When and How to Take Cialis to Treat Erectile Dysfunction

By Ronit Cytheria |
|5 min read

If you're a man, you've likely heard of Cialis. In particular, Cialis 20 mg, which is the most frequently prescribed for medication. Cialis is the brand name of tadalafil which is a medicine primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction. Cialis functions by increasing blood flow to the penis and enabling an erection to occur.

Erectile dysfunction is a troubling ailment for many men; it can ruin a man's health, sex life, and even trash a positive and happy relationship. However, Cialis is the solution to erectile dysfunction. With proper use and dosage of this medication, it can help revitalize a man's sex life.

However, it must be noted that this medication should only be used under medical supervision. Anyone with erectile dysfunction must consult their doctor before obtaining this medication as improper use can result in adverse side effects. Read on to find out how to take the medication properly.

Taking Different Dosages of Cialis

Cialis is available in many different dosages, ranging from 2.5 mg to 60 mg. Unfortunately, most men don't know which dosage they need. "Do I need 5 mg or 20 mg of Cialis?” and "Can I take 40 mg of Cialis for my dysfunction?” are two of the most common questions asked about Cialis.

So, which dosage should you take? It depends on your health condition and the severity of your problem. The best way to know how much Cialis you need is to consult a doctor and also refer to the short dosage information as a general guide.

Doses of Cialis and their uses

  • Cialis dosage 2.5 mg

This is the recommended starting dose of Cialis for most people. It's prescribed for daily use to treat erectile dysfunction. It should be taken at the same time each day, no matter if you're about to have sexual activity that day or not.

  • Cialis dosage 5 mg

Cialis 5 mg is also prescribed for daily use. The 5 mg dose is prescribed if the 2.5 mg dose is ineffective. This dose must also be taken at the same time each day.

  • Cialis dosage 10 mg

Cialis 10 mg is the standard dose prescribed for sexual activity. If the daily dose of Cialis 5 mg can't help your condition, then your doctor might prescribe this on-demand dose. You can take this drug when you need it, at least 30 minutes before sex. Your doctor will likely recommend you to limit the consumption of this drug to 3 times per week to avoid adverse side effects.

  • Cialis dosage 20 mg

If 10mg doesn't work for you, then doubling the dose might be your answer. Only take Cialis 20 mg when you need it, approximately 30 minutes before sexual activity. It's recommended to limit the use of Cialis 20 mg to 3 times per week to avoid complications and side effects.

  • Cialis dosage 40 mg

Higher doses of Cialis have bigger risks of side effects. For that reason, most doctors will avoid prescribing doses higher than 20 mg. That said, Cialis 40 mg can still bring some benefits for you. Unlike the lower doses, Cialis 40 mg is usually used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension instead of erectile dysfunction. You may only take Cialis 40 mg if you're under special medical supervision.

  • Cialis dosage 60 mg

It's very rare for doctors to prescribe this dosage. Consuming this dose holds a huge risk of complications and side effects. This dose is only used for certain conditions. Do not purchase and consume Cialis 60 mg unless you're under special medical supervision.

How to take Cialis properly

Just like with any other medications, one must be careful not to misuse and over consume Cialis. This drug has some serious side effects. Here's how you can avoid them.

  • Follow your doctor's instruction

As mentioned previously, you should only take Cialis under medical supervision. Consult your doctor before purchasing and consuming Cialis. This is especially true for higher dosages like Cialis 10 mg and Cialis 20 mg.

  • Avoid outside influence from other elements

When taking Cialis, avoid excessive drinking. Doing so can lower your blood pressure as well as cause dizziness and headaches. Furthermore, the effectiveness of Cialis and in turn decrease your sexual performance.

  • Sexual activity frequency

Another point to be considered is that Cialis 10 mg and 20 mg should only be taken as needed according to your sexual activity frequency. You don't need to take them daily. Simply take them 30 to 60 minutes prior to sexual intercourse. It should be noted that there's a limit to how many times you can take Cialis and have sexual relations in the period of a week. Your sexual activity frequency may be limited to 3 to 4 times per week to avoid Cialis overdose. The effects of Cialis lasts up to 36 hours, so keep that in mind the next time you take the medication.

  • Sexual stimulation

Lastly, sexual stimulation is needed to achieve an erection even if you've taken Cialis. This medication shouldn't cause you to have an erection without sexual stimulation. Moreover, it shouldn't cause your erection to last for more than 4 hours. If you experience any of the aforementioned effects. Please seek medical assistance immediately.

More Information about Cialis

Here are some additional things that you should keep in know about Cialis before taking it.

Signs that you shouldn't take Cialis

In some cases, people might have higher risks of complications when taking Cialis. For that reason, doctors would avoid prescribing Cialis to people with certain health conditions and symptoms. If you have some of these conditions, you shouldn't take Cialis unless your doctor agrees:

  • Allergic to sildenafil or other components of Cialis
  • Heart and cardiovascular diseases
  • High or low blood pressure
  • Blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, and leukemia
  • Stroke or congestive heart failure within the last 6 months
  • Stomach ulcer
  • Liver or kidney diseases
  • Structural deformity of the penis

Moreover, some medications might react badly to Cialis. Avoid consuming Cialis if you're taking any of these drugs:

  • Adempas or Riociguat
  • Alfuzosin
  • Drugs containing organic nitrates (e.g. Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide)
  • Alpha-blocker medication (e.g. doxazosin, tamsulosin)
  • Heart medications (e.g. diltiazem, amlodipine)
  • Recreational drugs

Possible side effects

Here's a list of possible side effects of Cialis. If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately.

  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Numbness, tingling, or pain in the jaw, arms, chest, or neck
  • Priapism (erection lasting more than 4 hours)

Takeaway Message

Just like any other drugs, Cialis has its own possible side effects and risks. So, don't be so quick to grab that Cialis 20 mg bottle at your local drugstore. Instead, learn more about it and consult your doctor first. Remember, the right dose of Cialis can help you immensely, but over consumption and misuse may harm your health.

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