Tadalafil (brand name: Cialis) and Viagra (brand name: Vigraf) are both popularly known as PDE-5 inhibitors, which are used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). While both have similar uses and indications, they are actually quite different in many ways. Let’s take a look at some of the major differences and similarities between these two popular medications.
Tadalafil vs Viagra
One of the fundamental differences between Tadalafil and Viagra is that the first one is always considered a “generic” or “bio-identical” replica of the latter. This is mostly due to the fact that Tadalafil was found to be more effective in treating ED. The Tadalafil molecule is also extremely similar to that of sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra. As a result, generic Tadalafil is usually considered to be very close in chemical structure to the brand name drug and is, therefore, a better option for those who are looking to avoid generic drug side effects.
That being said, Viagra is always going to be the “classical” drug when compared to Tadalafil. So, if you’re looking for the “newer” or “modern” alternative, then Tadalafil is what you want instead of Viagra.
Dosage And Administration
Just like with any other medication, the dosage and how you want to take it of Tadalafil and Viagra will vary from person to person. As a general rule of thumb, the recommended starting dose of Tadalafil is 10 mg, and that of Viagra is 25 mg. It’s also advisable to take the medications in the morning, since research shows that they’re most effective when taken in the morning. If needed, you can increase the dose gradually, until you find the right level for you. This can be done in intervals.
When it comes to administering Tadalafil, you’ll need to follow the same guidelines as you would with any other medication. For oral consumption, you can either take it as a tablet or capsule. If you’re feeling more adventurous, then you can inject it directly into your penis. While this might feel great, there are actually risks associated with this type of administration. As with any other medication, if you’ve never taken or handled a PDE-5 inhibitor before, then it’s best to start out small and gradually increase your dose until you find the right level for you.
Treatments For Other Diseases
Even though Tadalafil and Viagra are used to treat ED, they’re actually quite useful for a variety of other conditions as well. Men with diabetes, for example, commonly take Tadalafil to help with their blood glucose levels, and those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often use it to improve their renal function. Furthermore, heart medication such as beta-blockers and RAAS inhibitors (which include Angiotensin II receptor blockers – ARBs) are sometimes combined with PDE-5 inhibitors, especially if the patient is also taking nitrates to control their blood pressure.
Tadalafil is also helpful in preventing and treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlargement of the prostate. This is a common condition in men over 40 years of age and can cause symptoms like slow or impaired urinary flow or frequent need to urinate. If you think you might have this condition, then it’s better to get checked out by a doctor so that you can find the right treatment for you.
As for Viagra, it’s also been proven that this drug can be used to treat several other medical conditions. It’s been used to help men with premature ejaculation and to improve their odds of having successful intercourse. Furthermore, preliminary data shows that it might even be able to prolong labor in pregnant women. In summary, both medications have numerous proven uses and can easily be found in most standard pharmacies. The only difference is that one is “generic” and the other is not.
Possible Side Effects
Just like with any other medication, there are potential side effects associated with Tadalafil and Viagra. The most common side effects of Tadalafil include stuffy nose, headache, flushing, and visual disturbances. These are usually mild and go away after a few hours or days. Patients who take nitrates or those who are at risk of developing nitrate intolerance should not take Tadalafil, as it might cause an acute reaction that could lead to severe harm or even death. Although rare, individuals who have developed a severe sensitivity to sulfites (the compound that makes up wine, dried fruit, and cooked vegetables) have also had problems while on therapy with Tadalafil.
On the other hand, the most common side effects associated with Viagra include headache, dizziness, facial flushing, and tachycardia (fast heart rate). This one’s been around for longer and has a more established safety record than Tadalafil, so most physicians feel safe prescribing it to their patients. Although these are all potential risks, they are generally mild and go away after a few days. It’s also worth noting that since Viagra was approved by the FDA in 1999, there have been fewer problems reported by patients than with Tadalafil, which was approved in 2013.
Cost
The cost of a 30-day supply of Tadalafil at a pharmacy is usually between $52.84 and $60.28, while that of Viagra is between $83.99 and $92.49. These costs vary between pharmacies and are mostly dependent on the prescription drug plan you have (if any) as well as the medication’s dosage. For example, the dose of Tadalafil is related to the cost, with a standard 10 mg dosage costing between $52.84 and $60.28, compared to the price of an over-the-counter (OTC) drug that is effective for ED, which is about $11.50 for a 30-day supply.
In conclusion, while both Tadalafil and Viagra are safe and effective medications for a variety of medical conditions, they are actually quite different in many ways. One of the most significant differences is in their safety profiles. Tadalafil has a relatively safe and well-established history, while Viagra’s safety has been called into question (especially in combination with other medications). This is mostly because there have been reports of severe side effects in combination therapies, while the use of Tadalafil in combination with other medications has not been extensively studied yet. As with any other medication, it is imperative that your physician knows about all of your medical conditions and treatments before prescribing Tadalafil or Viagra for you. In addition, be sure to consult with the doctor about how you want to take the medication and what the proper dose is for you.