It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping to achieve and maintain an erection when sexually stimulated. A single 20mg dose of Cialis is known for its long duration of action, which is one of its distinguishing features among ED medications.
When you take a 20mg dose of Cialis, the effects can last up to 36 hours. This prolonged duration doesn’t mean that an erection will be sustained continuously for 36 hours, but rather that the medication remains active in your system for this period. This allows for more flexibility and spontaneity in sexual activity, as you do not need to time the medication as precisely as with some other ED treatments that have a shorter duration of action, like Viagra (sildenafil), which typically lasts about 4 to 6 hours.
The pharmacokinetics of tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, is such that it has a relatively long half-life of approximately 17.5 hours. This long half-life contributes to the extended window during which the medication is effective. After ingestion, tadalafil is rapidly absorbed, and its effects can be felt in as little as 30 minutes for some men, although it generally takes about 2 hours to reach maximum concentration in the bloodstream.
During the 36-hour period, you will not be continuously erect. Instead, you will find that you can achieve an erection when sexually aroused more easily during this time frame. The medication does not induce an erection without sexual stimulation; rather, it facilitates the normal erectile response to sexual arousal by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This inhibition leads to increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which relaxes smooth muscle in the blood vessels of the penis, allowing for increased blood flow.
The prolonged effectiveness of Cialis 20mg can be particularly beneficial for men who anticipate sexual activity over a couple of days rather than a single time frame. However, individual responses can vary based on factors such as overall health, age, and the presence of other medical conditions.
Some common side effects of Cialis include headaches, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushed skin, and nasal congestion. These side effects generally diminish within a few hours. However, if you experience any severe side effects or an erection lasting more than 4 hours (a condition known as priapism), seek immediate medical attention. In summary, a 20mg dose of Cialis can enhance erectile function for up to 36 hours, providing a longer period of effectiveness compared to some other ED medications. This can offer more flexibility and less pressure to time the medication precisely with sexual activity, making it a popular choice for many men with ED. Always use Cialis under the supervision of a healthcare provider to ensure it is safe and effective for your individual health needs.