Although they come from different drug families, the dual anti- erectile dysfunction (ed) drug combination of Cialis and Viagra is a popular one. The pharmacological interaction between the two is complex but synergistic; they can both increase blood flow to the penis and, when used together, potentiate each other’s effects.
The combination of these two drugs is very effective and has fewer side effects than most other treatments for ed. The fixed-dose form of Cialis and Viagra, as well as the recently approved generic versions, are available at a lower price than most other combinations of ed drugs, making them a viable option for many. Additionally, each drug in this combination has its own unique benefits, so it is important to understand their differences before deciding which one is best for you.
Complex Pharmacology
Cialis is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, while Viagra is a vasoactive agent. PDE5 is an enzyme that breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) which helps regulate the smooth muscle tone of blood vessels throughout the body. Cialis inhibits the action of PDE5, thus increasing the level of cGMP and in turn blood vessels dilation. This property makes Cialis a very effective drug for the treatment of ed, especially in cases where blood vessel dilation is a contributing factor. It can help to relax and open up the blood vessels in the lungs, enabling increased air flow and oxygenation.
The inhibitory effect of Cialis on PDE5 is readily reversible, which means that if you stop taking the drug it will only take a short while for your body to start producing its own PDE5 again. It is also worth noting that although Cialis is highly effective for treating ed, there is a small chance that it can cause an adverse effect known as priapism, which is a prolonged and painful erection that can last for several hours. This is a rare but serious side effect that can be triggered by the drug and which can be treated with hospitalization and/or injection of Botulinum toxin A (Botox). Patients who develop priapism while on Cialis should discontinue the use of the drug and contact their physician immediately.
Viagra’s Role
Like Cialis, Viagra also acts as a vasodilator via its inhibition of PDE5. However, while Cialis inhibits this enzyme, it increases the production of another enzyme, Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). This is why Cialis has a more widespread effect, acting on vessels throughout the body, while Viagra is more specifically targeted at the blood vessels in the penis. This drug is most effective in cases where the penile tissue itself is the factor that is preventing an erection.
Viagra is also known to have a prophylactic effect on priapism, making it a useful drug for the treatment of this frustrating condition. Finally, like Cialis, treatment with Viagra can help to improve the respiratory system and increase oxygenation of the blood. It can do this by relaxing the muscles in the lungs, which in turn can increase their elasticity and help prevent the occurrence of respiratory complications.
For these reasons, the combination of Cialis and Viagra is an extremely useful tool in the treatment of ed and can be considered as a viable alternative to other combination therapies available. This fixed-dose combination is also more affordable than many other treatments for ed, which means that it has the potential to become a popular option for many. Lastly, although the two drugs in this combination can both cause priapism in rare instances, the incidence of this side effect is notably lower with Cialis and Viagra than with many other treatment options. This makes the drug combination of Cialis and Viagra all the more appealing.