Generic Cialis, also widely known as tadalafil, is one of the most popular male erectile dysfunction treatments. The drug helps men who fail to produce a naturally firm and persistent erection recover their sexual prowess and return to enjoying regular sexual intimacy. The generic version is an identical copy of branded Cialis and differs from its patented counterpart only in price, which can be many times lower. All other parameters, including medical uses, safety profile, indications and contraindications, side effects, and drug interactions, are the same for both preparations.
What makes generic Cialis different from other male enhancement drugs?
Like Viagra or Levitra, generic Cialis is an inhibitor drug designed to suppress the activity of the phosphodiesterase-5 enzyme and facilitate the development of a stable and long-lasting erection. However, one particular quality sets generic Cialis apart from the rest of ED medications in the PDE5 inhibitor class, which is its uniquely long duration of action. Whereas other ED meds can only give men 4 to 8 hours to have sexual intercourse with their partner, generic Cialis keeps working for up to 36 hours.
Generic Cialis is also the only ED treatment available that can be taken in smaller doses on a day-to-day basis. Men who like their sexual life to have more spontaneity and less planning in it can take a pill of low-dose generic Cialis every day and be ready to engage in sex at any time.
Note that even if tadalafil remains in your system round-the-clock, the likelihood of involuntary erections is minimal. Like other ED medications, generic Cialis requires that men have some form of erotic stimulation to develop an erection.
Mode of action of generic Cialis
The mechanism of action of this medication is very similar to how Viagra and Levitra work to enable penile erections, only much more selective, therefore, safer. By inhibiting the activity of PDE5, generic Cialis promotes the accumulation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This essential erection-enabling messenger substance works by relaxing the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum penis and allowing more blood to flow into the male organ. Simultaneously, it forces the vessels that carry blood away to constrict temporarily, thus trapping blood inside. As a result, the penis becomes erect and stays that way until the man has ejaculated.
The said selectiveness of the drug owes to the fact that generic Cialis specifically targets PDE type 5 enzymes, while not affecting other PDEs like PDE3 or PDE6. Overall, it means that generic Cialis is less likely to cause adverse side effects when used long term.
How to take generic Cialis safely?
Always take generic Cialis or other male enhancement preparations as ordered by your prescribing physician. Avoid altering the dosage or the frequency of its administration without consulting a licensed medical practitioner first. Doing so at your discretion may increase the possibility of grave complications for your health.
The correct dosage of generic Cialis will depend on your immediate and long-term treatment purposes. If you only take erectile dysfunction medications occasionally, 10mg or 20mg of the drug is usually a recommended dose, enough to give you a 36-hour window for sexual activity. A once-daily dosing scheme that involves using smaller dosages of Cialis 2.5mg and 5mg is better suited for men who prefer to have more flexibility in choosing the best time for sex.
Generic Cialis is usually taken 30-60 minutes before your planned sexual intercourse, with or without food. Please note that if taken alongside fatty meals, generic Cialis may lose some of its efficiency or kick in later than expected.
Possible side effects from taking generic Cialis
Generic Cialis is not entirely risk-free, and some men may develop some unwanted symptoms in response to the drug.
The most frequently reported side effects include headache, nasal blockage, blurriness of the vision, back pain, stomach sickness, diarrhea, and mild skin rash. The majority of these side effects are not dangerous or persistent and do not require anything but, perhaps, occasional symptomatic treatment.
The more severe complications from taking generic Cialis are:
- priapism (erections that are long and painful);
- abrupt loss of hearing or vision;
- acute pain in the chest or arm;
- labored respiration;
- heartbeat irregularities;
- seizures and fainting.
Any of these symptoms is a reason to contact your GP or seek urgent medical help. Self-medication is strictly not advised as it may mask the main problem and lead to further complications.
Drug interactions and contraindications
Generic Cialis may be an unsuitable choice of treatment for certain groups of patients. Men who have or have had any of the following health problems should not take the drug or use it very cautiously and under the close supervision of their doctor:
- cardiac problems and surgeries;
- strokes;
- benign hyperplasia of the prostate;
- hypertension or hypotension;
- problems with liver or kidney;
- bleeding disorders;
- peptic ulcers;
- diabetes;
- epilepsy.
Also, tell your prescribing physician about all medicinal drugs you are taking for any other conditions. It includes any prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal and dietary supplements. Be extra cautious if you are using any of the following:
- organic nitrates such as nitroglycerin;
- alpha- and beta-blockers;
- guanylyl cyclase-stimulating medications;
- recreational drugs that contain amyl or butyl nitrate;
- azole antifungals;
- bacteriostatic antibiotics;
- inhibitors of protease for treating HIV or hepatitis C;
- other ED medications, containing tadalafil, vardenafil, or sildenafil.
Recommendations regarding the safe use of generic Cialis
Do not mix generic Cialis with alcohol. When taken alongside tadalafil, alcohol can increase the hepatotoxicity of the medication and elevate the risk of health-threatening side effects.
Do not self-prescribe generic Cialis. It is unsafe to self-diagnose a medical condition like erectile dysfunction and self-prescribe any medications that treat it. Always consult your physician for an accurate evaluation of your health problem and proper treatment recommendations.
Do not overeat before using tadalafil. Generic Cialis may turn out to be less helpful if you take it with heavy meals. Fatty food slows down the absorption of the preparation, and the therapeutic effect comes much later.
Always make time for erotic stimulation. Generic Cialis will not work unless the man receives some erotic stimulation first. Also, do not expect generic Cialis to protect you from STDs if you are not using a condom.
Product disclaimer:
The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This article shouldn’t be used as a substitute for a one-on-one consultation with a medical professional. It is important to analyze the risks before consuming Cialis and make sure that there aren’t any contraindications. You may need to undergo a physical examination and/or certain laboratory tests to assess the state of your health. While this drug is tolerated well by most patients, it should be safe in your particular situation. Being monitored by a medical specialist is the best way to avoid any unwanted adverse effects and complications.