Cialis is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It contains the active ingredient tadalafil which works by relaxing muscles and increasing blood flow to certain areas of the body. This helps a man get and keep an erection when sexually aroused.
Cialis comes in different dosages, with the most common being 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets. The typical starting dose is 10mg as needed before sexual activity. The maximum recommended dose is 20mg per day. However, some men may find they need a higher dose of 40mg to achieve the desired results.
While a 40mg dose of Cialis is possible, it is considered an off-label use of the medication. This means using 40mg has not been approved by the FDA. There are important factors to consider before deciding if a 40mg Cialis dose is appropriate.
Is a 40mg Dose of Cialis Safe?
When used correctly under the care of a doctor, a 40mg dose of Cialis is generally safe for most men. However, there are some potential side effects and risks to be aware of.
Some of the more common side effects of Cialis include:
– Headaches
– Flushing
– Stomach upset
– Back pain
– Muscle aches
– Stuffy nose
These side effects are usually mild and tend to go away on their own. Taking the medication with food can help minimize stomach upset.
More serious risks when using a high dose of Cialis include:
– Priapism – a painful, long-lasting erection
– Vision changes like blurred vision
– Hearing loss
– Low blood pressure
– Heart attack
– Stroke
Men with certain medical conditions may be more susceptible to complications. For example, those with liver or kidney disease, heart disease, ulcers, bleeding disorders, eye issues, or taking alpha-blockers for high blood pressure.
To stay safe, always inform your doctor of any other medications or supplements you are taking. Cialis should not be combined with nitrates or poppers, as this can cause a severe drop in blood pressure. Excessive alcohol consumption should also be avoided.
Factors to Consider Before Increasing Dosage
The decision of whether a 40mg dose of Cialis is suitable depends on several factors:
Current Dosage and Effectiveness
– What dose are you currently taking? Have you tried 20mg? Was it effective in treating ED symptoms?
– Increasing dosage should be a gradual process based on discussion with your doctor. Jumping straight to 40mg may increase the risk of side effects.
– Try taking 20mg on several different occasions to reliably determine if it works before considering a higher dose. The effects of Cialis can vary day to day.
Severity of ED Symptoms
– Mild or moderate ED may be adequately treated with lower doses of 10-20mg Cialis.
– Men with more severe ED who do not respond to 20mg may benefit from a dosage increase.
– Consider if there are other options besides medication that could improve ED like lifestyle changes.
Medical History and Risk Factors
– Men over 65 years old often require dosage adjustments due to age-related changes.
– Those with kidney disease, liver disease, or other medical conditions may need dose monitoring.
– Men taking alpha-blockers for high blood pressure are more prone to side effects.
Planned Sexual Activity
– How frequent and long-lasting is the planned sexual activity? The typical effects of Cialis last 24-36 hours.
– If engaging in prolonged or frequent sexual activity, a higher dose may be preferred. But consider the increased side effect risk.
– For occasional, short-term use, a lower dosage may be sufficient.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
– Routine checkups allow your doctor to assess effectiveness and side effects at a given dosage. This is key to guiding adjustments.
– Be alert for any worrisome reactions and report them promptly to your healthcare provider.
– Keep track of results at a given dose to share with your doctor.
How to Take 40mg of Cialis
If a 40mg dose of Cialis is determined suitable, here are some tips on how to take it properly:
– Take the tablet orally with water, approximately 30-60 minutes before planned sexual activity.
– Do not split higher dose tablets unless advised by your doctor, as uneven splitting can result in incorrect dosing.
– Cialis works best when taken without food. A high-fat meal prior can slow absorption and reduce effectiveness.
– Never exceed more than one dose within a 24-hour period.
– Allow at least 24 hours between doses – the effects can last up to 36 hours so dosing more frequently increases adverse reaction risk.
– If using Cialis daily, take it at the same time each day for consistency. The daily dose should not exceed 5mg.
– Always inform your doctor of any other medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking due to potential interactions.
– Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they can interfere with Cialis metabolism.
– Store Cialis at controlled room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture.
