This article has been reviewed by Dr. Kelly Brown, MD, MBA. If you have recently started using Cialis, do not be alarmed if you experience some discomfort. Like other drugs used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), Cialis, along with its generic form tadalafil, may initially cause some side effects. Fortunately, most of these side effects are mild and tend to resolve on their own over time. It is important to understand what is considered normal and what is not. If you have heard rumors about potential side effects of tadalafil, such as hair loss or body odor, we are here to provide accurate information. Below, we will discuss what you can typically expect when using this ED treatment, common and uncommon side effects of Cialis, and potential drug interactions with other medications. Let’s take a look at the less pleasant side effects of Cialis.
What Are the Side Effects of Cialis (Tadalafil)?
Cialis has several common side effects, some of which are similar to those experienced with other ED medications like sildenafil (generic Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra). One key difference is that Cialis remains active in the body for a longer duration compared to other oral ED medications, which means its side effects might last longer as well. Potential side effects of Cialis include headaches, indigestion, heartburn, back pain, muscle aches, facial flushing, nasal congestion, cold-like symptoms, and limb pain.
1. Headaches
Headaches are a common side effect of oral ED medications, including Cialis. They are among the most frequently reported adverse effects of tadalafil, with approximately 15 percent of men experiencing headaches when using the highest recommended dose. Even at a lower dose, around 12 percent of men may still experience headaches. While these headaches are typically mild and diminish over time, the prolonged half-life of Cialis could result in a lingering headache post-activity.
2. Indigestion
Indigestion is another common side effect of tadalafil, affecting about eight to 10 percent of users depending on the dosage. It is a known side effect of most oral ED medications, categorized as phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors.
3. Heartburn
Cialis-induced heartburn may occur due to the medication’s relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to travel upwards into the esophagus. If you experience heartburn or digestive issues after taking Cialis, making small lifestyle adjustments like staying hydrated or using antacids may help manage this side effect. Adjusting your dosage could also alleviate acid reflux and indigestion symptoms, particularly with the 20-milligram dose.
4. Back Pain
Back pain is another potential side effect of Cialis. Adjusting your dosage and discussing any persistent discomfort with your healthcare provider may help address this issue.
Overall, understanding the potential side effects of Cialis can help you manage your experience with this medication effectively.
Getting older can bring about unexpected challenges — even Cialis can lead to back pain. Around three to six percent of men using this medication may experience back discomfort, typically kicking in 12 to 24 hours after taking it. Fortunately, many individuals find that the pain subsides on its own within 48 hours. In the meantime, managing mild to moderate back pain from Cialis with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin may provide relief.
In addition to back pain, some men may also encounter muscle aches while using Cialis. This myalgia, affecting muscles, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissues, is reported by one to four percent of users in clinical trials. The good news is that these muscle aches are usually mild and temporary, lasting only as long as the medication remains active in the body.
Another common side effect of Cialis is facial flushing, characterized by redness in the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead due to the medication’s vasodilating properties. Approximately three percent of users may experience this side effect, which tends to occur more with moderate to high doses. While facial flushing typically diminishes as the body metabolizes the drug, it can persist for several hours.
Moreover, Cialis may lead to nasal congestion, making breathing difficult. This side effect usually resolves itself as the body processes the medication. Switching to shorter-acting alternatives like Viagra or Levitra could help alleviate this particular issue.
Some men may also notice cold-like symptoms, such as nasopharyngitis, after taking Cialis. While these symptoms may resemble a common cold, they are not caused by the medication itself.
Lastly, limb pain is a documented side effect of Cialis, affecting one to three percent of users, especially those on higher doses of 10 to 20 milligrams daily. Fortunately, there are no known long-term side effects associated with tadalafil, with studies indicating its overall tolerability in the long run.
Gentlemen, a friendly reminder: While Cialis is not typically associated with long-term problems, it is crucial to always stick to the prescribed dosage and avoid exceeding it, especially if you are using Cialis daily.
Daily Cialis, with its impressive long half-life lasting up to 36 hours, is often referred to as “the weekend pill.” For those who prefer a daily dose for added assurance, a lower dosage option is available.
The side effects of daily tadalafil are generally similar to those experienced when taken on an as-needed basis before sexual activity. However, due to the lower prescribed dosage for daily use, certain side effects are less common and typically milder.
For example, in clinical trials, a smaller percentage of men reported headaches when taking lower doses of daily Cialis compared to higher doses taken as needed. Other side effects like dyspepsia and back pain were also less frequently reported in men using Cialis daily.
While most side effects are mild, some rare but serious adverse effects of Cialis require immediate medical attention. These include priapism (a prolonged and painful erection), optic nerve damage, loss of hearing, and potential interactions with other medications.
If you experience a persistent or painful erection lasting four hours or longer after using Cialis, seek immediate medical care to prevent tissue damage. Optic nerve damage, although rare, can lead to vision loss and may be associated with certain risk factors. Cases of decreased hearing sensitivity or hearing loss linked to Cialis are uncommon, and any changes in hearing should prompt medical evaluation.
In rare instances, an allergic reaction to tadalafil or other inactive ingredients in Cialis may occur. If you suspect an allergic reaction, consult your healthcare provider promptly.
Remember to prioritize your health and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms with your medical professional.
