Cialis

Generic Name: tadalafil (tah DAL a fil)

Brand name: Cialis

Drug interactions:

The breakdown and elimination of tadalafil (cialis) from the body may be decreased by erythromycin, ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), indinavir (Crixivan) and ritonavir (Norvir). Therefore, these drugs may increase the levels of tadalafil (cialis) in the blood. If these drugs are being used at the same time as tadalafil (cialis), the dose of tadalafil (cialis) should be reduced in order to avoid side effects from high levels of tadalafil (cialis).
tadalafil (cialis) exaggerates the increases in heart rate and lowering of blood pressure caused by nitrates, e.g. nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil), isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, Ismo, Monoket), nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur, Transderm-Nitro) that are used primarily for treating heart pain (angina). In patients who take nitrates for angina, tadalafil (cialis) could cause heart pain or possibly even a heart attack by exaggerating the increase in heart rate and the lowering of blood pressure. Therefore, tadalafil (cialis) should not be used with nitrates. tadalafil (cialis) also exaggerates the blood pressure lowering effects of some alpha-blocking drugs e.g., terazosin (Hytrin) that primarily are used for treating high blood pressure or enlargement of the prostate. Individuals who take these alpha-blockers should be on a stable dose of the alpha-blocker before tadalafil (cialis) is started. In such situations, tadalafil (cialis) should be started at the lowest dose. If the patient is already taking tadalafil (cialis), the alpha-blocker should be started at the lowest dose. tadalafil (cialis) and alcohol both lower blood pressure. Therefore, combining tadalafil (cialis) with alcohol may cause excessive drops in blood pressure and cause dizziness, headaches and increased heart rate.
NB!: tadalafil (cialis) is not approved for use in women.

The most important information you should know about Cialis:

Do not take cialis if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems. This includes nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, and others), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket). Nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). Taking cialis with a nitrate medicine can cause a serious decrease in blood pressure, leading to fainting, stroke, or heart attack. If you become dizzy or nauseated, or have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw during sexual activity, stop and call your doctor right away. You could be having a serious side effect of cialis. Do not take cialis more than once a day. Allow 24 hours to pass between doses. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours. A prolonged erection (priapism) can damage the penis.

A small number of patients have had a sudden loss of eyesight after taking cialis. This type of vision loss is caused by decreased blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye. It is not clear whether cialis is the actual cause of such vision loss. Sudden vision loss with cialis use has occurred most often in people with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or certain pre-existing eye problems, and in those who smoke or are over 50 years old.

Stop using cialis and get emergency medical help if you have sudden vision loss.