Cialis, known generically as tadalafil, is a medication primarily prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) and the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. This medication helps men achieve and maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity, and it can also alleviate urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.
How Cialis Works
Cialis inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), an enzyme found in the smooth muscle cells of the penis, prostate, and bladder. This inhibition increases cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which relaxes smooth muscles in penile arteries, allowing for increased blood flow into erectile tissues.
Enhanced blood flow facilitates an erection following sexual stimulation; Cialis does not automatically cause one. For benign prostatic hyperplasia, smooth muscle relaxation in the prostate and bladder improves urinary flow and reduces symptoms.
Understanding Every Other Day Dosing
Cialis has two primary dosing strategies: “on-demand” (higher strengths taken as needed) and “daily” (lower strengths for continuous levels). An “every other day” regimen is not standard but can be a physician-guided adjustment based on individual needs.
Some individuals might consider an every-other-day schedule to maintain more consistent therapeutic levels of tadalafil in their system compared to on-demand use. This approach could offer a balance, providing readiness for sexual activity without the commitment or potential for continuous side effects associated with a daily dose. For benign prostatic hyperplasia, this modified schedule might also offer consistent symptom relief.
A healthcare professional may suggest this schedule to tailor treatment, observing how a patient responds. Tadalafil’s long half-life (approximately 17.5 hours) contributes to its sustained presence, making an every-other-day schedule feasible for some.
Compared to a standard daily dose, an every-other-day approach might reduce the overall drug exposure, potentially leading to fewer or less intense side effects for some individuals. However, it may not offer the same consistent drug levels as a true daily regimen, which typically involves lower doses like 2.5 mg or 5 mg taken once a day. Conversely, it offers more sustained effects than an on-demand dose, which usually consists of 10 mg or 20 mg taken as needed.
Important Considerations and Precautions
Using Cialis, even every other day, has important considerations and potential side effects. Common side effects include headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, facial flushing, and nasal congestion. These typically resolve within a few hours.
More serious, though rare, side effects can occur and require immediate medical attention. These include sudden vision loss in one or both eyes, a condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), and sudden decrease or loss of hearing. Priapism, an erection lasting more than four hours, is another serious concern that can lead to permanent penile damage if not treated promptly. Chest pain or shortness of breath should also prompt immediate medical consultation.
Cialis can interact significantly with other medications, leading to dangerous health outcomes. Nitrates, prescribed for chest pain, are a major contraindication; combining them with Cialis can cause a sudden, severe drop in blood pressure. Alpha-blockers, used for high blood pressure or BPH, can also decrease blood pressure when taken with Cialis.
Certain antifungal medications (e.g., ketoconazole) and some antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin) can increase Cialis levels, intensifying its effects and side effects. Cialis should not be used by individuals with serious heart conditions, recent stroke or heart attack, very low blood pressure, or certain inherited eye conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting or adjusting any Cialis regimen. Only a doctor can determine if an every-other-day schedule is safe and appropriate, considering your medical history and current medications.