The production process. Common signs of an allergic reaction include hives, rash, swelling of the lips, throat, and tongue, as well as difficulty breathing or swallowing. If you encounter any of these symptoms or other potential signs of an allergic reaction after using Cialis, seek immediate medical assistance.
Other Uncommon Side Effects
Additional uncommon side effects of Cialis may include chest pain, ringing in the ears, and skin problems. Does Cialis elevate blood pressure? As a vasodilator, tadalafil is more likely to lower blood pressure, which is why it should not be combined with other medications for erectile dysfunction or antihypertensive drugs. However, in clinical trials, high blood pressure was noted in only one percent of patients taking the 2.5-milligram tadalafil and three percent of patients taking the 5-milligram dose. Inform your healthcare provider if you experience these or any other side effects of tadalafil.
Cialis Drug Interactions
Tadalafil side effects are not the sole concern when using this medication. As mentioned, Cialis can interact with other PDE5 inhibitors for ED, as well as medications prescribed for hypertension, fungal infections, heart conditions, bleeding disorders, ulcers, and other medical issues. Before starting this medication, make sure to disclose all prescription medications you are taking to your healthcare provider.
Interaction With Blood Pressure Medications
Tadalafil can interact with nitrates used to treat hypertension, angina, and other heart conditions. This interaction could lead to abnormally low blood pressure, resulting in fainting, heart attack, or even sudden death. If you are using nitrates to manage high blood pressure or angina, it is advised not to take Cialis. Additionally, ED medications can interact with recreational drugs containing nitrates like amyl nitrate “poppers.”
Interaction With Antifungal Medications
Cialis may interact with certain oral antifungal medications that inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, such as itraconazole or ketoconazole. These interactions could heighten the effects of Cialis. Medications like erythromycin that affect CYP3A4 enzyme may also interact with Cialis. Grapefruit juice consumption can be problematic as well. If you plan to take Cialis at night, you may need to avoid grapefruit in the morning. Discuss these interactions with your healthcare professional to adjust your Cialis dosage and reduce the risk of side effects.
The FDA recommends a maximum as-needed dosage of 10 milligrams of Cialis once every 72 hours or a daily dosage of 2.5 milligrams if you are prescribed another medication that inhibits CYP3A4. Other medications that may interact with Cialis include Ritonavir, which can increase the effects of Cialis, and alpha-blockers, which may cause a drop in blood pressure when taken with Cialis. Alpha-blockers are commonly prescribed for conditions such as high blood pressure and enlarged prostate.
x® (tamsulosin HCl), Cardura® (doxazosin mesylate), and Jalyn® (dutasteride and tamsulosin HCl) are medications that interact with Cialis. Other PDE5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra), can also interact with Cialis.
To avoid side effects when taking prescription medications like Cialis, it’s important to follow certain rules. Make sure to obtain your medications from a reputable source and avoid street drugs or supplements from gas stations. Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications or supplements you are taking. Always take the prescribed dosage of Cialis and refrain from taking more than recommended.
Dosage is crucial for your safety when using Cialis. It typically comes in tablet form, and while some online vendors may offer liquid versions, these products are not regulated in the United States. As-needed Cialis should start working within 30 to 60 minutes and can last up to 36 hours. Taking more than the prescribed dose will not enhance its effectiveness.
While it may not be possible to completely eliminate side effects from Cialis, there are steps you can take to minimize risks. Limiting alcohol consumption is advised as alcohol can increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects. It’s important to use Cialis only as prescribed and not exceed one dose per day. Avoiding grapefruit is recommended as it can affect the concentration of tadalafil in your body.
For the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Cialis is also approved by the FDA. Side effects and interactions of Cialis remain the same whether it is used for ED or BPH, so it’s essential to be informed about these potential effects. If you experience difficulties after using Cialis, consult your healthcare provider rather than adjusting your dosage independently.
It is important to be aware of potential side effects before using this medication. A Final Word on the Side Effects of Cialis: It is common to experience one or several minor side effects from Cialis, with serious side effects being rare. However, the goal of this medication is to enhance your quality of life, not diminish it. The aim is to enjoy the benefits of the medication without spending excessive time researching health information online. Let this be one of the final in-depth searches you conduct to understand the associated risks.
Here are key points to remember about tadalafil side effects if you have started taking Cialis or are considering your first dose of tadalafil:
Do not disregard side effects. If you are prescribed Cialis for erectile dysfunction (ED) or benign prostatic hyperplasia and encounter any troubling or bothersome side effects, it is important to consult your healthcare provider promptly.
Dosage adjustments can address issues. It is worth noting that side effects with a 5-milligram dose of tadalafil are generally milder compared to those observed with 10- or 20-milligram doses. Your healthcare provider may recommend modifying your Cialis dosage if you are experiencing side effects.
Alternative ED medications may be considered. In certain situations, your healthcare provider might suggest switching to another ED drug such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), or avanafil (Stendra). These options have a shorter duration of action than Cialis, potentially leading to a quicker resolution of any side effects.
Side effects are not something you have to endure. There are various FDA-approved ED medications available online after consultation with a licensed healthcare provider who will determine the suitability of prescription drugs for your symptoms.
This article was originally published on hims.com and syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
