Does Cialis(Tadalafil) Lower Blood Pressure?

Cialis is one of the most known and commonly prescribed medicines for treating Erectile dysfunction. Its generic form, Tadalafil, has long-lasting effects on male sexual responses. While other ED drugs such as Viagra(Sildenafil) and Levitra(Vardenafil) are taken as needed before the sex. A single dose of Tadalafil renders its effects on the body for up to 36 hours which is comparatively higher them other ED drugs.

Tadalafil can also be used daily, as it is available in low doses for regular use. Thus, it allows you to keep yourself ready for sexual encounters rather than taking a pill and wait it to kick in. Taking lower doses of Tadalafil helps to maintain a consistent level of the drug and its effects on your body. Its medicinal effects will keep you ready whenever you want to have sex. 

But along with medicinal benefits, Tadalafil may also have some side effects, which may not be right for everybody. Facing side effects while already dealing with any other medical conditions or taking some other medicines can be highly unsafe. 

In this blog, you will read about how Tadalafil works and the impact that it can have on blood pressure. 

How Cialis(Tadalafil) Works

Cialis(Tadalafil) is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor drug. PDE5 enzyme breaks down the levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP); it plays a vital role in erectile function. cGMP relaxes the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels around the male sex organ, the penis. 

When PDE5 gets blocked by Tadalafil, cGMP levels improve. It relaxes the blood vessels and ensures improved blood circulation to the penis. When a man is sexually aroused, the blood flow rushes into these blood vessels and helps the penis to erect. As a result, a person who has Erectile dysfunction(Ed), when taking Tadalafil, experiences a hard erection depending on his sexual stimulation. 

Effect of Generic Cialis on Blood Pressure

Generic Cialis(Tadalafil) and other PDE5 inhibitor drugs cause vasodilating effects. It means that these drugs increase the diameter of blood vessels. Thus, they make the blood flow easier, and a fall in blood pressure can also be seen. 

The decrease in blood pressure due to Tadalafil is typically temporary. Commonly most patients do not have any significant effects of such side effects that Cialis may cause. 

In a clinical study, healthy men taking 20mg of Tadalafil vs. a placebo experienced an average decrease of up to 1.6 Hg in systolic blood pressure. And when lying down experienced, 0.8 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure was observed. The same when measured during standing at 0.2 Hg in systolic blood pressure and 4.6 Hg in diastolic blood pressure were seen. As a result, people may feel adverse effects after a sudden drop in blood pressure of 20 mm Hg. 

The use of high concentrations of PDE5 in people may cause lower pulmonary blood pressure. Also, it may lower the blood pressure in your lungs. Thus, Tadalafil is sometimes used to treat pulmonary hypertension under the brand name, Adcirca. 

But, you must note that pulmonary blood pressure is different than systemic or is said to be overall blood pressure. Also, Taladlafil is not likely to cause a dangerous drop in systemic blood pressure in healthy men. However, certain medical conditions and medications may potentially heighten the hypotensive effects of Tadalafil. 

Contraindicated Medical Conditions for Cialis(Tadalafil)

Tadalafil is not recommended if you have these medical conditions-

• Angina
• Recently had a heart attack, heart failure or a stroke
• Severe, uncontrolled irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Low blood pressure problem(Hypotension)
• Uncontrolled hypertension(High blood pressure)
• Severe cardiovascular disease

Patients having the following medical conditions should be cautious while taking Tadalafil. Also, one must discuss with a doctor and let them be informed if they suffer from any of them before taking Tadalafil tablets. A doctor may also restrict you from using Tadalafil under the following medical problems.

• Bleeding disorders
• Severely impaired autonomic control of blood pressure
• Blockage or obstacles in outflowing blood from the left ventricle (such as aortic stenosis and idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis)
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease, or patients who need dialysis
• Active stomach ulcer
• Retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic eye disorder
• Deformity of the penis or Peyronie's disease
• Suggested avoiding sexual activities due to health concerns
• Severe vision loss or having non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
• Have blood cell problems like multiple myeloma, sickle cell anemia or leukemia
• Priapism (erections lasting more than 4 hours that can be painful sometimes)

Contraindicated Medications for Cialis(Tadalafil)

Certain medications can increase the hypotensive effects of a PDE5 inhibitor like Tadalafil. As a result, sudden and serious drops in blood pressure can be seen that can be fatal. Medications that may increase this risk with Tadalafil are-

• Nitrates, including amyl nitrates and poppers
• Alpha-blockers
• Guanylate cyclase stimulators
• Antihypertensives medications
• Other medications of the same class- PDE5 inhibitors 
• Use of excessive alcohol

Nitrates and Cialis (Tadalafil) special caution

Patients taking Nitrates for chest pain or angina should not take Taladafil. Combined use of these drugs is highly contraindicated. Taking Cialis and Tadalafil together may cause a sudden and serious drop in blood pressure that can be fatal. Please inform your doctor if you are already taking Nitrates or any other medicines before you start taking an Ed drug. 

Signs of Serious Drop in Low Blood Pressure

When your blood pressure falls below 90/60 mmHg is generally defined as low blood pressure. And if your blood pressure is too low, you are more likely to face serious health risks. There can be chances of heart attacks, strokes, or shock due to insufficient blood flow to your body's organs and tissues. 

If you have taken Tadalafil and experience chest pain, dizziness, or nausea while having sex, you should immediately seek medical help. 

Some other indications of a Serious drop in your blood pressure are-

• Poor concentration
• Unusual thirst and dehydration
• Fainting
• Depression
• Difficulty in breathing
• Blurred vision
• Cold, clammy or pale skin

If you face any of these symptoms, it can be a sign of too low blood pressure. You should immediately talk to your healthcare provider if these symptoms appear.

Related Article - Cialis Interaction with Grapefruit

Final lines

Tadalafil is less likely to lower blood pressure, especially in a healthy person, and no concern is typically needed. However, certain medical conditions and drugs can increase the hypotensive effects of Tadalafil. As a result, a sudden and serious drop in blood pressure can be fatal. 

So, it becomes essential to be cautious if you already have any medical problems or take medicines unsafe with Tadalafil. Discussing with a healthcare provider can work with you to find the best Ed solution for you and have a safe and effective treatment.