Cialis is a common prescription medication used for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. As men reach older ages, issues with sexual performance unfortunately become increasingly prevalent. Studies have shown that rates of complete ED nearly triple from ages 20-39 to around age 70. Additionally, mild to moderate erectile difficulties steadily rise as men get older.
Fortunately, medications like Cialis can often help older men overcome ED when age starts to hamper sexual function and intimacy. But can seniors safely take medications like Cialis that improve erections? Are there any risks or factors to consider? Let’s explore whether Cialis is appropriate for older males and how it can be used properly and effectively.
Is Cialis Safe for Men Over 65?
The short answer is yes, Cialis is generally considered safe and effective for otherwise healthy older men suffering from ED, provided certain precautions are taken into account. During clinical trials evaluating Cialis, it was shown to successfully improve erectile function in men over 65 years old struggling with ED. Of course, age tends to increase the likelihood of health conditions or medication interactions that could potentially make Cialis less advisable or require adjusted dosing. However, with proper medical guidance, most seniors can utilize Cialis to effectively treat their erectile difficulties.
What Makes Cialis a Good Choice for Older Men?
Cialis has a number of attributes that make it particularly well-suited for remedying ED in older males:
For one, Cialis offers a long duration of action, providing effects lasting up to 36 hours from a single dose. This gives men significantly more leeway and flexibility compared to medications requiring very precise timing relative to when sexual activity is anticipated. Cialis allows room for spontaneity – a welcome perk for older patients trying to reduce stress around intimacy.
In addition to on-demand usage when needed, Cialis can be taken daily at lower doses to maintain a constant steady-state level in the body. Rather than having to strategically time medication use around sexual activity, this provides constant reliable treatment.
By relaxing blood vessels, Cialis can also lower blood pressure in some men in addition to enhancing erections. This offers an added health benefit of hypertension control that appeals to some older patients.
Since ED medications are so crucial for quality of life, most health insurance plans cover brand name options like Cialis, often at favorable reduced co-pays that increase affordability.
Compared to alternatives like sildenafil, Cialis tends to be less commonly associated with temporary vision changes like blue-tinted vision or light sensitivity that can occur due to ocular vasodilation. For older men already facing age-related vision decline, this favorable side effect profile makes Cialis an attractive choice.
Factors Older Men Should Consider Before Using Cialis
While Cialis can certainly restore sexual function for otherwise healthy seniors, there are some important factors to consider:
Older patients tend to have more pre-existing conditions and take more medications than their younger counterparts. Their medical history should be reviewed for anything that could impact the safety or dosing of Cialis. Common comorbidities and polypharmacy in the older population require thorough assessment.
For example, Cialis should be avoided in men with unstable angina, poorly controlled heart failure, recent strokes or heart attacks, or those at high baseline cardiovascular risk given its vasodilating effects. Caution is advisable in seniors with pre-existing heart disease.
Due to physiological changes with age, older adults often require lower medication doses than younger patients. Starting conservatively and gradually increasing the dose if tolerated can help optimize safe use of Cialis in older males.
Aging also alters how drugs interact with one another in the body. Seniors tend to take other prescription medications that could potentially interact with Cialis, like nitrates, antifungals, antibiotics, or antihypertensives. Thorough review of all medications is prudent.
While used for ED, Cialis also treats symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, it can exacerbate urinary symptoms in some men. Monitoring urinary flow changes is therefore important.
Following Proper Usage Guidelines
When appropriately prescribed and monitored under medical supervision, Cialis is generally safe for healthy older adults. Recommended usage guidelines include:
- Taking Cialis exactly as directed by your physician, including following all dosage instructions carefully. Never exceed the prescribed dose.
- For ED, starting at a low dose like 10mg as needed before sex. Doses may be modified based on effectiveness and tolerability.
- Considering daily lower doses of 2.5mg or 5mg for continuous treatment if preferred over on-demand usage.
- Allowing at least 30-60 minutes between taking Cialis and anticipated sexual activity for proper absorption and effect.
- Avoiding heavy or high-fat meals around dosing which can slow absorption.
- Using missed doses as directed and avoiding doubling up doses.
- Never combining Cialis with nitrates or guanylate cyclase stimulators due to severe hypotension risk.
- Monitoring for side effects like headache, flushing, indigestion, back pain or vision changes. Promptly reporting persistent issues.
- Seeking emergency care for serious effects like chest pain, shortness of breath, arrhythmias, or loss of vision.
What Side Effects Are Possible?
Cialis is typically well-tolerated, especially with appropriate prescribed use under medical supervision. Potential side effects are usually mild and often subside with continued use.
Headaches, facial flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, muscle aches, changes in color perception, and back pain are commonly reported. These usually remain mild and dissipate over time.
Rare but serious side effects like sudden hearing or vision impairment, chest pain, irregular heart rate, swelling, or breathing issues require urgent medical care.
Safer Alternatives if Cialis is Not Tolerated
Though Cialis is suitable for many older patients, alternatives do exist in certain situations:
Other PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil (Viagra) or vardenafil (Levitra) offer options if Cialis is poorly tolerated. Different side effect profiles allow flexibility.
Alprostadil injections, suppositories or gels may be used if oral medications are contraindicated.
For low testosterone contributing to ED, testosterone therapy could help some men if carefully monitored for health risks.
Professional counseling and healthy lifestyle changes can improve ED in some men alongside or instead of pharmaceuticals.
Devices like vacuum pumps or penile implants and vascular surgical procedures provide options when medications fail or cannot be used.
The Bottom Line
In summary, Cialis is considered safe and highly efficacious for treating erectile dysfunction in otherwise healthy older men when properly prescribed and monitored under medical care. It offers advantages including long duration, daily dosing flexibility, added benefits like blood pressure reduction, and insurance coverage. However, appropriate physician oversight is key given age-related changes in drug handling and side effect susceptibility. With suitable precautions, older patients can confidently use Cialis to restore sexual function and improve quality of life. If Cialis proves ineffective or poorly tolerated, alternatives are available.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16965992/ – A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study to assess the efficacy of tadalafil (Cialis) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction following three-dimensional conformal external-beam radiotherapy for prostatic carcinoma
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699638/ – Tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction; an overview of the clinical evidence
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2939761/ – A once-daily dose of tadalafil for erectile dysfunction: compliance and efficacy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5411983/ – Efficacy of Continuous Dosing of Tadalafil Once Daily vs Tadalafil On Demand in Clinical Subgroups of Men With Erectile Dysfunction: A Descriptive Comparison Using the Integrated Tadalafil Databases
