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Men who have been taking Cialis either as a remedy against erectile dysfunction or to improve their performance can attest to their efficacy. So it is not surprising that sexually active men would often stock up on this medication, and so are often wondering about what is the shelf life of Cialis.
The primary reason for this frequently asked question about Cialis has something to do with the difficulty in pinning down the expiration date. But by following some rules, you can be sure that your Cialis is still effective and good to go.
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First Things First: What Is Cialis?
Tadalafil, popularly known as Cialis, is categorized as a drug inhibitor that relaxes a specific type of muscle in the male organ (called the corpus cavernosum), which results in an erection. (1) It works the same way as Levitra and Viagra. In the US, Cialis was approved by the US FDA in 2003 mainly to remedy erectile dysfunction.
But the drug can also be used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
During sexual stimulation, the body releases nitric oxide into the male organ, which results in the production of cGMP. This regulates the blood vessel contraction, which carries blood to and from the genitals.
PDE5 (another substance in the body) has been discovered to limit the effect of cGMP. When this happens, the blood vessels cannot contact, which limits the erection. Cialis inhibits the PDE5 from affecting cGMP, which causes the erection to be harder and longer.
What Is the Shelf Life of Cialis?
The shelf life of Cialis or its expiration date is usually written on the packaging. So the safest way to ensure that Cialis is still good is to always read the original packaging. Without packaging, Cialis can usually last as long as 12 months. While experts say that this drug can last up to 24 months, it is best to stick to the conservative side.
So, as a rule of thumb, always check the packaging to be sure. If not, use your Cialis within a year and discard them if they have been on the shelf for too long.
You should not also confuse Cialis shelf life with half-life. The former refers to how long a medication will last without losing its maximum potency and without causing severe harmful effects to the body. The latter refers to how long it will take for half of the drug to be metabolized and discarded by the body. The half-life of Cialis is 17.5 hours. (2)
Does Cialis Expire?
Like most medications, Cialis do expire. And it is not recommended to take expired Cialis pills. Because drug decay in due time, the effects will not last long, which leads to a less effective potency.
To compensate for the reduced potency, some people have revealed that they take two expired Cialis. This is not recommended as it could lead to a dangerous outcome.
If your Cialis is already expired, it is highly recommended just to buy a new one. While it may cost you some extra dollars, it is a lot cheaper and safer than suffering the effects of an overdose.
How to Determine If Cialis Is Expired?
The best way to determine if your Cialis is already expired is to check its packaging. But you should still check the pill because some pills that have visible signs of decay, such as discoloration, moisture, or mold, should not be taken even if they are not yet expired.
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Cialis Side Effects
You should also watch out for the following side effects of Cialis (3):
- Headache
- Dyspepsia or indigestion
- Nasopharyngitis (common cold)
- Back pain
To know more about answers beyond the question “what is the shelf life of Cialis?” you should always consult your doctor.
