- Cialis is an ED drug that may stop working due to incorrect use, health changes, or underlying physical problems.
- It’s important to assess whether any lifestyle changes, new medications, or exacerbations of chronic disease are to blame.
- Making adjustments to your lifestyle, asking your doctor to adjust your Cialis dose, or trying a new erectile dysfunction drug may help.
Michael DiLeo, MD, has over 30 years of experience in clinical and academic medicine. Through medical school, residency, and private practice, he has functioned as both a specialist and a primary care practitioner. He has twice served as chief of staff of a large regional hospital. He is a published author on women's health for McGraw-Hill. Learn More
Cialis is a PDE5 inhibitor that makes it easier to achieve and sustain an erection. When it stops working after a period of successful use, it’s natural to feel frustrated.
When Cialis stops working, improving your overall health or taking a higher dose may help. Understanding more about the potential causes can make it easier for you to get your ED treatment back on track.
How Does Cialis Work?
To achieve and maintain an erection, there must be more blood flow entering the arteries of your penis than exiting it. Increased blood flow occurs when neurotransmitters send signals to the arteries in your penis.
Cialis makes achieving an erection easier by increasing the number of neurotransmitters that encourage increased blood flow in penile arteries. ED medications work by blocking PDE5, which allows the blood vessels to relax and accommodate more blood. Cialis’ effects last between 24 and 36 hours.
In order for cialis to become or remain effective, it needs to operate in the right environment. Multiple factors, including arousal and exacerbations of chronic disease, may work against it.
Why Does Cialis Stop Working?
Cialis can stop working for multiple reasons. Some of them may be within your control. Here are some things to try so you can continue seeing the benefits of the drug.
Not Using Cialis Correctly
Not using cialis correctly can stop it from working. Examples of incorrect use include:
- Dose. If you have certain chronic diseases, such as diabetes, you may need a higher dose.
- Time of use. Cialis may not work the first time you use it. It’s important to try the medication several times before assuming it won’t work.
- Poor timing. Make sure you use Cialis around one to two hours before intercourse.
- Other medications. If you’ve recently started taking another medication, speak to your doctor to learn if it might interact with Cialis.
Physical Factors That May Stop Cialis from Working
A number of chronic health conditions can prevent Cialis from working, including:
- Diabetes. Evidence shows that suffering from peripheral neuropathy can make erectile dysfunction more likely. When the nervous centers that control blood flow to the penis are affected, Cialis may become less effective.
- Hypertension. Some of the drugs prescribed for high blood pressure can worsen ED. Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide and beta blockers like atenolol may make it difficult to achieve an erection, even with the help of an ED medication.
- Vascular disease. Worsening vascular disease can also affect blood flow to the penis.
- Obesity. Obesity can affect how effective one part of the brain is in encouraging the release of testosterone. As testosterone is important for coordinating erections with sexual desire, not having enough of it can reduce Cialis’ efficacy. Also, fat cells make estrogen in both men and women, which opposes testosterone in the body.
- Renal insufficiency. Suffering from renal insufficiency or chronic kidney disease (CKS) can cause blood vessels throughout the body to narrow, including the penis. Suffering from kidney disease may also lower testosterone. A decrease in the glomerular filtration rate can make ED more likely.
- High prolactin levels. High prolactin levels can occur with some pituitary gland tumors or when taking certain antipsychotics. High prolactin may cause erectile dysfunction because it is the hormone responsible for the refractory period between orgasms.
What Can You Do When Cialis Doesn’t Work?
If you’re new to taking Cialis and it isn’t working, it’s important to assess whether you’re taking it properly. Try the following to increase your chances of success:
- Take Cialis at least one hour before intercourse.
- If you need to take Cialis every day, take it at the same time each day.
- Avoid taking Cialis with high fat foods, as they may slow down its release and reduce its efficacy.
- Ask your doctor for a medication review, as some medications containing nitrates can affect how Cialis works.
- Avoid using alcohol when taking Cialis.
- Avoid drinking grapefruit juice, as it may affect how your body metabolizes Cialis.
What Can You Do If Cialis Stops Working After Successful Use?
Finding that Cialis stops working after a period of it being effective is especially frustrating. However, personal, mental, and physical changes can all make Cialis less effective.
If Cialis is less effective than usual, try the following:
- Assess your chronic diseases. If you suffer from a chronic disease such as diabetes or hypertension, assess whether you’re managing it as well as you can. Worsening chronic disease can also mean that you need a higher dose of Cialis than normal, so discuss changes with your doctor.
- Change medications. Starting a new medication may reduce Cialis’ efficacy. Your doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative drug.
- Review your lifestyle. Perform an honest assessment of your lifestyle and make changes if necessary. Exercising, eating a balanced diet, and drinking alcohol in moderation make it easier for Cialis to work.
- Reduce stress. If you’re going through a period of stress, it’s difficult to become aroused. As you need arousal for Cialis to work, stress management is crucial.
- Try therapy. Experiencing difficulties within your relationship can also affect your ability to become aroused. Relationship challenges can become particularly problematic when they relate to sex. Try speaking to a therapist as a couple to overcome relationship difficulties.
- Schedule a checkup. Sometimes an underlying condition that’s showing no symptoms can stop Cialis from working. A checkup with your doctor will allow you to identify hidden problems.
If Cialis Stops Working, Should You Try Another ED Drug?
When Cialis stops working, you may want to explore whether another ED drug could help. ED drugs such as sildenafil (Viagra) and vardenafil (Levitra) also act as PDE5 inhibitors, but their active ingredients are different.
Trying another ED drug may be especially appropriate if you’re taking a new medication. Cialis takes up to 36 hours to leave your system. In contrast, sildenafil and vardenafil last up to six hours, which may give you more room to take other medications and still experience their benefits.
Always consult with a medical professional before switching to a different medication.
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