Throughout life, there are many choices that a person has to think hard about in order to choose the best option. Among the most popular are 'going to college or work', 'being in a relationship or staying single', and whether or not to get a Prius or a sports car.' While these decisions are fairly straightforward, one that racks a man's brain is choosing between different medications to manage ED, especially when deciding 'is tadalafil better than sildenafil'.
In this article, we'll break down the important fundamentals for each medication, so that patients can make an educated decision.
Otherwise known as ED or impotence, it occurs when a man is not able to maintain an erection during sex, leading him to have an unsatisfying sexual experience.
While this condition doesn't have a single cause or origin, some of the most common causes include vascular problems with blood flow, neurological conditions like nerve damage or diabetes, and even hormonal imbalances like low testosterone levels. Thankfully, different erectile dysfunction pills have been developed over the years, allowing an individual to choose between tadalafil vs sildenafil to manage their condition safely and effectively.
Depending on the severity of the condition, many will have more than just physical problems to deal with. Low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression are some of the few psychological conditions that can occur due to impotence. Taking ED pills like tadalafil vs sildenafil is able to fix these issues before they worsen. In some cases, leaving it untreated can lead to a strain in marital relationships, poor quality of life, and ultimately, even separation or divorce.
The prevalence of this condition is notably higher among men over forty, although many cases have been documented in younger men. In the United States, the American Journal of Medicine conducted a survey with more than two-thousand participants on the prevalence of ED among different age groups. This survey discovered that more than half of the men aged forty to sixty frequently suffered from this condition.
Taking medications like sildenafil or tadalafil has been able to significantly reduce the number of those suffering from this condition without the need for expensive or intrusive treatments.
Long before the dilemma of choosing tadalafil vs sildenafil medications for treating impotence, people had created diverse methods and practices to alleviate this disorder.
In the 1960s and 70s, the choice between tadalafil vs sildenafil didn't exist yet, but significant improvements for treating impotence with penile implants were made. Injections were the last revolutionary step in the 80s towards managing ED before sildenafil or tadalafil were made available. By the early 90s, scientists began testing the effect of PDE5 inhibitors to treat angina, only to discover that this substance caused erections in patients, eliminating the need for penile injections.
Known as "the little blue pill," Viagra was the first commercially available PDE5 inhibitor to successfully treat ED without surgery or special tools.
This drug was patented by Pfizer Pharma in 1998 and sold over forty thousand prescriptions in its first week. The tadalafil vs sildenafil rivalry began in 2003 when another PDE5 inhibitor by Eli Lilly Pharma was patented as a direct competitor to the original blue pill.
Both of these drugs served the same purpose, with tadalafil having a much longer duration. This earned it the nickname 'the weekend pill.' It was at this point when many people wondered 'is tadalafil better than sildenafil?'
The main difference between sildenafil and tadalafil is that the original blue pill was the first orally administered PDE5 inhibitor, while the leading contender came later on. These drugs work by enhancing the blood flow in the body, leading to more blood accumulating in the penis.
During sex, the body begins to release nitric oxide, which allows for more cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) molecules to be created. These molecules are the ones that permit the smooth muscles in the penis to stretch as more blood flows through it.
Sold under the name Viagra by Pfizer Pharma, it can also be bought as a generic. These are other products that contain the same active ingredient, sildenafil citrate.
When comparing the tadalafil vs sildenafil onset. Tadalafil typically takes 15-45 minutes whereas sildenafil takes anywhere from 15-60 minutes. In both cases the oral jelly formula is absorbed in 15 minutes with hard tablets taking up to 45 and 60 minutes respectively.
When it comes to the duration of tadalafil vs sildenafil, the former lasts for an average of 36 hours and when taken daily, provides around the clock coverage. Sildenafil provides peak coverage for 4-6 hours and remains in the body for up to 24 hours.
Another aspect that may influence the 'sildenafil or tadalafil which is better' debate is their potential for side effects. Although both have an excellent safety profile, the fact that tadalafil is available in a lower dosage, there is less likelihood of experiencing side effects.
Regardless of whether a person chooses tadalafil vs sildenafil, both are able to perform when it counts due to the effectiveness of these medications. For occasional use, product that contain sildenafil are recommended.
This medicine also belongs to the PDE5 inhibitor class of drugs, and works by allowing nitric oxide to trigger the production of cGMP, resulting in a longer-lasting erection. The choice between tadalafil vs sildenafil is a choice between raw potency and convenience, with the former offering an extended duration. Since there are no time constraints to think about, more sexual activity can be enjoyed throughout this period of effectiveness.
