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

What is Cialis Soft (Tadalafil)?

Cialis Soft is a prescription medication containing the active ingredient tadalafil. It belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Cialis Soft is specifically formulated as an orally disintegrating or chewable tablet, designed to dissolve quickly in the mouth without the need for water.

It is approved for two primary uses in adult men: the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) and the relief of urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. For an overview of BPH treatments, see this guide to BPH medications.

The chewable form may offer a faster onset of action for some patients compared to traditional swallowed tablets, typically working within 15-30 minutes. Its effects can last up to 36 hours, which is a hallmark feature of tadalafil.

How to Take Cialis Soft

Proper administration is key to the effectiveness and safety of Cialis Soft. Unlike regular tablets, this formulation is designed to be chewed or allowed to dissolve in the mouth.

Administration and Timing

Take Cialis Soft exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The tablet should be placed in the mouth and chewed thoroughly or allowed to dissolve on the tongue. It can be taken with or without food.

For erectile dysfunction, take the tablet at least 30 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. The medication can remain effective for up to 36 hours. For tips on maximizing its effect, see this doctor’s guide.

Adherence to Prescribed Regimen

It is critical to follow your prescribed dosing schedule. Do not take more than one dose in a 24-hour period, regardless of the strength. The medication requires sexual stimulation to work for ED; it will not cause an automatic erection.

Side Effects of Cialis Soft

As with all medications, Cialis Soft can cause side effects. These are often mild to moderate and result from the drug’s effect on blood vessels.

What is Cialis Soft Used For?

Cialis Soft is prescribed for two main conditions in men. Understanding these uses helps clarify why a doctor might choose this medication.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Cialis Soft is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing for increased blood flow during sexual stimulation. It is a treatment for the symptom, not a cure for the underlying cause of ED.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Cialis Soft is also approved to treat the signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate (BPH), such as difficulty starting urination, weak stream, and needing to urinate frequently or urgently. It can be prescribed for BPH alone or for men who have both BPH and ED. Learn more about the connection in our article on enlarged prostate and sexual health.

Key Distinction

It is important to note that while Cialis Soft contains tadalafil, it is a specific dosage form. The same active ingredient is available in regular tablets (like brand Cialis) and other generic versions (e.g., Tadacip, Forzest).

Important Safety Concerns and Considerations

Cardiovascular Health

Sexual activity poses a potential cardiac risk. Tadalafil causes a mild, transient lowering of blood pressure. Cialis Soft is not for men for whom sexual activity is not advised due to underlying heart conditions (e.g., unstable angina, recent heart attack, severe heart failure, uncontrolled arrhythmias). A cardiovascular evaluation is recommended before starting treatment.

Prolonged Erection (Priapism)

Although rare, priapism (a painful erection lasting more than 4 hours) has been reported with PDE5 inhibitors like tadalafil. This condition requires immediate medical intervention to prevent permanent damage to penile tissues and long-term erectile dysfunction.

Effects on Vision and Hearing

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition involving sudden vision loss, has been reported rarely in men taking PDE5 inhibitors. Sudden decrease or loss of hearing has also been reported. Patients should discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention if sudden visual or hearing disturbances occur.

Use with Alpha-Blockers

Alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin, doxazosin) are prescribed for high blood pressure or BPH. Both tadalafil and alpha-blockers lower blood pressure. Concomitant use can lead to symptomatic hypotension (dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting). If prescribed together, tadalafil should be initiated at the lowest possible dose once the patient is stabilized on their alpha-blocker therapy.

Critical Warnings for Cialis Soft Use

Contraindication with Nitrates

Cialis Soft must never be used by patients taking any form of nitrate medication or nitric oxide donors. This includes prescription nitrates (nitroglycerin, isosorbide) for angina and recreational drugs called “poppers” (amyl or butyl nitrite). The combination can cause a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.

Hypotension

Tadalafil lowers blood pressure. The additive effect is dangerous when combined with other antihypertensives, alpha-blockers, or significant amounts of alcohol. Patients should be monitored for signs of hypotension.

Underlying Cardiovascular Disease

Before prescribing Cialis Soft, doctors should consider the patient’s cardiovascular status. Men with significant underlying heart disease for whom sexual activity is not recommended should not use this medication.

Hepatic and Renal Impairment

Patients with severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min) should not use doses greater than 10 mg. The maximum recommended dose for these patients is 10 mg not more than once every 72 hours. The daily 5 mg dose is not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment.

Benzyl Alcohol Excipient

Some formulations of orally disintegrating tablets may contain benzyl alcohol as an excipient. Benzyl alcohol has been associated with toxicity in neonates. This formulation is not intended for use in women or children.

Cialis Soft Dosage Information

Tadalafil is unique among ED medications for its flexible dosing regimens. The correct regimen must be determined by a physician based on the condition being treated, patient health, and individual response.

Important Administration Notes

• Maximum Frequency: Do not take Cialis Soft more than once per day.
• Food and Alcohol: Can be taken with or without food. Limit alcohol intake.
• Missed Daily Dose: If you miss a dose of the daily regimen, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.

Drug Interactions with Cialis Soft

Providing your doctor with a complete list of all medications and supplements you take is critical due to significant interaction risks.

Additional Information

Active Ingredient and Excipients

The active ingredient is tadalafil. The “soft” formulation includes excipients (inactive ingredients) that allow the tablet to disintegrate quickly in the mouth. These may include flavors, sweeteners (like aspartame), and agents that promote rapid dissolution. Patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) should note if the product contains aspartame, a source of phenylalanine.

Reporting Side Effects

Report any side effects to your healthcare provider. You can also report adverse drug events directly to your national health authority (e.g., the FDA in the United States via the MedWatch program). This contributes to ongoing drug safety monitoring.

References and 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 2022]. 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.