Viagra and cialis are two popular erectile dysfunction drugs that are often confused with each other. Although both are prescription drugs that are used to treat erectile dysfunction, they work in very different ways and have different properties. This article will help you understand the differences between the two so you can choose the right ED medication for your needs.
When Do You Use Viagra?
Viagra is often prescribed to men who have had a heart attack or are in the early stages of heart disease. It can also be used in elderly men who have suffered from impotence for a long time. The drug is also used to increase the size of blood vessels in the penis and is usually given thirty to forty-five minutes before sexual intercourse to give the largest possible effect. In addition, if you have a history of seizures or strokes, you should not take viagra.
How Effective Is It?
The primary active compound in viagra is Sildenafil. This drug is a potent inhibitor of phosphodiesterase enzymes, primarily PDE-5. As a result, less intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is metabolized, which increases the amount of cGMP available to promote smooth muscle relaxation and dilation. In preclinical studies, oral doses of Sildenafil ranging between 3.125mg and 10mg were effective in promoting erections in rats and rabbits.
What Are The Side Effects?
The most common side effect of viagra is an adverse reaction to hepatic (liver) enzymes, which are often increased during peak hours of the day when the drug is most effective. These side effects are similar to aspirin and include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- headache
- stomachache
- diarrhea
- back pain
- migraine headaches
Although these side effects are extremely rare, you must always consider the risk of taking a medication before you start experiencing positive effects. Most men will not experience any side effects from viagra and, based on its efficacy and safety, it is considered a first-line treatment option for erectile dysfunction. It is also one of the most popular prescription medications among older adults due to its low cost and high efficacy.
What About Cialis?
Cialis is a popular erectile dysfunction drug with a similar chemical structure to Sildenafil, the primary active ingredient in viagra. However, instead of being a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, cialis is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) hydrolysis. Thus, it improves erectile function by increasing the amount of cGMP available to induce smooth muscle relaxation and dilation in the penis. Oral doses of Cialis ranging between 2.5mg and 5mg have been shown to increase the rate of erection in preclinical studies. In addition, this drug has a long half-life of seventeen to twenty-one hours, which gives you more control over when it is most effective.
Differences In Appearance
The most obvious difference between the two drugs is their appearance. Viagra is a white, crystalline powder with the chemical name Sildenafil. While cialis is a light yellow, crystalline powder with the chemical name Tadalafil. The chemical structures of these two medications are shown below.
How Do They Taste?
Taste is another important factor to consider when choosing your ED medication. You must try each and every one of them to discover how they taste. Some men find that they have a very strong taste while others cannot detect it at all. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict the flavor of a medication before you try it, so you must simply learn to live with the fact that you may not like any of the medications you try. Aside from the taste, you may also notice that some medications are more potent than others, which has a bearing on how you should dose them.
Conclusion
Both viagra and cialis are effective medications for erectile dysfunction, with different properties that make each one more suitable for particular individuals. If you are looking for a treatment option that is proven to work and has a positive safety profile, then consider either one of these medications. However, if you fear having negative side effects or worrying about how much you should dose based on what may or may not work for your specific individual needs, then choose an herbal blend or a vitamin supplement instead. Remember, if you are searching for an erectile dysfunction treatment, then you should try different options, at least three to four, to find the one that works best for you.