This medication was originally sold under the brand name Cialis in a dosage of 20mg. After the patent expired, It became available in a range of formulas and strengths that cater to individual needs.
While tadalafil vs sildenafil both require sexual stimulation, their onset times differ. Generally, this substance takes an average of thirty minutes to two hours until it takes effect on the body, depending on the metabolism of an individual. It is normally advised for a person to ingest this medication thirty minutes to an hour before planned sexual activity.
A key aspect of the tadalafil vs sildenafil dichotomy is that the standard 20mg strength of the runner-up could last up to thirty six hours before it is metabolized out of the body.
One key difference between sildenafil and tadalafil is their variable strengths. For a daily regimen, tadalafil is available in 5mg dosages that can provide around-the-clock coverage against impotence. On the other hand, one can also take the standard 20mg dosage for a long-coverage against this condition.
Another key difference between tadalafil vs sildenafil dosages is that the former substance has a lower chance of side effects. Some of the most common side effects include nauseous feelings, migraines, back & chest pain, flushing & swelling, and stuffy nose. These effects usually only last a few days as the body adjusts to the treatment. In rare cases, it may also cause changes in vision, dizziness, or prolonged painful erections known as priapism.
Feature | Sildenafil | Tadalafil |
Brand Name | Viagra | Cialis |
Onset Time | 30 & 60 minutes | 30 & 45 minutes |
Duration | 4 & 6 hours | Up to 36 hours |
Dosage Options | As needed | As needed or daily |
Food Interaction | Yes (fatty meals delay) | Less affected |
Half-Life | Four hours | Eighteen hours |
First of all, the choice between tadalafil vs sildenafil mainly hinges on lifestyle. Sold under the brand name Viagra, the latter is the most popular ED medication to treat impotence in the US. It has an onset of thirty to sixty minutes, making it a great choice for spontaneous moments of intimacy with a partner. On top of that, the duration of a single tablet ranges from four to six hours of effective protection.
Cialis, on the other hand, has become the leading contender in various parts of the world, with France using it as their most preferred ED treatment since 2005. As a PDE5 inhibitor, it increases the blood flow to the genitalia. Where the original could only cover a man for few hours after taking it, this newer drug could cover a person from impotence for more than thirty-six hours on average. It takes thirty to forty-five minutes before it affects the body.
Depending on the distinct tadalafil vs sildenafil dosages available on the market, choosing the right treatment to handle ED can be tricky as many studies have shown that tadalafil vs sildenafil have similar success rates in treating ED. This decision can boil down to the preference of an individual, as one is aimed towards spontaneous moments of intimacy, while the other is for regular and planned use.
Knowing what's the difference between sildenafil and tadalafil for budget-conscious patients can be one of the most defining aspects of a chosen medication.
The tadalafil vs sildenafil pricing can differ significantly, as these medications treat the same condition for alternate periods. It is also important to understand the advantages amongst branded and generic products that are available in the market, with generic brand costing as little as $1 per pill and branded products being upwards of $65 per pill.
Since the late 2010s, tadalafil vs sildenafil generics have become more available thanks to online pharmacies selling them at a low cost. On top of that, many telehealth platforms are now easily accessible via mobile devices, allowing many to access cutting-edge medication from the convenience of their own home.
When navigating insurance plans can be tricky as the tadalafil vs sildenafil coverage can vary depending on the plan one is on. Most insurances don't cover branded ED treatments, opting for generics as they are cheaper. An example would be Medicare's prescription plan, they do not cover brand names either, only choosing to cover generics if they treat other conditions apart from erectile dysfunction.
When it comes to deciding between tadalafil vs sildenafil, personal preference, tolerance level, and how often you have sex are the key talking points. Men who have occasional sex take sildenafil products where as men in long term relationships take tadalafil daily.
There are several things to consider when taking these medications, especially for diabetic patients, as their efficacy diverges. One has vascular benefits to aid neuropathy, while the other has rapid action, which suits those with unpredictable glucose-related ED flares.
Patients taking alpha-blockers or nitrates should also carefully consider the interactions in tadalafil vs sildenafil, since the former's longer half-life may cause reductions in blood pressure. However, the latter makes it possible to better manage risks and adverse effects.
By speaking with a doctor, one can learn more about the many ED management treatments that are available, as well as other possible solutions like changing to healthy habits and making positive lifestyle choices.
All in all, these two medications are the most advanced medical treatments for managing impotence. The dilemma of which is better boils down to this: Viagra leaves the body faster, and Cialis lasts longer. If you are still wondering what's the difference between sildenafil and tadalafil and would like some personal advice, our platform has live chat agent ready to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Need more information on tadalafil vs sildenafil? Head to neccrx.com.