Tadalafil Or Sildenafil – Which Is Better For Me?

Medically reviewed by: Thomas Fischer (Pharmacist). This article has been written according to strict guidelines and medical standards. More Info

Medically reviewed by: Thomas Fischer (Pharmacist) More Info

Sildenafil, developed by Pfizer, was the first of these drugs to be presented to the public in 1998. The product was named Viagra and became an overnight success. A couple of years later, in 2003, Eli Lilly introduced Tadalafil to the market. Like Viagra, Cialis (the Tadalafil brand name) took the market by storm.

Do not start using Tadalafil or Sildenafil based medication without first consulting your doctor. There are several interactions and contraindications associated with the use of these drugs that are best to avoid. These unwanted effects may result in life-threatening situations related to heart attacks, strokes, and renal failure. With both drugs being immensely successful, a person is often left to wonder which one is the best to use. In this article, we will draw a comparison between Sildenafil and Tadalafil to answer this question.

Tadalafil or Sildenafil - What's The Difference Between Them?

Both Sildenafil and Tadalafil are synonymous with the term erectile dysfunction (ED). Both drugs have proved, beyond any measure of doubt, it’s efficiency in treating the symptoms associated with impotence. Men living with erectile dysfunction are incapable of producing or keeping an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. The damage inflicted by this condition doesn’t end there, though. Due to their inability to perform, these men also develop severe psychological problems. Apart from this, impotence is known for its destructive impact on intimate relationships.

The development of PDE5 inhibitors has brought relief to millions of men worldwide over the last 20 odd years. This non-invasive treatment has not only revived these individuals’ sex lives but has restored their self-respect and dignity. All PDE5 inhibitor medications function similarly. It prevents PDE type 5 enzymes from prematurely destroying cGMP enzymes, without which one cannot have an erection. There are, however, subtle differences between Sildenafil and Tadalafil that is worth taking note of.

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What is Tadalafil?

Tadalafil (C22H19N3O4 – Tadalafil molecular structure) is a PDE5 inhibitor that functions similarly to Sildenafil. Developed by Eli Lilly and Co., it saw its market debut in 2003. It was initially introduced to the market under the brand names Cialis and Adcirca.

Tadalafil

Tadalafil is administered to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Adcirca is more commonly prescribed for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hyperplasia (PAH).

Since Eli Lilly’s patent on Tadalafil expired, the market saw the introduction of quite a few generic versions of this drug. These generics sell at a fraction of the cost of the trademarked product. Drugs that use Tadalafil as its base chemical are generally produced in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets.

Tadalafil also referred to as the ‘weekend pill,’ has a long-lasting effect. It may remain active in your system for up to 36 hours. Typically, this drug takes effect within two hours. Tadalafil is effective both as once-daily treatment as well as on-demand usage. Due to its long-lasting action, lower doses of Tadalafil is often prescribed for ongoing once-daily usage. This also makes it the perfect drug for the guys that prefer impulsive sexual encounters.

Tadalafil

The efficiency of Tadalafil may be affected by consuming certain foods, such as grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Excessive alcohol abuse has also been known to interfere with the effectiveness of Tadalafil based drugs.

Common side effects associated with Tadalafil includes:

Typically, side effects associated with Tadalafil will resolve themselves within a few hours. Should you experience adverse effects, you can’t explain, or for prolonged periods, you need immediate medical attention.

What is Sildenafil?

Sildenafil (C22H30N6O4S-C6H8O7 – Sildenafil citrate molecular structure) is a PDE5 inhibitor used in its citrate form. Developed by Pfizer and introduced to the market in 1998. The original trademark name for the drug is Viagra.

Sildenafil is typically prescribed to combat erectile dysfunction in men and also pulmonary arterial hypertension.

With Pfizer losing its grip on Sildenafil due to patent rights, generic versions of this drug exploded onto the market. The typical dosages for Sildenafil based drugs are 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg pills, although higher dosages are available in some of the generic versions of this drug.

Viagra was initially introduced as a diamond-shaped, blue-colored pill. This drug is commonly referred to as ‘The Little Blue Pill.’ It works best if taken only as needed. Sildenafil generics are up to 90 percent cheaper than the original version.

Sildenafil is active within 60 minutes after consumption, and its results may last up to 5 hours. Couples that prefer to plan ahead or to schedule a sex date will find Sildenafil to be the drug of choice. This is due to its quick response time, and short-lived active period in the male body.

Sildenafil

Certain foods, such as grapefruit and grapefruit juice, are known to interact with the efficiency of Sildenafil-citrate based drugs. It is also negatively affected by excessive alcohol abuse.

Sildenafil citrate is typically associated with the following side effects:

Generally, side effects do not cause long term damage and will resolve themselves within a few hours. Prolonged side effects as well as adverse reactions you can’t explain, are potentially dangerous and should be reported to your doctor immediately.

Can You Use Sildenafil & Tadalafil Together?

