The erectile dysfunction (ED) market is a $12 billion industry, which makes it a huge business opportunity for pharmaceutical companies.
While there are similarities between the two drugs, they are actually quite different from each other. Not only do they serve different purposes, but they are also significantly safer and more effective when compared to the average ED drug.
Key Differences Between Viagra And Cialis
Both viagra and cialis can help to improve your sex life. However, unlike viagra, cialis is a “third option” for those struggling with ED, along with the previously mentioned drug sildenafil and the newly approved drug dapoxetine. So, what exactly is the difference between these three drugs?
To answer that question, let’s take a quick look at each of the medications.
Sildenafil
This is what most people think of when they hear the word “viagra”. Introduced in 1992, sildenafil is actually a generic form of Viagra. Like its more popular cousin, it blocks the action of phosphodiesterase 5 in the body, allowing more blood to reach the penis and resulting in an erection. Because it is a generic form of Viagra, it is relatively inexpensive and accessible.
While sildenafil has been successfully adopted as a daily medication for erectile dysfunction, there are actually safety concerns associated with taking it on a long-term basis. Since it is a prostaglandin analogue, it has the potential to cause very serious side effects including:
- Kidney damage
- Bladder damage
- Swelling of the veins (edema)
- Increased risk of heart attack
- Colon polyps
- Decreased sperm production
Because of these risks, sildenafil should never be used on patients with a history of heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or blood pressure problems.
Dapoxetine
Dapoxetine, which was approved by the FDA in 2017, is another relatively new drug. Like cialis, it is also a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). However, instead of increasing synaptic serotonin, as cialis does, dapoxetine blocks the reuptake of serotonin, preventing it from being destroyed in the body by other cells in the brain. That means less serotonin is available to stimulate the nerve endings in the penis, thereby causing an erection. Because it is a relatively new drug, less clinical data is available about its safety and effectiveness.
However, based on the information available, dapoxetine appears to be a safer and more effective choice than sildenafil. Unlike sildenafil, which can cause sexual dysfunction in about 2% of those taking it, dapoxetine has virtually no known side effects.
There are also no known drug interactions with dapoxetine.
Cialis
Cialis is a popular drug with an active ingredient similar to sildenafil and dapoxetine, but it is much more effective. Approved in 2003, cialis is one of the first pharmacological agents to be specifically designed for use in treating ED. It is a short-acting drug as it only lasts for about an hour before it begins to deactivate. However, its popularity among those seeking a long-term ED drug has led to it being referred to as a “Lifestyle Pill”. When administered as part of a treatment plan, cialis can help to improve erectile function in men with ED, regardless of whether it is caused by psychological or physical factors. Because it is a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, it has the potential to cause very serious side effects including:
- Allergic reactions
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
- Swelling of the veins (edema)
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Hair loss
- Skin redness
According to the package insert, cialis has an antidote, which, when administered, reverses all of its known serious side effects. Furthermore, because it is a relatively new drug, there are also no known drug interactions with cialis.
As we mentioned above, each of these medications has a specific purpose and each one plays an important role in the treatment of ED. However, despite their differences, they are all effective in helping to treat ED. Which one is right for you? That depends on your personal situation. For example, if you are wanting to try something new, then cialis might be the answer. Or, if you are already taking sildenafil, then switching to dapoxetine might be the better option.