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How does Cialis work?

Cialis (tadalafil) works by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) in the penis. This blockage allows a molecule called cGMP to accumulate, which relaxes smooth muscle in blood vessels and increases blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal. The medication requires sexual stimulation to be effective and does not cause erections on its own.

Key points:

• Tadalafil is a PDE5 inhibitor that prevents the breakdown of cGMP, a chemical messenger responsible for smooth muscle relaxation
• Sexual arousal triggers the release of nitric oxide, which starts a chain reaction that cGMP enhances, allowing blood to fill the penis
• The drug reaches peak effectiveness around 2 hours after taking it and remains effective for up to 36 hours
• PDE5 is also found in other tissues, which is why tadalafil is additionally used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and pulmonary hypertension

This text has been fact-checked for accuracy by Sorin Romaniuc, Pharmacist at medino.