INDIANAPOLIS -- The European Union has approved Eli Lilly and Co.'s erectile dysfunction drug Cialis to treat symptoms tied to an enlarged prostate.

Lilly, based in Indianapolis, said Tuesday the commission approved a 5-milligram, once-daily dose to treat the signs and symptoms of the condition also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Those symptoms include the need to urinate frequently or urgently and the need to go excessively at night. Lilly said many men who have erectile dysfunction also experience the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Last month, the European Union's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use recommended the approval of Cialis for the expanded use.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the expanded use last fall.

Cialis brought in $1.88 billion last year, or 8% of Lilly's total revenue, as its fifth-best-selling product. It recorded $1.41 billion in revenue through the first three quarters of 2012.

Company shares did not trade Tuesday because all exchanges are closed due to Hurricane Sandy.

Associated Press