What can go wrong with cialis?

Cialis is designed to prevent the operation of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This is the chemical messenger that causes arteries to contract and is specific to the penis. But there are eleven PDEs, each one specific to a particular set of blood vessels or muscles. Although cialis usually only affects the artery leading into the penis, it can occasionally affect other blood vessels, causing side effects.

What are the main problems?

Because cialis allows blood vessels to dilate, this reduces blood pressure. If you were to combine cialis with any other drugs having the same effect, there could be a sudden and potentially dangerous drop in blood pressure leading to unconsciousness and increasing the risks of a stroke or a heart attack. Thus, you should not use cialis if you also take drugs like alpha blockers which reduce blood pressure or affect the ability of blood to clot. For the same reason do not take any drug (both pharmaceutical and street) containing a nitrate.

So, if you have recently had a stroke or signs of heart disease, not only should you take care to ensure you do not overexert yourself when you restart sexual activity, you must also discuss how cialis might interact with any of the other drugs you are taking. There are also dosage implications if you have liver or kidney disease, or are older.

What are the most common side effects?

Most men do not experience any side effects. For the few who do, they are usually mild and pass quickly, including:

• headache;
• indigestion;
• flushing of the cheeks and neck;
• a stuffed-up nose; or
• back pain.

If you experience any of the following, treat it as a medical emergency and get help:

• a painful erection that lasts for several hours;
• a violent allergic reaction;
• breathlessness, chest pain and an erratic heartbeat;
• any loss in vision or hearing;
• convulsions; or
• fainting or unconsciousness.