Cialis vs Tadalafil: Choose the Right Pill for Yourself
Erectile dysfunction or ED involves problems like difficulty in achieving a strong penile erection and maintaining the same, reduced interest or lack of energy for sexual acts; and so on.Â
There are hardly a few men who would walk up to a doctor without a second thought and freely talk about issues like erectile dysfunction; although not all of them suffer from such a condition due to any physical lacking, rather it is due to some psychological problem, or a result of some other underlying medical problem that needs to be detected soon.  Â
What is Cialis?Â
Cialis is a commonly prescribed, branded drug, that is used to cure erectile dysfunction. It is based on the salt of tadalafil and is a registered trademark of Lilly ICOS LLC.Â
What is Tadalafil?Â
Tadalafil is a generic drug and a widely used chemical compound or salt; which becomes the base compound for a wide range of pharmaceutical medicines. It is quite a popular medication for curing erectile dysfunction in men; as it happens to be a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5 inhibitor) i,e vasodilatation pharmaceutical drug. Apart from curing ED symptoms, it is also used in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and benign prostatic hypertrophy. It was first approved in 2003 by the FDA for use in ED and later in 2009 for PAH.
Cialis vs Tadalafil: Is there any difference?
Cialis is a branded drug; while Tadalafil is the generic form and the base salt used in Cialis. There are no differences in the results or any of the major parameters that are considered in pharmacology. Below lies a detailed comparative study for a better understanding. Â
Parameters |
Cialis |
Tadalafil |
| Erection Duration | 17 to 18 hours (approx) | 17 to 18 hours (approx) |
| Mechanism of Action | Being a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, it works by blocking the PDE5 enzyme and boosting nitric oxide. This action encourages the muscles in the penis to relax, which eventually allows blood to flow freely, and offers an erection when sexually stimulated. | Being a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, it works by blocking the PDE5 enzyme and boosting nitric oxide. This action encourages the muscles in the penis to relax, which eventually allows blood to flow freely, and offers an erection when sexually stimulated. |
| Dosage powers or strengths available | 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg | 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg |
| Dosage Intake per day | Cialis is taken as a 10mg starting dose. The dosage may be increased to 20mg if 10mg is ineffective or reduced to 5mg if side effects are intolerable. | Tadalafil 10 mg can be taken as a starting dose. However, it may be increased to 20mg if 10mg is ineffective or reduced to 5mg; in case the side effects are intolerable. |
| Timing of Consumption | Around 30 minutes prior to the sexual act. | Around 30 minutes prior to the sexual act. |
| Dissolution duration | About 30 to 90 minutes | About 30 to 90 minutes |
| Side effects | Headache, stomach upset, back pain, muscle pain, stuffy nose, flushing, or dizziness may occur. | Headache, stomach upset, back pain, muscle pain, stuffy nose, flushing, or dizziness may occur. |
| Storage temp. | 20°C – 25°C | 20–25°C |
Drug Interactions – Cialis vs TadalafilÂ
Being the same phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, Cialis and Tadalafil have similar interactions with other drugs, hence the following drugs should be avoided:
- Various forms of nitrates, such as isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) and nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)
- certain blood pressure drugs, such as calcium channel blockers
- alpha-blockers, which can treat high blood pressure or an enlarged prostate
- certain pulmonary hypertension drugs, such as riociguat (Adempas)
- protease inhibitors, a class of HIV medications
- antifungal drugs, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox)
- antibacterial drugs, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin)
Which one is better: Cialis or Tadalafil?
As mentioned above, Cialis does not differ from Tadalafil. However, the results of Cialis or Tadalafil last for a much longer duration as compared to the other phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors; that relax the smooth muscles in the blood vessels supplying the penis, which again increases blood flow to aid an erection.Â
But different patients may react to such drugs in different ways, and that is why a proper medical consultation is strictly advised before anyone finalizes on either of these drugs to cure any issues pertaining to erectile dysfunction.Â
Can Cialis or Tadalafil be taken OTC or doctor consultation required?
Medications like Cialis or Tadalafil can cause some really serious side effects when taken without doctor consultation. Hence a detailed diagnosis is advised before finalizing any of them.Â