Erectile dysfunction- an inability to acquire or sustain an erection upon sexual stimulation for satisfactory intercourse. This condition affects millions of men worldwide each year. Witnessing symptoms of ED from time to time is common and doesn’t seem to be a cause for concern. However, when it becomes a persistent issue, medical attention is needed. There is a wide range of medications available, but the most commonly used treatments remain sildenafil and tadalafil. Both belong to the same drug class, but still carry some differences. Let’s understand which one is for you: tadalafil or sildenafil.
What is Sildenafil?
Sildenafil is a generic name for the brand-name medication Viagra. This medication is primarily prescribed to people with erectile dysfunction, a condition wherein achieving or sustaining an erection is a problem. It is accessible by prescription only and comes in many different strengths, ranging from 25mg to sildenafil 100mg. Revatio is another brand of sildenafil, prescribed to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and enhance exercise capacity in both women and men. It takes 30 to 60 minutes to show its effects, and the effects usually last for about 4 hours. This medication functions only when you are sexually aroused. Without sexual stimulation, you may not get optimal results.
This medication begins its effects by inhibiting an enzyme called PDE5, which, as a result, helps relax certain blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow into the penis upon sexual arousal. This medication is not a magic pill, which means it doesn’t offer an erection on its own; you need to be sexually aroused for it to work.
What is Tadalafil?
Tadalafil is a generic medication that is sold under the brand name Cialis. This medication is also similar to the aforementioned medication Sildenafil in functioning and belongs to the same drug class known as PDE5 inhibitors. This medication is used for two major conditions: erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia. After taking the dose, it begins to work within 30 minutes to 2 hours and lasts for 36 hours. Therefore, it is also popular as the “weekend pill”. This is considered the preferred option for spontaneous intimate sessions.
This medication functions by relaxing blood vessels, which, as a result, allows more blood flow to the penis. Boosted blood flow allows you to get a firm and durable erection upon sexual stimulation. This medication is available in multiple strengths, ranging from tadalafil 2.5mg to Tadalafil 20mg tablets. The medic will determine the dosage based on a wide range of aspects, including medical history and current ongoing treatments.
In addition to the above, if you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, you may consider tadalafil oral jelly 20mg. It is specifically designed for older adults and people who can’t swallow a tablet.
Which one should you choose, sildenafil or tadalafil?
Onset of action and duration of effect: Both medications belong to the same drug class, PDE5 inhibitors, and are primarily prescribed to treat the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil needs about 30 to 60 minutes to start working, and its effects last only 4 hours, which may vary from person to person for a range of reasons. This is considered suitable for planned and occasional sexual encounters. On the other hand, Tadalafil starts working within 30 minutes to 2 hours of administration and lasts for approximately 36 hours. Therefore, it is also popular as the weekend pill. This medication is considered suitable for spontaneous intimate sessions due to its faster onset of action and long window of effectiveness.
Food interaction: Taking Sildenafil along with or after a high-fat or heavy meal can reduce its effects or delay effectiveness. Therefore, it is advised to take this medication on an empty stomach for optimal results. On the other hand, food doesn’t interfere much with the effectiveness and rate of absorption, so it can be taken with or without food. However, it is generally recommended to dodge heavy or high-fat meals around the time of administration of this medication.
Dosage and cost of both medications: Both medications are available in many strengths. Sildenafil is available in three major strengths, 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg, with effects lasting for approximately 4 to 6 hours. This medication is usually taken as needed and should not be taken more than once daily. On the other hand, Cialis is available in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg, with the window of effectiveness for 36 hours. It is also taken on an as-needed basis, but can be taken once daily at low doses such as 2.5mg and 5mg. Regarding cost, sildenafil is less expensive than tadalafil, making it suitable for people with a tight budget.
Which one should you choose?
Choose Sildenafil if you:
- want a faster onset of action.
- need it for a planned sexual encounter.
- are comfortable with a shorter window of effectiveness.
- are looking for a budget-friendly option.
Choose tadalafil if you:
- want the wider window of effectiveness.
- are looking for a daily low-dose option for ED.
- need to have spontaneous sexual encounters.
- are okay with the expensive option.
Also Read: How to Use Sildenafil Citrate Tablets 100mg Safely and Effectively?
Can you buy ED medications online?
Yes, you can buy ED medications online through online pharmacies like Day Night Drugs. They have been serving people worldwide for more than a decade, standing out as a reliable online pharmacy. They carry a wide range of drugs, ranging from prescription to non-prescription. Even if they don’t have the medications you are looking for, they will try to arrange them. Additionally, if you encounter any problem while navigating the site, you can contact their 24/7 customer support.
