Archive for July, 2007

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Cialis?

Monday, July 30th, 2007

You may not be able to take cialis, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Although tadalafil is not indicated for use by women, it is in the FDA pregnancy category B.
This means that tadalafil is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tadalafil should not be taken
by women.

It is not known whether tadalafil passes into breast milk. Tadalafil should not be taken by
women.

If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from
tadalafil. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Cialis?

Monday, July 30th, 2007

You may not be able to take cialis, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Although tadalafil is not indicated for use by women, it is in the FDA pregnancy category B.
This means that tadalafil is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tadalafil should not be taken
by women.

It is not known whether tadalafil passes into breast milk. Tadalafil should not be taken by
women.

If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from
tadalafil. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

Frequently Asked Questions - Erectile Dysfunction Pills: Cialis, Viagra and Levitra

Sunday, July 29th, 2007

Erectile Dysfunction Pills: Cialis, Viagra and Levitra
From WebMD Health with The Cleveland Clinic

Currently there are only three oral drugs approved by the FDA to treat erectile dysfunction: Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra. All work by increasing the flow of blood into the penis, so that when a man is sexually stimulated, he can get an erection.
Q: What’s the difference between Cialis, Levitra and Viagra?
A: Cialis, Levitra and Viagra work by a similar mechanism to cause erection. There are subtle differences in how long the drug works and how quickly it works. Levitra works a little longer than Viagra. They both take effect in about 30 minutes. With Levitra, the effects last for about 5 hours. With Viagra, the effects last approximately 4 hours.

Cialis works a bit faster (within about 15 minutes), and the effects last much longer — up to 36 hours in some cases.
Q
If one of these drugs isn’t effective for erectile dysfunction, can I try another?
A
Because these drugs work the same way, it’s unlikely that you’ll have success with one if you’ve failed to achieve an adequate erection with the other.
Q
What precautions should I Take before taking one of these drugs?
A
There are certain situations in which these drugs may not be safe to take. Before taking them, tell your doctor:

* If you are allergic to Viagra or any other drugs
* About any prescription or nonprescription medications you are currently taking, including herbal and dietary supplements
* If you are scheduled for surgery, including dental surgery
* If you take nitroglycerin or a long-acting nitrate to treat chest pain. The combination of Cialis, Levitra or Viagra with these drugs can cause dangerously low blood pressure.
* If you take alpha-blockers for blood pressure or prostate problems. The combination of Cialis or Levitra with these drugs can also cause dangerously low blood pressure.

In addition, always follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part that you do not understand. Take these drugs exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not take these drugs more than once a day.
Q
Who should not take Cialis, Levitra or Viagra?
A
If you have suffered from a heart attack, stroke or life threatening arrhythmia (irregular heart rate) within the last 6 months you should discuss other options with your doctor. It is also advised to avoid these drugs if you have uncontrolled high or low blood pressure or if you experience chest pain with sex.
Q
What are the side effects of Cialis, Levitra and Viagra?
A
Side effects are not common but they can occur. Side effects can include:

* Headache
* Upset stomach
* Flushing (feeling warm)
* Nasal congestion
* Changes in vision
* Back pain (with Cialis)

Call your doctor if you experience severe forms of these symptoms or if they do not go away after 4-8 hours.

Warning
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

* Rash
* Painful erection
* Prolonged erection (longer than 4 hours)
* Fainting
* Chest pain
* Itching or burning during urination

Stop taking these medications and call a doctor or health care provider right away if you experience sudden or decreased vision loss in one or both eyes. A rare vision problem called NAION has been reported by a few men using these drugs. NAION (nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy) causes a sudden loss of eyesight because blood flow is blocked to the optic nerve. People who have a higher chance for NAION include those who:

* Are over 50 years old
* Smoke
* Have heart disease
* Have diabetes
* Have high blood pressure
* Have high cholesterol
* Have certain eye problems

Q
How should these drugs be stored?
A
These drugs should be kept in its original container and out of reach of children. Store them away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Discard any medication that has expired or is no longer needed.

For a complete guide to erectile dysfunction for your patient visit WebMD Health

Reviewed by the doctors at the Glickman Urological Institute at The Cleveland Clinic.

Edited by Tracy Shuman, MD, November 2005, WebMD.

Copyright © 2004, The Cleveland Clinic.

Cialis: Adult Dosing

Tuesday, July 24th, 2007

Dosage forms: 5,10,20

erectile dysfunction

10 mg PO x1
Max: 20 mg/dose, 1 dose/24h; 10 mg/dose, 1 dose/72h if potent CYP3A4 inhibitor use; Info: give prior to sexual activity; effects may last up to 36h; may give 5-20 mg/dose based on individual response

renal dosing

adjust dose amount, frequency
CrCl 31-50: start 5 mg x1 not more than qd, max 10 mg x1 every 48h; CrCl <30: max 5 mg qd; HD: no supplement

hepatic dosing

adjust dose amount
Child-Pugh Class A or B: max 10 mg qd; Child-Pugh Class C: avoid use