Erectile dysfunction is a common sexual health issue, affecting one in five men in Malaysia. Finding the right medication is crucial for successful treatment to help you regain your sexual confidence.
Viagra and tadalafil are both popular and effective treatment options for erectile dysfunction (ED). They may be similar in function but vary in terms of dosage, effectiveness, safety, and price.
What is tadalafil?
Tadalafil is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It is classified as a phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5) inhibitor, a class of drugs that relaxes the smooth muscles of blood vessels, thereby facilitating blood flow toward certain body parts. This process is what helps to boost men’s sexual performance when aroused.
This drug was first sold commercially almost 20 years ago under the name Cialis when its company obtained a patent for the drug’s development. Generic versions of Cialis (Talis) are now available after the patent’s expiration in 2017, significantly lowering its price point.
Viagra vs tadalafil dosage
Viagra is available in three strengths on the market: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. The most common prescription for Viagra is 50mg, and patients are advised to take it 30 minutes to 4 hours before anticipated sexual activity. Your doctor may decrease or increase your dosage based on your body’s reaction to the drug and if you experience any side effects.
Tadalafil comes in 10mg and 20mg doses. The starting dose is usually 10mg. It is to be taken one pill at a time, 30 to 60 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. The maximum and most common dosage of tadalafil in a day for ED is 20mg.
Both drugs should be taken only as needed, not more than once daily.
Viagra vs tadalafil effectiveness
If taken on an empty stomach, Viagra takes 30 to 60 minutes to work, while full effects may take up to 2 hours. On the other hand, it takes around 20 to 30 minutes to feel the effects of tadalafil.
The effects of tadalafil may last up to 36 hours, while Viagra’s duration of action is 4 hours. This is because the former option has a low systemic clearance, which means it can stay in your body longer than Viagra.
A general misconception about ED pills is that you will experience an erection throughout the duration of action. Instead, these medications make it easier to achieve an erection upon sexual stimulation in that time, which in tadalafil’s case is up to 36 hours after ingestion.
Viagra vs tadalafil side effects
Viagra and tadalafil are two of the four FDA-approved PDE5 inhibitors with similar side effect profiles. Most men don’t experience side effects with these drugs. Nonetheless, below are some that are commonly shared by these medications.
- Flushing
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Stomach ache
- Muscle and back ache
There are some additional side effects of Viagra not seen with tadalafil, such as:
- Insomnia
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Nosebleeds
Despite having fewer potential side effects than Viagra, tadalafil’s may be more persistent. This mirrors the drug’s longer duration of action and low clearance rate.
Do not take these medications if you’re on nitrate drugs or other medication to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. The interaction of these drugs with them may cause a sudden and severe decrease in blood pressure.
Always consult with a doctor before taking any medication and remember to disclose your medical history with them so they’re able to prescribe the most suitable option.
Does tadalafil or Viagra make you last longer?
If you have trouble achieving an erection, tadalafil or Viagra may allow you to maintain one longer during sex. This is because these drugs can help relax the muscles and blood arteries in the penis so that more blood can reach the area upon sexual stimulation.
Is tadalafil exactly the same as Viagra?
While both tadalafil and Viagra are well-known treatments for ED, several features set them apart.
Below is a table summarising the similarities and differences between these medicines.
| Tadalafil (Generic) | Viagra | |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | PDE5 inhibitor | PDE5 inhibitor |
| Active ingredient | Tadalafil | Sildenafil |
| Working mechanism | Allows more blood to reach the penis | Allows more blood to reach the penis |
| Dosage | 10mg, 20mg | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg |
| How long it takes to work | 20 to 30 minutes | 30 to 60 minutes |
| How long it lasts | 36 hours | 4 hours |
| Common side effects | FlushingHeadacheNasal congestionStomach acheMuscle and back ache | FlushingHeadacheNasal congestionStomach acheMuscle and back acheInsomniaBlurry visionDizziness Nosebleeds |
| How to take it | With or without food | Without food |
| Is a prescription needed | Yes | Yes |
Which ED pill is better: Viagra or tadalafil?
Tadalafil offers a longer duration of action, works faster, and has fewer potential side effects than Viagra. It is also not as affected by food.
Price is another factor to consider when it comes to medication. Fortunately, generic products can offer a huge relief for this concern. Viagra is a branded product of the active drug sildenafil, so it markets at a much higher price than generic tadalafil varieties like Talis. Generic products offer the same benefits and results as their branded counterparts without the additional cost of marketing, initial research and development, and branding.
Other medications for erectile dysfunction
PDE5 inhibitors are considered the first line of treatment for men with ED. Some other ED medications under this same classification as Viagra and tadalafil include:
- Vardenafil (e.g. Levitra, Staxyn)
- Avanafil (e.g. Stendra)
Certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help with ED by increasing serotonin levels in the nervous system. An example of this treatment is Dapoxetine (Priligy), an oral medication commonly prescribed for ED and premature ejaculation (PE).
Conclusion
Now that we’ve discussed the comparisons between Viagra and tadalafil, we hope you have a better understanding of both and which one is better for you.
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 for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation here.