Risks and Contraindications
While Cialis is generally safe when used correctly under medical guidance, there are some important contraindications and risks to know:
Nitrates and Alpha-Blockers
Cialis should never be taken with nitrate medications commonly used to treat angina (chest pain). The combination can cause a severe drop in blood pressure. Common nitrate medications include:
– Nitroglycerin
– Isosorbide mononitrate
– Amyl nitrate (poppers)
Alpha-blockers for high blood pressure like doxazosin and terazosin can also interact with Cialis resulting in dizziness, fainting or other complications.
Cardiovascular Conditions
Those with recent heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease, or uncontrolled high blood pressure may be at higher risk for cardiovascular side effects. Caution is advised in men with these conditions.
Eye Disorders
Cialis may exacerbate eye problems like retinitis pigmentosa or NAION (nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy). Sudden vision loss has occurred in a small number of Cialis users. Patients with eye issues should use caution.
Kidney and Liver Dysfunction
Men with severe kidney impairment, end-stage renal disease, or severe liver impairment may need dosage adjustments when using Cialis. The medication dosage may need reducing in these individuals.
Other Contraindications
Other contraindications for Cialis use include:
– Bleeding disorders
– Stomach ulcers
– Sickle cell anemia
– Multiple myeloma
– Leukemia
How Long Does 40mg Cialis Last?
When taken as needed prior to sex, a 40mg dose of Cialis can remain active for up to 36 hours. This is why it has earned the nickname “the weekend pill.”
However, the timing of effects varies between individuals and is influenced by food intake and other medications. It may take 1-2 hours to reach peak levels after ingesting 40mg Cialis.
For most men, the effects diminish significantly after about 24-30 hours. But Cialis has been found to still have some small effects on erectile function for up to 36 hours after dosing.
This long duration of action allows more flexibility in choosing when to engage in sexual activity after taking the medication. However, it is still essential to allow full 24 hours between doses.
Some sources indicate the higher 80mg dose of Cialis can be effective for up to 48 hours in some men. But due to safety concerns, doses above 40mg are not recommended without close physician guidance.
Daily vs On-Demand Dosing of 40mg Cialis
Cialis is available in a daily dose for treating ED, as well as the more commonly used on-demand dosing. Is a daily 40mg regimen a suitable option? Here is some comparison:
Daily Dosing
– Smaller 2.5-5mg dose taken once daily.
– Achieves stable blood levels for continuous effect.
– May allow spontaneous sex without timing doses.
– Higher daily doses above 5mg are generally not recommended.
On-Demand Dosing
– Larger 10-20mg dose taken as needed prior to sex.
– Greater flexibility in timing – effective for up to 36 hours.
– Requires some pre-planning around sexual activity.
– 40mg doses are considered on-demand regimens.
For most men, on-demand use of Cialis allows higher dosing with less total medication consumed. A 40mg daily dose would require 800mg of tadalafil over a 20 day period. Whereas on-demand use may require only 120-240mg over the same timeframe.
Getting a Prescription for 40mg Cialis
Because 40mg doses of Cialis are considered off-label use, a prescription and physician guidance are essential. Here are some tips on obtaining a prescription:
– Schedule a doctor’s appointment to discuss your ED symptoms and medical history. Perform any necessary exams.
– Clearly communicate how well lower doses have worked and why you believe a dosage increase may help.
– Ask your doctor if a 40mg regimen may be suitable for your situation. Some may recommend trying 30mg first.
– Ensure your doctor is aware of your complete medical history, medications, and risk factors.
– Once a prescription dose is decided, your doctor can write the script or send to an online pharmacy.
– Some online telehealth platforms offer consultations specifically for ED treatment.
– Be prepared to be monitor closely for effectiveness and side effects. Dosage adjustments may be needed.
Do not obtain Cialis from illegal or unregulated sources, as product quality and safety cannot be ensured. Only take 40mg doses under the direct supervision of your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
While using 40mg Cialis for treating erectile dysfunction is generally considered safe when carefully monitored by a physician, lower doses like 20mg are recommended first. Only switch to a higher dose if lower doses are ineffective and the benefits are judged to outweigh potential risks for that individual based on their medical profile and circumstances.
To maximize effectiveness and minimize adverse reactions, take 40mg doses exactly as prescribed, allow adequate time between doses, and avoid contraindicated medications. Routine follow-up is essential to assess results and make any needed dose adjustments. By working closely with your doctor, the optimal Cialis regimen can be found to safely treat bothersome ED symptoms.