How To Get Maximum Effect From Cialis

Did you know that as many as 69 percent of men aren't taking their erectile dysfunction medicine properly? [Español]

If you are taking Cialis, or its generic equivalent Tadalafil for erectile dysfunction (ED), you will want to do everything you can to ensure that you are getting the maximum possible effect for each dose. In order to do this, doctors, pharmacists, and experts recommend the eight following tips to ensure the most beneficial effect.

Read on for information on how to avoid common mistakes in taking Cialis and what doctors and pharmacists recommend in terms of dosage, timing, drug interactions, and your choices in food and drink.

1. Determine your optimum personal dosage in consultation with your doctor.

Cialis, and its generic tadalafil, are commonly available in four different strengths: 2.5 milligrams, 5 milligrams, 10 milligrams, and 20 milligrams. The most commonly prescribed dosage is ten milligrams, however, each patient is different. Your ideal dosage may be more, or even less than the standard ten milligrams. It is essential that you work with your physician to find the right dosage amount for you and your body's needs.

Man having a discussion with his medical doctor.

2. Determine the most effective schedule for taking Cialis in consultation with your doctor.

Just as the most effective amount of Cialis will vary from patient to patient, not all men will receive the most effect from taking their Cialis at the same time. Generally, you shouldn't take Cialis more than once a day. For the treatment of erectile dysfunction, most patients will have the best results taking Cialis at least two hours before engaging in sexual activity. Other men, however, will be able to take the medicine between 30 minutes and 36 hours before having sex. Finally, what will be best for some men is to take a low dose of Cialis (two and a half milligrams) every day at the same time of day regardless of specific plans for sexual activity. Again, men should work with their doctors to determine what the best schedule is for taking Cialis and be aware of the options.

3. Don't forget to take your time.

No erectile medication works immediately. Drugs like Viagra can work within 30 minutes of taking it, but Cialis may take two hours or more to take full effect. Even beyond these limitations, remember that you must be sexually aroused for the medications to work. When you become sexually aroused, your body begins the chemical reaction necessary to give you an erection. Your ED medication will jump in at the end of that process. This means that you are responsible for getting it started. Taking your time, investing in foreplay, setting the mood, and engaging all of your senses will help you get the best possible benefit from Cialis and any other ED medication.

4. You can take Cialis on a full stomach.

Some other erectile dysfunction medications, such as Viagra, are most effective when taken on an empty stomach. Cialis, however, can be taken either on an empty stomach or after a meal.

5. Stick to your plan and don't double up on doses of Cialis.

Once you have worked with your physician to determine the best dosage and schedule to produce the maximum effect from Cialis, stick rigidly to that dosage and timing. It can be helpful to set an alarm on your phone or computer to remind you to take your Cialis, especially if you are taking it every day. A reminder to take Cialis before special occasions or dates in which you might engage in sexual activity can also be helpful. If you do miss a dose, you can still take it if you are at least twelve hours away from your next planned dosage. If it is almost time for your next dose, however, skip the one you missed and keep your regular dosing schedule.

6. Only drink alcohol in moderation while taking Cialis.

Drinking more than 4 glasses of wine or 4 shots of hard alcohol while taking Cialis can have serious side effects and reduce (instead of improving) your ability to get and maintain an erection. The combination of excessive amounts of alcohol and Cialis can cause headaches, dizziness, an increase in your heart rate, or an unsafe loss of blood pressure.

7. Be aware of interactions with other medications.

Just as drinking large amounts of alcohol while taking Cialis can cause problems, so too can some medications interact badly with Cialis. Blood pressure medications, like alpha-blockers, can compound the blood-pressure-lowering effect of Cialis and cause an unsafe drop in your blood pressure. If you are taking nitrates (such as nitroglycerin) they may have the same effect, causing fainting and even death as your heart fails. Make sure to check with your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications that you are currently taking to ensure none will interact badly with Cialis.

8. Don't give up too soon.

Man with a sign don't give up over his eyes.

Many men take their ED medication once or twice and give up when it doesn't work. This is a mistake. The process of finding the right medication, at the right dosage and taken on the right schedule will take some time. You will need to maintain a regular dialog with your doctor and report what works and what doesn't work for you so that he or she can help you adjust. ED drugs are proven to work in more than 70 percent of men. Yes, you may be one of the three in ten who sees no effect, but the odds are that you are not. You are much more likely to simply need an adjustment in your medication, dosage, or schedule. If you do wind up as one of the very few for whom Cialis does not work, don't despair! There are other interventions and alternatives available.

Are you ready to discuss taking ED medication with a doctor? Do you have questions about the different drugs? Would you like to discuss different options in dosage and schedule with a US-based physician and pharmacist? If so, then it's time to contact eDrugstore. We have live agents working 24/7 to answer your questions and set up free consultations with our doctors. You can call 1-800-467-5146, chat online through our website, or schedule your virtual visit today!

Elizabeth Nichols is an experienced and flexible author with extensive experience in both popular media and academic publishing. She specializes in health, medical and travel writing.