A common question that many people ask their pharmacists is, “can I split my pills?” There are a variety of reasons people want to split their pills. Some people have trouble swallowing tablets that are too big. Others cut pills in half because their healthcare provider wants them to slightly raise or lower their current dose. People also split pills to save money on medication.
Whatever the reason, cutting tablets in half is common. But not all pills can be split. Sometimes, cutting your pill in half can completely change how the medication will work.
What is Cialis?
Cialis is a brand of Tadalafil, a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED, impotence; inability to get or keep an erection), and the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH; an enlarged prostate) which include difficulty urinating (hesitation, dribbling, weak stream, and incomplete bladder emptying), painful urination, and urinary frequency and urgency in adult men.
Tadalafil is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. It works to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. This increased blood flow can cause an erection. Tadalafil treats PAH by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs to allow blood to flow more easily.
Cialis comes as a tablet that you swallow. It’s available in four strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
How should Cialis be used?
Cialis comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It may be taken with or without food. If you are taking Cialis to treat erectile dysfunction, follow your doctor’s directions and the guidelines in this paragraph. There are two different ways to take Cialis, either daily or on an as-needed basis.
Talk to your doctor about which dosing schedule is right for you. Cialis is sometimes taken as needed, usually at least 30 minutes before sexual activity and not more often than once every 24 hours. Your doctor will help you decide the best time for you to take Cialis before sexual activity. Cialis is also sometimes taken once a day every day without regard to the timing of sexual activity. You may attempt sexual activity at any time between doses. If you are taking Cialis on a regular schedule, take it at around the same time every day. If you have certain health conditions or are taking certain medications, your doctor may tell you to take Cialis less often or may prescribe a lower dose to be taken once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tadalafil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
If you are taking tadalafil to treat BPH, follow your doctor’s directions and the guidelines in this paragraph. You should take tadalafil one time a day. Take all of the tablets for your daily dose at one time each day. Take tadalafil at around the same time every day. If you are already taking medication to treat BPH, your doctor may tell you to stop taking your other medication at least one day before starting treatment with tadalafil. Follow your doctor’s directions carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
The recommended doses of Cialis are as follows:
• Cialis for use as needed:
• ED: Starting dose: 10 mg as needed prior to sexual activity. Increase to 20 mg or decrease to 5 mg based upon efficacy/tolerability. Improves erectile function compared to placebo up to 36 hours post-dose. Not to be taken more than once per day.
• Cialis for once daily use:
• ED: 2.5 mg taken once daily, without regard to timing of sexual activity. May increase to 5 mg based upon efficacy and tolerability.
• BPH: 5 mg, taken at approximately the same time every day.
• ED and BPH: 5 mg, taken at approximately the same time every day.
If you are taking Cialis for erectile dysfunction, your doctor will probably start you on an average dose of Cialis and increase or decrease your dose depending on your response to the medication. Tell your doctor if Cialis is not working well or if you are experiencing side effects.
Can I split Cialis pill?
No, do not break or split chew, or crush Cialis tablet. Swallow it whole. Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food. Cialis comes as oral tablets that are available in four strengths: 2.5 milligrams (mg), 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg.
Do not change your Cialis dose or stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s advice. When using this medicine for erectile dysfunction, the ability to have sexual activity may be improved for up to 36 hours after taking the table
What happens if you split Cialis tablet?
If you split, crush, or chew Cialis tablet in any way, the medication will not work the way it should because you will be receiving more or less than the desired dose. Drugs like Cialis that do not cause physical dependence or withdrawal can still result in abuse and behavioral dependence, especially among people who misuse them.
Mental health professionals diagnose this condition as “substance abuse disorder,” which can be mild to severe depending on how much the misuse of a drug impairs relationships and functioning.
How long does it take for Cialis to work?
Cialis will kick in about 30 minutes after taking it, though it may take longer for some people. On average, it can take up to 2 hours for full effect.
Is tadalafil as good as Cialis?
Cialis and tadalafil contain the same active ingredient. They’re both used to treat erectile dysfunction; the only difference is tadalafil is the generic version.
How much Cialis can you take?
You shouldn’t take more than one dose of Cialis per day. Talk to your doctor about what dose you should take.
How long does Cialis last?
Cialis can work for up to 36 hours. It can help maintain your erection even after ejaculation. If an erection lasts for longer than 4 hours, seek immediate emergency medical care as this can lead to permanent damage.
