Individuals having issues with their erection function might be subjected to sexual distress. Their inability to share an intimate connection with their partner can leave them feeling frustrated. When the condition worsens, it might overwhelm them. But one can manage these sexual difficulties with the help of treatment remedies like erectile dysfunction medications. Such medications are made using active ingredients such as Sildenafil and tadalafil, that help in restoring a healthy erection function.
Both these active ingredients are used for the same purpose, which is to improve the erection function in men with erectile dysfunction. Many generic versions of these drugs have been manufactured by various pharmaceutical companies. But if both these drugs serve one purpose, then what sets these two apart? Continue reading to find out.
Sildenafil action
Sildenafil is an active ingredient of Viagra medications, which is a Food and drug administration (FDA) approved medication for treating erectile dysfunction in men. It is also used in generic forms, and it is equally effective as Viagra due to the same ingredient. Viagra is just a brand-name version of sildenafil.
As an active ingredient, sildenafil comes under the classification of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor drugs, which are clinically proven for their action in improving erection function and helping men to get healthy sexual responses. As the name suggests, PDE5 inhibitor drugs inhibit the PDE5 enzymes from affecting the erectile response. Sildenafil stops PDE5 action in the penile blood vessels and increases the release of nitric oxide in the walls of the penile blood vessels.
Sildenafil is a vasodilator, which causes the dilation and expansion of the strained and narrowed blood vessels that were affected due to PDE5 action. After vasodilation, the blood vessels attain complete relaxation, which allows more blood to flow through the blood vessels of the penile. This increase in the blood supply, helps men to get stronger erections.
Tadalafil action
Tadalafil is an active ingredient of the popular ED medication known as Cialis. These are approved by the FDA for use in men, that are experiencing impotence issues. Tadalafil is also classified under the category of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. As an active ingredient, tadalafil works by extending the flow of blood to the penile blood vessels by conducting dilation of the narrowed blood vessels.
The constriction or narrowing of the blood vessels happens due to the PDE5 enzyme’s action, which causes the build-up of plaque in the vascular passages of the penile. PDE5’s action gives rise to erection difficulties, as the plaque formation blocks the blood flow to the penile, which makes the erection function difficult. However, tadalafil increases the levels of nitric oxide in the walls of the blood vessels, as nitric oxide is the chemical that conducts vasodilation. It further increases the blood flow inside the penile shaft and revives the erection function.
Sildenafil Vs tadalafil
1. Action time
Sildenafil drugs take around 30 to 60 minutes to start their action. The effects of drugs get slowly assimilated into the bloodstream. Whereas tadalafil starts its action after 15 to 30 minutes of consumption. The time taken for the assimilation of these drugs might differ from one individual to another, depending on various factors like age, hormonal impacts, health, drug interactions, etc.
2. Effectiveness
The effects of sildenafil medications remain in the body for around 4 to 5 hours. When it comes to Tadalafil, the effectiveness of this drug remains in the body for an extensive duration, which is up to 36 hours or sometimes even more. One cannot take more than a single pill of tadalafil within 2 days. Sildenafil drugs can be used regularly, but high doses of tadalafil drugs must not be taken regularly, otherwise, it might lead to overconsumption.
3. Consumption
Sildenafil pills can be used regularly, but not more than a single pill within 24 hours. One must take it 30 to 60 minutes before a planned sexual activity. Similarly, a single tadalafil pill can be taken 30 to 45 minutes before an anticipated intimate activity.
4. Cost
The branded version of tadalafil, that is Cialis, costs much more than Viagra, which is the branded version of sildenafil. Although their efficacy remains somewhat similar.
Which one is better?
When it comes to treating impotence problems, people’s preferences may vary according to their requirements. Some might want prolonged effectiveness, while others might seek short-term effectiveness. Various factors like affordability, effectiveness, suitability, etc. can be a point of concern for individuals when choosing between sildenafil and tadalafil. So, the choices may vary depending on these factors, hence one cannot simply tell which one is better.
There are several generic versions of these drugs, that can be bought without a prescription. One such generic of Cialis is Tadalista, which offers the same benefits as Cialis. It can be affordable for all.
What are the side effects of ED medications?
Erectile dysfunction drugs can produce some side effects. These effects can be of mild intensity. If an individual is using these drugs in combination with alcohol, then they may experience these side effects more intensely. So, one must avoid combining the use of alcohol and ED drugs. After taking the pill, one might experience headache, flushing, upset stomach, nasal congestion, vision problems, diarrhea, dizziness, and rash.
These side reactions will cause you some trouble until the effectiveness of the pill remains in the bloodstream. Once the pill gets eliminated from the body, the side effects disappear. However, if they persist for a significant duration, then get it checked by your healthcare provider.
