CIALIS 5 MG: What You Need to Know
Cialis (tadalafil) 5 mg is a medication often used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) as well as symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Here are some key points about it:
1. Mechanism of action
Inhibition of PDE5:
- Like other drugs for ED, Cialis inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). In the penis, PDE5 breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). By inhibiting PDE5, Cialis allows cGMP levels to increase. This leads to relaxation of the smooth muscles in the penile arteries and subsequent increased blood flow into the penis, facilitating an erection in response to sexual stimulation.
- In the prostate and bladder, the inhibition of PDE5 also helps in relaxing smooth muscles, which can relieve urinary symptoms associated with BPH.
2. Usage for erectile dysfunction
Dosage and onset:
- The 5 - mg dose is a relatively low - dose option. It may take about 30 minutes to start working, although in some cases, it can take up to two hours. The effects can last for up to 36 hours, which is why Cialis is sometimes referred to as the "weekend pill."
Sexual stimulation required:
- Cialis does not cause an automatic erection. Sexual arousal is still necessary for the drug to be effective.
3. Usage for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Symptom relief:
- For men with BPH, the 5 - mg daily dose can help improve urinary flow, reduce urinary frequency, and decrease the urgency to urinate. It can also help in reducing the number of nighttime urinations.
4. Precautions and side effects
Precautions:
- It should not be taken with nitrate medications (used for chest pain, e.g., nitroglycerin) as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
- People with certain heart conditions, liver or kidney problems may need special consideration or dose adjustment.
Side effects:
- Common side effects may include headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, and nasal congestion. In rare cases, it can cause more serious side effects such as sudden vision or hearing loss.