s supervision and dose adjustments are necessary. These conditions and medications include:
- For kidney issues, dosage adjustment depends on Creatinine Clearance (CrCl). If CrCl is 30-50 ml/min, the usual initial dose for as-needed use is 5 mg, and for BPH, it is 2.5 mg. Avoid Tadalafil if CrCl is less than 30.
- For mild liver conditions, the dosage will be adjusted according to individual health status. Usually, the lowest dose is recommended.
- With alpha blockers, the weekend pill can be used, but under medical supervision with a low dosage like 5 mg. Studies have indicated that Tamsulosin, one of the alpha blockers, is safe to use in combination with Tadalafil for the treatment of ED and urination problems.
- Other medications that interact with Tadalafil, but can be taken after a dose adjustment by the doctor, include antidepressants, antifungals, HIV medicines, blood pressure medicines, and medication for Epilepsy (abnormal body seizures).
How to handle an incorrect dosage
Administering the wrong dose can impact both results and safety. Even minor changes from the prescribed dosage can heighten the risk of complications or affect how well the medication works. Given below is what can happen in case of underdosing and overdosing, and what to do about it:
Missed dose
When a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible, unless it is time for the next dose. In such a case, it is advised to skip the missed dose. Double-dosing is harmful, as it can lead to an excessive accumulation of the medicine in the blood.
Overdose
In case of overdose, immediately consult a healthcare professional. This is because overdosing increases the risk of side effects, including erections lasting for more than 4 hours, called Priapism. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, the maximum recommended dosage is 20 mg; doses higher than this (as available in generic forms) have not been clinically verified as safe.
Conclusion
Cialis is FDA-approved to treat both BPH and ED. However, its effectiveness typically depends on the dosage recommended by the doctor. The correct dosage is suggested based on the severity of the condition and the individual’s tolerance. The medicine is available as a tablet, with strengths of 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg.
The recommended Cialis dosage for ED (as-needed) is 10 mg, and for BPH, it’s 5 mg. When taken daily for ED treatment, the recommended dosage is 2.5 mg or 5 mg. In case of severe liver and cardiovascular issues or with medicines like nitrates, this Tadalafil-containing tablet should be avoided entirely. However, when kidney or liver conditions are mild, the dosage can be adjusted.
Moreover, the weekend pill can be used with certain alpha blockers like Tamsulosin. Ultimately, it is strongly advised to follow your doctor’s prescription. In case of overdosing, seek medical attention, and when a dose is missed, skip it and stick to the regular schedule for safe treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cialis affect blood pressure?
Yes, Cialis can affect blood pressure by mildly or moderately lowering it. For most men, this drop can be slight and not harmful. However, it can become risky if combined with excessive alcohol or nitrates, as this can lead to severe low blood pressure, leading to fainting, dizziness, or even more severe issues.
Is 100 mg of Cialis too much?
Yes, 100 mg of Cialis is too much and is not marketed. The maximum approved dosage is 20 mg. Some generics are available in 60 mg and 80 mg strengths, but a 100 mg strength is neither available nor considered safe.
What will happen if you take 40 mg of Cialis?
If you take 40 mg of Cialis, it can potentially result in an increased risk of side effects. The maximum dosage available is 20 mg, and doubling it can even lead to severe unwanted effects like Priapism.
Does 20 mg of Cialis work better than 10 mg?
Yes, 20 mg of Cialis generally works better than 10 mg of Cialis, particularly for moderate or severe ED. Clinical studies show higher success rates and improved erectile function with a 20 mg dose. However, that is not always the case, as individual responses vary.
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