Treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in males using medications such as Viagra, a well-known branded drug, or some generic medicines like Tadalafil and Sildenafil, etc., is usually recommended by most doctors. Different medication drugs function with varying efficacy in a person’s body and the outcome may also differ. Thus, considering this factor, let us know, Is tadalafil stronger than Viagra?
What is Tadalafil?
Tadalafil is a generic pharmaceutical drug, an aphrodisiac (stimulant) available in tablet form which is typically taken as an oral medication before sexual activity to boost sex drive. The drug is mostly prescribed by professional health practitioners to males in order to aid them in coping with erection and premature ejaculation problems. Though Tadalafil can be purchased from over-the-counter (OTC) drug stores, however, this is not advised because of the complications that may arise from its prolonged use.
Tadalafil belongs to the class of medicines known as ‘phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors’ or simply PDE-5 inhibitors. It is also an essential component that is present in various branded pharmaceutical drugs like Cialis, Alyq, Tadliq, Adcirca, etc.
Tadalafil tablets are available in dosage strengths of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 40 mg, respectively. The dosage is prescribed by doctors/physicians to persons depending on their age and past medical conditions.
What is Viagra?
Viagra, manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer is a popular drug that when taken helps men achieve firm erections of the penis and last longer during sexual intercourse with a partner or spouse. It contains Sildenafil, a generic drug similar to Tadalafil, as an active component that allows the drug to function effectively.
Viagra drug is available at pharmacies in the form of oral pills and tablets, and in prescribed dosage strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg, respectively. The prescribed dosage can depend on the person’s age, body weight, medical history, and severity of the condition, etc.
Viagra is commonly used both as a prescription drug and an over-the-counter (OTC) pill but without a prescription from a doctor. The drug is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Bear in mind, that branded medication drugs cost more than generic drugs.
Uses of Tadalafil and Viagra Medications for Treating ED in Males
Tadalafil is a prescription medication drug that is administered by professional doctors/physicians to treat erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) conditions occurring in both men and women.
In the case of ED, Tadalafil drug is typically prescribed for oral intake, no more than once a day, or as needed, and at least 17 hours before sexual intercourse.
When taken, Tadalafil drug functions by increasing sexual desire (libido) and allows men to attain penile erections when engaging in sexual activity with a partner/spouse. It is a stimulant, an aphrodisiac that can help boost the level of the male sexual hormone called testosterone and helps increase interest throughout sexual intercourse.
Viagra, on the other hand, is not an aphrodisiac, rather the drug allows males to achieve and/or sustain a prolonged erection of the penis by regulating the flow of blood from the blood vessels and into the body, including the male genital organ. The proper flow of blood into the penis allows men to achieve firm erections for a longer duration, and thus, engage in a pleasurable sexual activity with a partner/spouse.
Therefore, for Viagra to work effectively, the person taking this drug must be sexually aroused, which should occur naturally in the person’s testosterone.
Does Tadalafil Work More Effectively Than the Potent Drug Viagra?
Tadalafil is a stimulant (aphrodisiac) medication drug, whereas Viagra is not.
When a person takes one Tadalafil tablet just before sexual intercourse, the effect of the drug can increase the sexual desire in the person, and therefore, allow the penis to stay erected for longer.
After taking Tadalafil, the effects of this medicine can usually last for 36 hours. It is also possible for the stimulant drug to last even longer, depending on the dose and the person’s bodily response to the aphrodisiac drug.
Tadalafil should be avoided if the person is using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems because this medication drug could significantly decrease blood pressure.
Note: Some blood pressure medicines can cause erectile dysfunction, so do check which causes ED, and what BP medication does not cause impotence.
Viagra pill or tablet is typically taken at least 30 minutes or 1 hour, or perhaps, a few hours before sexual intercourse. After the oral intake of one Viagra pill or tablet in a single day, it starts to function within half an hour or in a couple of hours, depending on the person’s response to the medicine. After taking the drug orally, its effect can last up to 4 hours or even longer.
Doctors may prescribe Viagra drug to persons who are having difficulty with erections and are unable to copulate, and/or experience premature ejaculation. The dosage and duration of taking Viagra drug often varies from one person to another, taking into consideration factors such as the person’s age, weight, severity of the condition, medical history, etc.
Persons who have had health conditions like cardiovascular disease and chest pain etc., or are taking nitrate drugs or nitric oxides should avoid using Viagra since the frequent use of the drug may increase or decrease blood pressure.
Complications Arising from Prolonged Use of ED Medications
If Tadalafil is taken multiple times and regularly, its side effects such as the prolonged erection of the penis, backache, headache, myalgia, dyspepsia, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure or hypertension, etc., can impact the person’s health conditions.
A few symptoms that are likely to occur in the person if Viagra drug is taken for an extended period of time may include headache, backache, nasal congestion, burning in the stomach and chest, dyspepsia (indigestion), painful erections, frequent and prolonged erections with or without sexual desire (priapism), increased frequency of urination, pain when urinating, blurry vision and flushing, etc.
In the event these adverse effects do not subside over some time, it is advised to immediately seek medical assistance from a doctor and prevent the complications from getting worse.
Which ED Drug Should You Take?
The two ED drugs compared above work slightly differently to fulfill their purpose. Their efficacy also varies depending on the response from the person taking either of the medicines.
While Viagra drug is a household brand name that allows men with ED to have penile erections for a lasting sex drive with a partner/spouse, Tadalafil generic drug helps males with ED to stimulate their libido (sexual desire), which then allows men to have prolonged erections and engage in sexual activity.
However, a safe approach to taking medications for improving one’s sexual ability is to consult a qualified doctor. Doctors can recommend the best medicines for treating erectile dysfunction, thus, enhancing sexual desires and sex drive in men.
Wrapping Up
Both Viagra and Tadalafil are very effective drugs for treating erectile dysfunction in males, and most doctors recommend these medications to their patients.