Cialis ®
What is Cialis (tadalafil)?
Cialis is in a class of medications known as PDE-5 inhibitors,
which are used to treat cases of male impotence. Elli Lilly
and Icos are currently marketing Cialis in the UK and other
EU countries.
How does Cialis (tadalafil) work?
Cialis acts in the same way as Viagra, by blocking an enzyme
called phosphodiesterase-5, or PDE-5. This helps the smooth
muscles in the penis relax and widen, which allows for more
blood to enter. As a result, you gain erections faster and
easier with Cialis.
How well does Cialis (tadalafil) work?
Cialis is approved in these markets for the treatment of
mild to severe ED at both 10 and 20 mg doses. The labels
in each of these markets indicate that the product should
be taken prior to anticipated sexual activity and without
regard to food. Just like Viagra, sexual stimulation is
needed for Cialis to work. According to the European label,
the
efficacy
of Cialis may persist up to 24 hours after the pill is
taken. In Australia the label indicates efficacy up to
36 hours after dosing.
Clinical Data Overview
More than 4,000 men have participated in more than 60 studies
that characterized the safety and efficacy profile of Cialis.
In primary efficacy studies involving 1,112 men (804 Cialis,
308 placebo) with mild to severe ED, up to 81 percent of
those treated with Cialis reported improved erections compared
with 35 percent of those taking placebo(1).
The most commonly reported adverse events were headache,
upset stomach, nasal congestion, backache, muscle ache, dizziness,
and flushing. The adverse events reported with Cialis were
transient and generally mild or moderate. As with other PDE5
inhibitors, the use of Cialis is contraindicated in patients
who are taking nitrates. It should not be taken by patients
with certain heart diseases for whom sexual activity itself
is not advisable.
Remember that no medicine is for everyone. If you take any
form of nitrates, often prescribed to control chest pains,
do not take Cialis. This combination could cause an
unsafe drop in blood pressure.
What's the normal Cialis (tadalafil) dose?
In Cialis clinical testing most men were administered one
10 mg Cialis or 20 mg Cialis tablet per day.
Are there any side effects with Cialis (tadalafil)?
The most common side effects reported with Cialis in the study
were headache, myalgia (muscle pain), dyspepsia (upset stomach
following meals) and back pain. The severities of these Cialis
side effects were minimized with lower doses of Cialis.
How They Compare
Cialis How long it works: Up to 24 hours
Recommended time to take before sex: 30 minutes to 12 hours
Most common side effects: Headache, dyspepsia/upset stomach,
back pain
Levitra
How long it works: Up to 5 hours
Recommended time to take before sex: 25 to 60 minutes
Most common side effects: Headache, facial flushing
Viagra
How long it works: Up to 4.5-5 hours
Recommended time to take before sex: 60 minutes
Most common side effects: Headache, facial flushing, altered
or blueish vision
Sources: J.P. Morgan, European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal
Products
Aspects of ED that were significantly improved by
Cialis® include:
overall erectile function
ability to achieve erections sufficient for vaginal penetration
ability to maintain erections for successful sexual intercourse
satisfaction with sexual intercourse
overall satisfaction
satisfaction with the hardness of erections
confidence in ability to achieve and maintain an erection
partners' satisfaction with sexual intercourse
RECENT Cialis News and Information:
Icos shares up on firmer Cialis sales (Investor's Business Daily, 11/29/04)
Male Sex Drugs (NBCSandiego.com, 11/22/04)
Once A Taboo Topic (SignOnSanDiego.com, 11/7/04)
Aggressive goals set by Icos are hitting the mark (The Seattle Times, 11/5/04) |
