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If you are one of the 56.9% of men who are affected by erectile dysfunction, you have most probably heard of Cialis. You might have used it as well. It may be effective, but what is Cialis shelf life? Are you taking the right dosage?
This article will discuss how long does Cialis last and some essential facts that you need to know about the said drug.
What Is Cialis?
Cialis, with the generic name of Tadalafil, is a compound that selectively prevents the degradation of guanosine monophosphate (GMP), the substance responsible for prolonging an erection [1].
Cialis is a lifesaver for men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and other medical problems. It’s because the medication can still be absorbed by your body despite co-existing conditions such as liver failure or diabetes. Cialis is also generally safe to take. A study that spanned for two years involving participants taking Cialis proved this [2].
Additionally, eleven studies involving more than 2,000 men proved the effectiveness of Cialis. According to the participants, they felt more sexually accomplished, had more sexual desire, and experienced better intercourse & orgasms after taking Cialis [3].
Cialis’ effect is not limited to just ED patients. Evidence suggests that men with increased cardiovascular risk who took 20 mg of Cialis every other day for a month showed improvement [4].
How Much Cialis Should You Take?
Cialis is an over-the-counter tablet, so you cannot buy it without a doctor’s prescription. Seeing a doctor before taking Cialis is very important since it’s the doctor who will assess your situation and give you the appropriate dosage.
Tadalafil is available at 5-mg, 10-mg, and 20-mg tablets. If you are taking Cialis as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, a 5-mg dosage is usually recommended. Your doctor can increase the dosage depending on your unique needs.
Cialis is generally safe to take daily. Taking more than two tablets of Cialis daily is not recommended, though, as it may pose some health risks.
How Long is Cialis Shelf Life?
Cialis is absorbed by your body quickly and lasts for a longer time compared to its counterparts.
The substance hits its peak within the first 2 hours after ingestion and can work for up to 36 hours [5]. Cialis can work for as fast as 30 minutes after ingestion, but this depends on your psychological state, diet, and age.
Cialis can be used for up to a year before it expires. However, this depends on a lot of factors such as the pharmacy where it was sold and how it was stored.
Pharmacies may store their products differently, which can affect Cialis’ shelf life. After buying Cialis, where you store it, and the temperature of where it’s kept affects the drug as well.
Cialis, just like other substances, goes under chemical decay. The tablet itself is effective and not toxic, but it can be ineffective and toxic once it goes beyond its expiration date.
As a rule of thumb, always check the expiration date of the tablet before taking it. Never take Cialis beyond its shelf life.
