Sildenafil (brand name Viagra®) and tadalafil (brand name Cialis®) are first-line oral medications for erectile dysfunction. Both belong to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Also belonging to this category are avanafil (brand name Stendra®) and vardenafil (brand name Levitra®).
PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil and tadalafil work by enhancing the natural release of nitric oxide in the body, which is responsible for activating guanylate cyclase. Guanylate cyclase, in turn, creates cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) – the substance primarily responsible for causing erections.
cGMP is primarily responsible for erections since it impacts the amount of blood that the blood vessels deliver to and from the penis.
PDE5 inhibitors work by increasing the release of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a chemical typically released as a response to sexual stimulation, inducing sexual arousal.
Nitric oxide then activates chemicals that help relax smooth penile muscles, boosting blood flow to the area and creating an erection. PDE5 inhibitors amplify the effects of nitric oxide, leading to increased erection frequency and hardness while an individual is engaged in sexual activity..
PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil and tadalafil prevent cGMP breakdown, allowing it to saturate and remain in the penis longer, achieving a firmer, more pleasurable erection for longer.
That being said, what are the differences between sildenafil and tadalafil? While both belong to the same ED drugs class, a few aspects distinguish one from the other.
Sildenafil vs. Tadalafil: A quick rundown
- Sildenafil (Viagra®) and tadalafil (Cialis®) belong to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction
- Both sildenafil and tadalafil have similar side effects, such as headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, flu-like symptoms, blurred or distorted vision, an inability to differentiate colors, low blood pressure, muscle pain, and light-headedness.
- Severe side effects include priapism, a painful condition involving an erection lasting more than several hours, arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat.
- One of the key differences between sildenafil and tadalafil is the length of time they stay in your bloodstream. Tadalafil improves erection frequency and firmness over a longer period, lasting up to 18 hours, while sildenafil ranges from 4-8 hours, depending on its dosage.
- The longer efficacy of tadalafil is reflected in its cost. Tadalafil and its branded version, Cialis® is slightly more expensive than sildenafil and its branded counterpart Viagra®. Men who prefer a longer-lasting effect may opt to take tadalafil, while men who prefer a more cost-effective and renowned solution may go for sildenafil. However, both ED drugs have a high success rate, and neither one is necessarily “better” than the other. It ultimately depends on individual preferences.
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What are the differences between sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis)?
The main difference is the duration of their effects. Tadalafil’s effects range from 18-36 hours, meaning it can treat symptoms of erectile dysfunction anytime within that period.
On the other hand, sildenafil lasts around 4-8 hours.
The advantage of using tadalafil is that men can enjoy spontaneous sexual activity due to its longer duration.
Sildenafil is best taken on an empty stomach for faster absorption – taking it after a heavy or fatty meal may interfere with its absorption and take longer to kick in than usual.
Tadalafil, on the other hand, can be taken on an empty stomach or with a meal without affecting its potency or absorption time.
However, it must be noted that every individual responds differently to medication. Some men might find that sildenafil works better on them compared to tadalafil, and some men prefer tadalafil over sildenafil. Moreover, both have their own set of side effects that may lead individuals to prefer one ED drug over the other.
Does tadalafil work faster than sildenafil?
While both medications’ effects kick in rather quickly, tadalafil just slightly beats sildenafil. Tadalafil’s effects may be felt within 15-20 minutes after taking it, while sildenafil takes around 30-40 minutes for its effects to begin.
Does tadalafil last longer than sildenafil?
Tadalafil’s effects have a longer duration (up to 36 hours) than sildenafil (up to 4-6 hours). The advantage of tadalafil is that you can take it as needed rather than pre-planning your dosage and timing it before engaging in sexual activity, unlike sildenafil. This means you can enjoy tadalafil’s effects from 12-36 hours after taking it. Some men prefer tadalafil because it allows them to enjoy more spontaneous sex longer.
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Is sildenafil more effective than tadalafil?
Both ED medications have a remarkably high success rate, allowing most men to overcome their ED symptoms and take back control of their sex lives. Clinical trials show that sildenafil (Viagra®) 100 mg garnered an 82% success rate in treating ED patients, while tadalafil (Cialis®) earned an 81% success rate in patients.
The bottom line is that clinical data support the notion that both sildenafil and tadalafil are excellent and effective ED treatments. There is not much difference as far as efficacy is concerned.
Sildenafil vs. Tadalafil: The Verdict
Sildenafil and tadalafil have proven to be effective, viable, and safe treatments for erectile dysfunction that millions of men use to help achieve and sustain an erection for improved sexual performance and pleasure.
However, on paper, tadalafil offers a longer duration and faster absorption time than sildenafil. Moreover, tadalafil’s effects work just as fast whether on an empty or a full stomach.
Every individual’s response to sildenafil or tadalafil is unique and varies from person to person; some men stick to sildenafil even after having tried tadalafil, and some men prefer tadalafil over sildenafil.
Ultimately, neither drug is strictly better than the other; rather, both possess unique qualities that make them appropriate for different individuals.
