Cialis Professional: Uses, dosage, side effects, warnings & patient reviews

What is Cialis Professional?

Cialis Professional is a prescription medication for erectile dysfunction (ED) that contains the active ingredient tadalafil. It is marketed as an enhanced or “professional” formulation of standard tadalafil, which is also found in the brand-name drug Cialis. Unlike the original film-coated tablets, Cialis Professional is often produced as a sublingual (under-the-tongue) or chewable tablet, which may allow for faster absorption into the bloodstream.

The primary purpose of Cialis Professional is to treat erectile dysfunction. It belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. By inhibiting this enzyme, it helps relax the blood vessels in the penis, increasing blood flow to facilitate an erection when combined with sexual stimulation.

It is important to note that Cialis Professional is a generic medication, not the original brand Cialis by Eli Lilly. For information on the safety and efficacy of generic options, you can refer to our article on generic medicines.

Key Characteristics

• Active Ingredient: Tadalafil.
• Form: Often a sublingual or orally disintegrating tablet.
• Purpose: Treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).
• Key Claim: Designed for faster onset and potentially greater intensity of effect compared to standard oral tablets.

How to Take Cialis Professional

Proper administration is essential for the effectiveness and safety of Cialis Professional. The instructions may differ from standard tadalafil tablets.

Administration Method

As a sublingual or orally disintegrating formulation, Cialis Professional tablets are typically placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve completely. Do not crush, split, or swallow these tablets whole. Do not eat or drink anything until the tablet has fully dissolved. This method allows the medication to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes, which may lead to a faster onset of action.

Dosage and Timing

The typical dose is one Cialis Professional 20 mg tablet, taken as needed before sexual activity. Due to its sublingual delivery, the onset of action may be more rapid than with standard oral tablets. Follow your doctor’s prescribed dosage precisely; do not take more than one dose in a 24-hour period.

Sexual stimulation is required for Cialis Professional to be effective. For guidance on maximizing the effect of tadalafil-based medications, see our resource on taking Cialis for maximum effect.

Important Precautions

• No Double Dosing: Never take an extra dose if you believe the first one is not working.
• Meals: Unlike standard tadalafil, the absorption of sublingual Cialis Professional is less affected by food.
• Underlying Health: This medication should only be used after a medical evaluation for ED. Underlying conditions like cardiovascular disease must be managed.

Side Effects of Cialis Professional

The side effect profile of Cialis Professional is similar to that of standard tadalafil, though the intensity may differ due to its rapid absorption. Side effects are caused by the vasodilating (blood vessel-widening) effect of tadalafil throughout the body.

What is Cialis Professional Used For?

Cialis Professional has one primary FDA-approved medical use.

Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Cialis Professional is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It helps manage the symptom of ED by improving the blood flow necessary for an erection, but it does not cure the underlying cause.

ED can result from various physical and psychological factors. The enhanced formulation of Cialis Professional is sometimes considered for men who have not achieved satisfactory results with standard oral ED medications, or for those who desire a faster onset of action. It may be particularly discussed in the context of conditions that severely affect blood vessels, such as diabetes, though a doctor’s assessment is critical.

Important Limitations

• Not an Aphrodisiac: It does not increase sexual desire. It only aids the physical response to sexual arousal.
• Prescription Only: It is intended for use by adult men with a diagnosis of ED from a healthcare provider.
• Not for Women or Children: This medication is not approved for use by women or individuals under 18.
• Not for Pulmonary Hypertension: While tadalafil (Adcirca) is approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension, Cialis Professional is dosed and formulated specifically for ED.

Important Safety Concerns and Considerations

Cardiovascular Risk

Sexual activity increases cardiac workload. Cialis Professional, as a vasodilator, can cause a temporary decrease in blood pressure. It is contraindicated for men whose cardiovascular health makes sexual activity inadvisable. This includes patients with:

• Unstable angina or heart failure.
• Recent stroke, heart attack, or life-threatening arrhythmia.
• Uncontrolled high or low blood pressure.

A doctor must perform a cardiovascular assessment before prescribing this or any ED medication.

