Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to obtain and sustain an erection strong enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse. It can be an underlying medical condition that needs treatment. There are several different ways to cure erectile dysfunction. This article contrasts two popular drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction, Cialis (Branded) and Tadalafil (Generic).
Cialis is the brand name for a medicine known as Tadalafil, a cheaper generic version of Cialis. The term “generic” refers to medicines not made by the original pharmaceutical business. A generic medicine is medically comparable to a branded drug since it has the same active component. Generic medications, however, are not branded. Thus, Tadalafil has the same active ingredient, effectiveness, and side effects as Cialis.
What is the difference between Cialis vs Tadalafil?
From a medical standpoint, Tadalafil and Cialis both function similarly. Both are phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which encourage the dilation of blood arteries. Additionally, they both momentarily boost blood flow to the penis.
Tadalafil, however, does not necessarily contain the bulking agents and chemical stabilizers Cialis does. Still, these ingredients have no medical significance and do not influence the efficacy of the pills.
Tadalafil and Cialis have the same effects and last the same amount of time.
The contrast comes down to distribution, branding, and marketing. Cialis is a well-known brand produced by Lilly ICOS LLC and has a distinct appearance. Contrarily, Tadalafil may arrive in simple, unbranded packaging, taking the appearance of a little, unassuming pill.
An example of a similar situation is Viagra and Sildenafil. The active component of Viagra is Sildenafil, and both medications operate in the same manner. However, Viagra is frequently preferred over Sildenafil due to branding, marketing, and promotional methods.
Now, let’s examine these differences in more detail:
Appearance
The standard Cialis pill is yellow, oval-shaped, and film-coated. They come in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg dosages.
Tadalafil is also yellow but can be either oval- or circle-shaped.
Regardless, it still comes in tablet form and functions similarly. Any appearance difference, branded or generic, is just aesthetic and has no medical value.
Cost
Eli Lilly and Company is the only producer of Cialis. Hence they have total price control over the brand without competitors. As a result, there is a significant price difference between Tadalafil and Cialis.
The price of Cialis might be two to three times more than that of Tadalafil.
On the other hand, Tadalafil is much more affordable because it is produced by several companies and is available for purchase from any authorized pharmacy.
The price of Tadalafil might fluctuate, just like it does with all medicines. However, the course of a person’s therapy, the extent of their insurance, and the pharmacy they use are all variables that might influence what they pay.
Patients should speak with their doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company to learn the price of Tadalafil.
Cialis vs Tadalafil dosage
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Tadalafil can be consumed in two ways: daily or as-needed.
Daily medication: The dosage ranges from 2.5mg and 5mg. Limit your daily pill intake to one.
As-needed basis: The doses are 10mg or 20mg.
Take note that Cialis and Tadalafil may only be obtained with a prescription. Thus, guidelines exist for when and how you can use the medicine. Your physician will begin you on a low dose of around 2.5 mg and adjust as necessary based on how well it works for you and whether you encounter any adverse effects.
Moreover, taking the pills once a day will ensure constant levels of the medication in your system. Since the drug is ever-present in your body, you can get an erection without planning ahead of time.
Cialis vs Tadalafil effectiveness
The efficacy of Tadalafil is equivalent to that of Cialis. The FDA ensures that generic versions of brand-name medications provide the same clinical benefits.
Cialis vs Tadalafil side effects
Tadalafil and Cialis offer many advantages but also carry a risk of various side effects such as:
- Headaches and migraines
- Dyspepsia (burning or discomfort in the upper abdomen)
- Back and muscle pain
- Nasopharyngitis (nasal congestion, a condition typically caused by the common cold)
- Blocked or runny nose
- Flushing (redness)
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Vision disturbances
- Vomiting (being sick)
- Painful erections (lasting longer than 6 hours)
Side effects usually resolve a few hours after taking the medication. Seek medical attention immediately if side effects do not go away or are extreme.
What is the strongest Tadalafil?
The maximum dose of Tadalafil is 20 mg once a day.
Is Cialis stronger than Viagra?
Some people prefer Cialis over Viagra because of its longer effect. Others might like Cialis’ once-daily dosage as a more durable treatment for erectile dysfunction, allowing for greater spontaneity in their sexual life. However, for individuals who only use it infrequently, Viagra’s fast-acting effect is ideal.
The differences between Cialis and Viagra are as stated below:
| Cialis | Viagra | |
| Dosage | 10 to 20mg | 50 to 100mg |
| When to take it | Daily or on an as-needed basis | As-needed basis |
| How long does it last | 36 hours | 4 to 5 hours |
| Works within | 16 to 45 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Food consumption | Cialis doesn’t affect activity so it can be taken with or without food. | Viagra is best taken on an empty stomach. Avoid eating a high-fat meal as it decreases the drug’s effectiveness. |
| Effectiveness | 81% | 84% |
Is Tadalafil stronger than Sildenafil?
Tadalafil and Sildenafil are highly effective, and neither one is better than the other. In fact, both demonstrate an efficacy greater than 80%. However, while there are no chemical changes between these generic medications and their brand-name counterparts, there are minor variations in their duration of action and side effects.
So, Sildenafil vs Tadalafil – which one is better?
Tadalafil has a broader window of action than Sildenafil, which may cause its side effects to linger longer. Understanding the negative consequences is crucial since it might influence your choice. The fact is that every individual responds to medications differently and with varying degrees of effectiveness.
Some men prefer Sildenafil despite having tried Tadalafil and vice versa. One of the many reasons is that Sildenafil is more cost-effective and economical than Tadalafil.
Other medications for erectile dysfunction
Besides Cialis, there are other medications for erectile dysfunction, which andSons offer:
- Generic Sildenafil
- Branded Tadalafil – Cialis
- Generic Tadalafil – Talis
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Cialis and Tadalafil are both FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction. Thus, the generic versions are just as effective, safe and significantly more affordable.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice.
Book a consultation with andSons Malaysia’s medical team to learn more about sexual health conditions and available treatments here.
