Tadalafil (generic Cialis®) is among the most popular and effective drugs for erectile dysfunction (ED). Cialis® was introduced by Eli Lilly and Co and approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003 as the only ED pill proven to last for up to 36 hours.
Since its introduction to the market approaching 20 years ago, Cialis® has skyrocketed in popularity, rivaling only the ED drug with the first-mover advantage, Viagra® (sildenafil).
Eli Lilly’s patent on Cialis® ran out in the United States in 2018, allowing pharma companies to distribute a cheaper yet equally effective generic version called tadalafil to patients in the USA.
“Generic medicine” is the term used to refer to medicines that weren’t produced by the original pharmaceutical firm that marketed them. They are unbranded and can only be manufactured after the original patent on the medicine has expired. For instance, when Pfizer’s patent on Viagra® expired in 2013, generic sildenafil became readily available at a much more affordable price.
Generic Cialis® is called tadalafil because it is composed of the same active ingredient that treats ED. This can be compared to buying a tablet of “generic paracetamol” rather than Tempra®, its branded equivalent.
Tadalafil contains the same active ingredient as Cialis® does, including its effectiveness, duration, and side effects. The only difference between generic tadalafil and Cialis® is the price, with the former being much less expensive.
Does tadalafil work for ED?
Tadalafil may be prescribed to ED patients on a once-a-day or as-needed basis.
This distinguishes it from other PDE5 inhibitor ED drugs that are taken only on an as-needed basis, ideally before engaging in sexual activity.
Moreover, tadalafil stays in the body longer, allowing you to take it daily so that you are always ready for a romp whenever the mood hits.
Tadalafil is usually prescribed at a 10 mg dose when taken on an as-needed basis. Doctors may reduce or increase doses until a patient finds the ideal balance between being fully effective with the most minimal side effects.
In general, tadalafil’s effects last for approximately 36 hours.
Meanwhile, individuals taking tadalafil daily are given prescriptions of one 2.5 mg taken at about the same time of day, which may be increased to 5 or 10 mg depending on its results.
Tadalafil was found to have a 60-90% success rate for up to 65% of ED patients, regardless of ED severity. On the other hand, studies involving 11 analyses reported that 71% taking a 10 mg dose and 84% of men taking a 20 mg dose of tadalafil reported enhanced erection quality and frequency. Not surprisingly, said individuals reported more successful attempts at engaging in sexual activity.
Other research supports such claims, enhancing the reputation of tadalafil for improving overall male sexual health and satisfaction.
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What other uses exist for tadalafil?
Tadalafil isn’t just used for treating ED. It’s also used to treat benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate enlargement.
When taken for treating BPH, tadalafil is prescribed at 5 mg doses once a day.
BPH is a common condition among middle to senior-aged men. Based on statistics from the American Urological Association, nearly one in two men between the ages of 51 to 60 have an enlarged prostate. As much as 90% of men over 80 are diagnosed with it.
BPH may cause problems in relieving oneself, such as weak urine flow, incontinence, and straining to empty the bladder, among other related symptoms.
Prostate enlargement can cause damage to the bladder or kidney as it worsens with age.
Research supports that tadalafil can help improve BPH symptoms and quality of life in men with an enlarged prostate.
Will I experience fewer side effects taking tadalafil than I would with sildenafil?
As both drugs belong to the same category of drugs and share the same mechanism of action, both tadalafil and sildenafil share many side effects like headaches, upset stomach, and flushing. However, as tadalafil stays in the body longer, any side effects might last longer than taking sildenafil (which leaves the body in 4-6 hours).
What are the side effects of tadalafil?
Whether you’re taking tadalafil for ED or BPH, you should be cautious about its potential side effects, as you should with any other prescription drug.
The most common side effects of tadalafil, as mentioned earlier, are headaches, nasal congestion, upset stomach, muscle and back pain, and fatigue.
Severe side effects include priapism, a prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours, dizziness, and light-headedness. The latter may indicate a sudden decrease in blood pressure. Other less frequent side effects include changes in vision or perception, loss of hearing, allergic reactions, or chest pain. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects.
What medicines should I avoid taking with tadalafil?
Tadalafil shouldn’t be taken with alcohol or medicines like alpha-blockers, nitrates, and antihypertensive drugs. Neither should it be taken with recreational drugs called “poppers,” which are effectively nitrates. Tadalafil might interfere with such drugs and lead to complications such as a severe drop in blood pressure. Any patient experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction should seek medical attention immediately.
That said, it’s important to let your prescribing doctor know all about the medicines and recreational drugs you might be taking before going on a regimen with tadalafil to avoid any dangerous reactions or potentially life-threatening side effects.
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What advantages does tadalafil have over other similar ED drugs?
Tadalafil’s key differences between other ED medications like sildenafil (Viagra®) and vardenafil (Levitra®) are as follows:
- Long duration of action. Tadalafil’s effects may last as long as 36 hours, while sildenafil lasts only 4 to 6 hours.
- Tadalafil can be taken daily. Low-dose tadalafil may be prescribed daily for individuals who engage in sex more frequently, and prefer more spontaneity.
- Unaffected by food intake. You can take tadalafil with food or on an empty stomach without experiencing discernible delays in the time it takes to kick in.
Conclusion
Tadalafil has unique advantages that might make it a more suitable ED treatment for men than similar drugs such as sildenafil or vardenafil. Its key difference from other medicines of its ilk is that you no longer have to plan your sexual activity, allowing you to have more freedom and spontaneity in your sexual activity. It’s also unaffected by food intake. Since it is now available as a generic medicine, tadalafil can be bought at significantly lower prices than Cialis® without any difference in effectiveness.