Prolonged Erection and Priapism

Priapism—a prolonged, often painful erection lasting more than 4 hours—is a rare but serious risk with all PDE5 inhibitors. The enhanced effects of Cialis Professional may potentially increase this risk. Priapism is a urological emergency that can lead to permanent tissue damage and erectile dysfunction if not treated immediately.

Vision and Hearing Changes

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), causing sudden vision loss, has been reported rarely with PDE5 inhibitors. Sudden hearing loss has also been reported. While the connection is not fully understood, any sudden change in vision or hearing requires immediate discontinuation of the drug and urgent medical attention.

Underlying Causes of ED

Erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of serious underlying conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances. Using Cialis Professional without addressing these root causes can be dangerous. A proper medical evaluation is essential.

Critical Warnings for Cialis Professional Use

Absolute Contraindication with Nitrates

Cialis Professional must never be taken with nitrates. This includes prescription nitrates (nitroglycerin, isosorbide) for chest pain (angina) and recreational drugs called “poppers” (amyl or butyl nitrite). The combination can cause a severe, life-threatening drop in blood pressure.

Hypotension with Alpha-Blockers and Antihypertensives

Alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin, doxazosin), used for high blood pressure or an enlarged prostate, also lower blood pressure. Combining them with Cialis Professional can lead to symptomatic hypotension (dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting). Other blood pressure medications may have an additive effect. Your doctor will need to manage these combinations carefully.

Patients with Severe Liver or Kidney Impairment

Tadalafil is metabolized by the liver and excreted. Patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment (e.g., on dialysis) should not use Cialis Professional, as the drug may not be cleared properly from the body, leading to a dangerous buildup and increased risk of side effects.

Use in Men with Anatomical Penile Deformities

Men with anatomical deformities of the penis, such as Peyronie’s disease, angulation, or cavernosal fibrosis, should use Cialis Professional with caution, as there may be an increased risk of complications.

Cialis Professional Dosage Information

The dosage must be individualized by a healthcare provider. The following are general guidelines based on the tadalafil content.

Administration Notes

• Method: Place the tablet under the tongue and allow it to dissolve completely. Do not chew or swallow it whole.
• Frequency: Take only one dose per 24-hour period.
• Onset and Duration: Due to sublingual absorption, onset may be within 15-30 minutes. The effects of tadalafil can last up to 36 hours, which is a key feature distinguishing it from other ED medications. For a comparison, see Viagra vs. Cialis.
• With Food: Absorption is less affected by food compared to standard oral tablets like sildenafil (Viagra).

Drug Interactions with Cialis Professional

Cialis Professional can have significant and dangerous interactions with other substances. Full disclosure of all medications and supplements to your doctor is mandatory.

Additional Information

Storage and Handling

Store Cialis Professional tablets at room temperature (between 15°C and 30°C or 59°F and 86°F), in a tightly closed container, away from light, excess heat, and moisture. The sublingual formulation may be sensitive to humidity. Keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets.

Regulatory Status and Availability

Cialis Professional is a generic formulation of tadalafil. It is not the brand-name product Cialis® manufactured by Eli Lilly. Its availability and regulatory approval status may vary by country. Patients should verify that any medication they receive is from a reputable manufacturer and source.

Reporting Side Effects

If you experience a side effect, especially a serious one, report it to your doctor. You can also report adverse drug events directly to your national health authority (e.g., the FDA in the United States). This contributes to ongoing drug safety monitoring.

References and Medical Sources

The information on this page is based on the prescribing information for tadalafil and reputable medical sources.

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Cialis (tadalafil) Prescribing Information. [Updated 2023]. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/021368s20s21lbl.pdf
2. MedlinePlus. Tadalafil. U.S. National Library of Medicine; [Updated 2024]. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604008.html
3. American Urological Association (AUA). Erectile Dysfunction: AUA Guideline (2018). https://www.auanet.org/guidelines/guidelines/erectile-dysfunction-(ed)-guideline
4. Drugs.com. Tadalafil Professional Monograph. Drugs.com; [Updated 2024]. https://www.drugs.com/monograph/tadalafil.html

Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not self-medicate based on the information presented on this site. Always consult with a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health.