In 2019, a medication that boosts nitric oxide production, sildenafil (Viagra), was approved by the FDA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The FDA approval was largely due to its effectiveness as a treatment for ED, particularly in men with diabetes. Now, less than a year later, the pharmaceutical industry’s answer to ED, tadalafil (Cialis) is set to be released to the market. It will be interesting to see how these two similar medications compare to one another given that they are both effective in treating ED and that their chemical structures are almost identical.
To help men experiencing ED (and their caregivers) understand the differences between these popular herbal supplements, this article will examine the clinical studies that have been conducted on them and identify their similarities and differences. The article will also discuss the potential side effects of each medication and how they should be managed.
What Is the Difference Between Viagra and Cialis?
Both drugs are PDE-5 inhibitors and work by enhancing the action of nitric oxide, a compound that plays an important role in many biological processes. Nitric oxide is known to relax the smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels, causing them to dilate—which in turn boosts blood flow to key areas of the body, such as the penis—and increase the pleasure a man feels while having sex.
While both medications have FDA approval for the treatment of ED, it is important to note that they are not intended to treat all types of ED. Viagra is approved for use in men with ED who also have diabetes, and Cialis is approved for use in men and women with ED. In general, Viagra is better suited for mild to intermediate ED, and Cialis is better suited for severe ED. It is also important to remember that the dosages that have been studied in clinical trials are significantly different for these medications. In a study of Viagra, participants were given either 50 mg or 100 mg of the drug. In another study of Cialis, participants were administered 20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg of the medication. This dosage variation can make it difficult to determine the proper dosage for an individual patient depending on their body weight and their existing medications.
How Do They Work?
After the FDA approved them for the treatment of ED, researchers studied the drugs and determined that they work by increasing the level of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide helps to regulate the function of the cardiovascular system and the nervous system. When the body is not producing enough nitric oxide, it can result in many health problems, including ED. The nitric oxide pathway has been shown in clinical trials to be responsible for approximately 90% of the medication’s effectiveness.
Are There Any Side Effects?
There are a number of potential side effects associated with both medications, but the risk of these effects is generally low. Some of the more prevalent side effects include headaches, flushing, facial flushing, and redness. However, these are generally mild and go away after the patient stops taking the medication. In a study of Viagra, the most common side effects (occurred in 3% of the participants) included headache, flushing, and rhinitis (nasal congestion). In a study of Cialis, the most common side effects (occurred in 4% of the participants) included heartburn, dyspepsia (difficulty in consuming food), and headache.
What Are the Most Important Differences Between the Two Drugs?
Aside from the fact that they both treat ED, the only other significant difference between these medications is in the doses that have been studied in clinical trials. While the recommended starting dose for Viagra is 50 mg, the recommended starting dose for Cialis is 10 mg.
The larger dosages of the two drugs have been shown to be more effective in treating ED. Therefore, it is important to note that the dosages that have been studied for these medications are significantly different. In a study of Viagra, participants were administered either 50 mg or 100 mg of the drug; in a study of Cialis, 40, 80, or 120 mg of the medication was administered. This means that patients will need to start out with a lower dose of Cialis and will likely need to titrate their dosage up to the proper level, depending on their individual needs. Also, while both are effective in treating ED, Cialis also appears to work more effectively in increasing the blood flow to the genitals, potentially leading to stronger orgasms for men.
Given their effectiveness in treating ED and their almost identical chemical structures, it is not surprising that these medications were approved for the same disease by the FDA. Nevertheless, the dosage variation and the different clinical trial results for the two medications mean that they should not be considered equal substitutes for everyone.