Cialis (Tadalafil) For BPH: How It Works – Introduction
Cialis, or tadalafil, is a prescription medication that is used to treat erectile dysfunction. It is also used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, which occurs when the prostate gland becomes larger and hinders the flow of urine. BPH is one of the most common diseases affecting half of men over the age of 50. This article is a discussion on Cialis and its effects on BPH.
Cialis (Tadalafil) For BPH: How It Works
Mechanism of Action:
Tadalafil belongs to a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. They act by enhancing the production of a chemical known as cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the smooth muscle cells of the prostate and bladder neck. cGMP loosens up these smooth muscles and alleviates BPH symptoms.
The release of nitric oxide (NO) when we experience sexual stimulation or bladder contraction is a physiologically normal process. NO then stimulates an enzyme called guanylate cyclase, which produces cGMP. cGMP stimulates the smooth muscles to relax and allow blood to flow into the corpus cavernosum of the penis for erection and the bladder neck and prostate to relax for improved drainage.
But with BPH, PDE5 is boosted, reducing cGMP levels and causing the smooth muscles to contract, producing urine symptoms. Tadalafil inhibits PDE5, thus releasing more cGMP and relaxing smooth muscles in the prostate neck and bladder neck.
Effectiveness:
BPH is a condition in which the prostate grows too thick and becomes difficult to urinate. Classic medications for the disorder are alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. Recent clinical trials, however, have shown Cialis or tadalafil to be a promising therapy for this condition. In this review, we will review some of the results from several studies that have been conducted to determine whether Cialis can effectively treat LUTS in BPH patients.
Clinical Trials and Outcomes
Several prospective, randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled studies evaluated the efficacy of tadalafil for symptomatic BPH. In one randomised trial, participants took a drug or Cialis once a day for 12 weeks. This had important implications: the International Prostate Symptom Score at baseline dropped 4.9 points on Cialis and 2.5 on placebo. This makes it pretty obvious that Cialis is better at boosting urination.
Comparison with Alpha-Blockers
They even compared Cialis’ effectiveness with doxazosin, a newer, well-respected alpha-blocker often used for BPH. The outcome showed that both drugs significantly reduced urinary symptoms, with Cialis yielding a 5.9-point IPSS reduction, just short of the 6.3-point decrease of doxazosin. That makes Cialis not just a promising choice, but also one well within the range of mainstream therapies.
Safety and Efficacy
Safety and efficacy were also emphasized in a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of tadalafil in the treatment of BPH conducted by the respected New England Journal of Medicine. These patients showed a significant increase in IPSS-based symptom improvement with tadalafil, as well as an increase in urinary flow rates and a decrease in post-void residual urine volume. These results prove that Cialis not only eases BPH-related discomfort, but also increases urinary function — which is of crucial importance to the quality of life.
Comparative Efficacy with Finasteride
In a separate trial published in the Journal of Urology, tadalafil repeats the pattern of positive results when it comes to examining whether it is as effective as Finasteride, another BPH drug that is used regularly. They discovered that tadalafil and Finasteride were equally effective in lowering IPSS scores and increasing urinary flow rates. But tadalafil had a quicker effect, since four weeks after starting therapy, there was a significant reduction in symptoms. This accelerated response might be perfectly acceptable for patients who simply want to see their symptoms improved.
Dual Benefit for Erectile Function
Another bonus feature for Cialis that will help men with BPH is that they can experience an increase in erectile function. One experiment, as it turns out, found that after using Cialis daily for 12 weeks, in comparison with a placebo, patients improved their erections significantly. It is this two-fold ability that might be a compelling option for men with both BPH and sexual impotence, as it addresses two issues simultaneously.
Side Effects:
Common Side Effects:
The most common BPH side-effects of Cialis include headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle cramps, flushing, and runny nose. Such side effects are mild and usually subside within hours. In clinical trials, these effects appeared in over 2% of men taking Cialis for BPH, but less than 5% of men.
Serious Side Effects:
Although the most common side effects of Cialis for BPH are generally minor, there are more serious side effects that men need to consider. These include:
* Priapism: A painful, longer-lasting, erection that lasts over four hours. If not treated early enough, priapism can irreversibly injure the penis.
* Blindness: Sometimes, Cialis has been linked to blindness. It is thought to occur as a result of the reduced blood supply to the optic nerve.
* Hearing loss: After taking Cialis, some men develop a hearing loss. This, too, is believed to result from the loss of blood flow to the ears.
* Heart disease: Cialis lowers your blood pressure, which could make you unfit for men with heart diseases. If you take Cialis for BPH, talk to your doctor about your cardiovascular status.
Interactions with Other Medications:
Cialis may cross-react with other medications, causing increased risk of side effects. Men taking nitrates for chest pain, alpha-blockers for BPH, or protease inhibitors for HIV should avoid Cialis. Before taking Cialis for BPH, inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking.
Conclusion: Cialis (Tadalafil) For BPH: How It Works
For BPH, Cialis can work quite well. It’s been known to reduce urinary symptoms by relaxing smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder. Researchers have also demonstrated that, like other BPH drugs used to treat BPH, such as alpha-blockers, Cialis works just as well. However, Cialis is also capable of treating erectile dysfunction among men with BPH. As with all drugs, it has side effects. Check with your doctor before you decide to use Cialis for your symptoms.
