Should you take a daily erectile dysfunction pill? - Harvard Health

The drug Cialis is popular because you can take it every day. But should you?

Close up of a plastic pill container being held by a nice pleasant elderly man while taking medicine.

Tadalafil (Cialis) has earned its place as one of the leading medications for erectile dysfunction (ED). This drug's primary allure lies in its availability in lower-dose variants designed for everyday consumption. Consequently, if you choose to go this route, you gain the advantage of spontaneous intimacy as opposed to the traditional method where dosing occurs only before sexual activity—like with medications such as Viagra or Levitra. Many men find this aspect of Cialis to be a game changer in their romantic lives.

The typical initiation dose for Cialis used on a daily basis is a modest 2.5 milligrams (mg). Should you find that this initial amount does not yield the desired results, you can consider adjusting the dosage up to 5 mg. However, it’s essential to understand if this daily regimen is suitable for your lifestyle or if it might be wiser to stick with the occasional-use options like the standard Cialis or competitive medications. To assist you in making this decision, reflect on the following important questions and then have an open, candid conversation with your healthcare provider:

• How frequently do you engage in sexual activity? If you find yourself having sex two or more times each week, opting for a daily pill may be a sensible choice since it maintains a consistent level in your bloodstream, ready for action.
• How crucial is spontaneity in your sexual encounters? A daily regimen allows for greater flexibility when deciding to be intimate—assuming the medication proves effective for you. Keep in mind that like all ED medications, Cialis might not be effective for everyone. Alternatively, the 36-hour duration afforded by the non-daily version of the drug could provide sufficient freedom to meet your needs.
• Are you experiencing troublesome side effects from your current erectile dysfunction medication? Transitioning to a daily low-dose Cialis may alleviate some side effects, although there is a possibility of reduced efficacy as well. Research indicates that prevalent side effects associated with the daily pill include headaches, muscle discomfort, indigestion, and discomfort in the back.
• How much alcohol do you typically consume? Men taking Cialis on a daily basis should be cautious, as excessive alcohol intake can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure, which can pose health risks.
• What other prescriptions or supplements are part of your routine? It’s wise to consult with your doctor to determine whether any of your existing medications or dietary supplements might interact adversely with a daily erectile dysfunction medication. This includes common classes of drugs such as blood pressure medications, antifungals, and HIV treatments. Additionally, men prescribed nitrates should abstain from using any ED drugs.
• What about the financial aspect? The manufacturer of Cialis has indicated that the cost of a monthly supply of daily Cialis should be roughly equivalent to purchasing eight doses of the 36-hour version. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, so it’s prudent to verify prices with your insurance and local pharmacy.

– By Matthew Solan
Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch

Image: yacobchuk/Getty Images

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