Till the late 1990’s, treatment of impotence or erectile dysfunction – the inability to get or keep an erection involved the uncomfortable procedure of an injection into the penis or an insertion into the urethra. In December 2003, after Sildenafil (Viagra) and Vardenafil (Levitra),Tadalafil was to be the third among the giants of erectile dysfunction drugs, to be promoted as an aid to lessen the trauma of impotence Tadalafil is an oral drug produced by the biotechnology firm ICOS and marketed worldwide by Eli Lilly and company under the brand name Cialis. It does not claim to cure erectile dysfunction or increase sexual desire. It is not a contraceptive or a shield from sexually transmitted diseases like human immunodefiency virus – (HIV.)
Belonging to the class of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5(PDE-5) inhibitors, Tadalafil as an impotence pill prevents the breakdown of nitric oxide, a chemical messenger that promotes relaxation and opening of the blood vessels in the erectile tissue of the penis. Nitric acid influences blood vessels to expand and stay dilated, swelling and compressing the veins that carry blood out of the penis, resulting in full erection. Usage of Tadalafil does not automatically ensure erection as sexual stimulation is also required. The consumption of Tadalafil has the advantage of the maximum effect - a duration of twenty-four to thirty six hours. However there is no formal study to back its effect on multiple sexual activities during this period.
While clinical trials have shown that the PDE-5 inhibitors improve erectile functions, research has not been able to establish its effect on men of different ages or with various medical conditions. The usual dosage of Tadalafil is between 10 mg to 20 mg once a day. The medication is taken half an hour to one hour before sexual activity. Like any medication Tadalafil also needs to be taken with caution as the effect varies individually. Tadalafil should not be taken with nitrates or if one has certain heart valve problems. It should be used carefully or not taken at all with alpha blockers. Some antibiotics, anti-viral anti-fungal medicines should not also be combined with Tadalafil. Headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing and stuffy or runny nose have been noticed as a side effect, most of which usually recedes within a few hours. The muscle aches and back pain which surfaces after 12 to 24 hours after taking the medicine disappears after 48 hours. Another possible side effect has been loss of vision in one eye due to restriction of blood flow to the retinal nerve in a very small percentage. The same effect is more noticeable in diabetic patients. This condition known as NAION could also occur in people who do not take Tadalafil and the risk group are people of age greater than 50 years, history of heart disease, having high blood pressure or high cholesterol, diabetes and certain pre-existing eye problems. Tadalafil marketed as Cialis is approved by the US FDA.
A breakthrough in medical science to people with erectile dysfunction Tadalafil could safely be taken under the guidance of your personal physician who knows your medical history.