Sildenafil and Tadalafil are both PDE5 inhibitors used to treat symptoms related to erectile dysfunction, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Although there are structural differences on a molecular level, these drugs function in pretty much the same way. Both drugs prevent PDE5 enzymes from destroying cGMP enzymes. These drugs also act as vasodilators, which boosts the dilation of blood cells, promoting blood flow. This effect results in reduced blood pressure.

Your doctor may, if he deems it necessary and safe, prescribe Sildenafil to treat one condition and Tadalafil to treat another. In this scenario, they will lower the dosage intake of both drugs to avoid interaction between them. They will also monitor your condition to make sure that the two medicines don’t interact. Typically, however, your physician will avoid this combination.

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The Risks Involved With Using Sildenafil & Tadalafil Together

Using Sildenafil and Tadalafil together is not advised as there are potential interactions that may occur.  Combined use may increase the levels of Tadalafil and Sildenafil in your system. Because both drugs have a vasodilatory effect, this combination may result in a sudden, severe decrease in blood pressure. This may lead to a stroke, renal failure, or heart attack.

Combined usage may also result in Priapism (experiencing an erection for an extended duration of time, generally exceeding four hours). Untreated, this adverse effect may cause permanent, irreparable damage to the penis. Immediately seek emergency medical help if you experience this condition.

Other side effects of this interaction include vision changes, dizziness, and fainting. If any of these symptoms occur, you need to contact your physician immediately.

To prevent this action from occurring, you should inform your doctor that you are using both drugs. Also, tell him of the condition for which you are using the medication (ED, PAH, or BPH). Your physician will either change one of the drugs or alter the dosage you are taking.

Tadalafil vs. Sildenafil - Which One Is Better?

To draw this comparison, there are a couple of things that have to be taken into consideration. These are below.

Sildenafil vs. Tadalafil - Efficiency Compared

Sildenafil has a quicker response time after intake, but a shorter duration of effectiveness. Typically this drug will take between 30 minutes to an hour to take effect in your system. It will remain active for approximately five hours before it starts to lose its impact. Under the right circumstance, this can be prolonged to about six hours.

The use of Sildenafil will result in a firm and satisfying erection for as long as the drug remains active. It’s quick onset time, and short duration of effectiveness makes Sildenafil the perfect medicine for the individual that likes to plan ahead.

Tadalafil takes longer to kick in after using it, but its duration of effectiveness is much longer. It is often referred to as the weekend drug. On average, this medication will take between one to two hours to settle into your system. It generally remains active for roughly thirty-six hours before it starts to lose efficiency.

Like Sildenafil, it will enable you to produce a proper, rigid erection for the duration of the drug’s efficiency. This drug is perfect for the man who prefers spontaneous sexual intercourse due to Tadalafil’s longevity and potential for daily usage.

Sildenafil vs Tadalafil: Usage

Sildenafil was developed to treat erectile dysfunction. It is commonly prescribed to use as needed and seldom as a daily treatment. This means that a person with erectile dysfunction will only be able to produce an erection after taking the drug.

Tadalafil was designed to treat three conditions. These are erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. For this reason, it is commonly prescribed as a daily treatment. Men with erectile dysfunction, when using Tadalafil, can produce an erection on demand. This aspect makes drugs like Cialis very popular in men with erectile dysfunction.

Adverse Effects

There are only a few unique side effects for both Sildenafil and Tadalafil. Overall, the possible side effects that one can experience from these drugs are pretty much similar. If they persist, often, a lowering of the dosage rectifies this. The same applies to interactions and contraindications. So from this perspective, Sildenafil is as good as Tadalafil.

Sildenafil vs Tadalafil: Cost Comparison

The costs involved with buying Sildenafil and Tadalafil noted below are based on the lowest market prices at the time this article was written. It should only be looked at for the purpose of comparison.

A month’s supply of Sildenafil 100mg, at conventional outlets, will cost you approximately $1919.69 for the branded drug. For generics, you will pay about $15.44. Branded Sildenafil online, for 30 day supply, will cost you give or take $283.80, and generics is approximately $48.74.

Tadalafil trademark drugs, at conventional outlets, will set you back roughly $2065.04 and give or take $23.53 for the generic versions. Online the branded drugs will cost about $398.44 and generics $29.62.

On average, the price for branded Tadalafil drugs is noticeably higher than Sildenafil’s original drugs. When it comes to the generics, Tadalafil is once again slightly more expensive.

Conclusion: Tadalafil or Sildenafil - Which is right for you?

Regardless of whether you use Sildenafil or Tadalafil for erectile dysfunction, the quality of the erection that these drugs produce are the same. The noticeable differences lie in the time it takes to become active, the duration of efficiency, and the cost.

Test both drugs and take into consideration your lifestyle and preferences. The best medication is the one that suits your lifestyle and preferences and also the drug that works best for you.

Article Sources

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