warnings and cautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Evaluation of erectile dysfunction and BPH should include an appropriate medical assessment to identify potential underlying causes, as well as treatment options. Before prescribing CIALIS, it is important to note the following: Patients should not use CIALIS if sex is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status ( 5.1 ). Use of CIALIS with alpha-blockers, antihypertensives or substantial amounts of alcohol (≥5 units) may lead to hypotension ( 5.6 , 5.9 ). CIALIS is not recommended in combination with alpha-blockers for the treatment of BPH because efficacy of the combination has not been adequately studied and because of the risk of blood pressure lowering. Caution is advised when CIALIS is used as a treatment for ED in men taking alpha-blockers. ( 2.7 , 5.6 , 7.1 , 12.2 ) Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours. Use CIALIS with caution in patients predisposed to priapism ( 5.3 ). Patients should stop CIALIS and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). CIALIS should be used with caution, and only when the anticipated benefits outweigh the risks, in patients with a history of NAION. Patients with a "crowded" optic disc may also be at an increased risk of NAION ( 5.4 , 6.2 ). Patients should stop CIALIS and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing ( 5.5 ). Prior to initiating treatment with CIALIS for BPH, consideration should be given to other urological conditions that may cause similar symptoms ( 5.14 ). 5.1 Cardiovascular Physicians should consider the cardiovascular status of their patients, since there is a degree of cardiac risk associated with sexual activity. Therefore, treatments for erectile dysfunction, including CIALIS, should not be used in men for whom sexual activity is inadvisable as a result of their underlying cardiovascular status. Patients who experience symptoms upon initiation of sexual activity should be advised to refrain from further sexual activity and seek immediate medical attention. Physicians should discuss with patients the appropriate action in the event that they experience anginal chest pain requiring nitroglycerin following intake of CIALIS. In such a patient, who has taken CIALIS, where nitrate administration is de...