What’s the Difference Between Tadalafil and Cialis?
Tadalafil is the generic version of brand name Cialis. In simple layman terms, when you buy a fancy glass Evian water bottle from a wine and cheese store versus a good old handy water bottle from the grocery store, that’s Tadalafil versus Cialis. They ultimately differ in that brand name companies spend on marketing, branding and advertisement. This price ultimately gets passed on to the consumer. However, they are equally effective — interchangeable — medications.
What Are These ED Meds Uses?
Tadalafil and Cialis are phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Here, at Rocky, we call them “the weekenders” because they work for up to 36 hours. Other medications like Sildenafil (Viagra) only work for up to 12 hours. So Tadalafil (Cialis) is the more desirable option if you want to introduce more/longer lasting spontaneity to your sex life.
What Side Effects Should I Expect?
Several studies exploring the safety profile of ED treatments such as Tadalafil (Cialis) found that PDE-5 inhibitors improve erectile function and have similar efficacy and safety profiles. However, like with any medication, side effects may occur. Side effects include headaches, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion, muscle and back pain, visual disturbances, dizziness and a skin rash. ED medications can also lower blood pressure so let your doctor and pharmacist know if you are on any other blood pressure lowering medication.
Serious side effects such as priapism (a prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours after stimulation has ended) which can result in permanent damage to your penis if not treated immediately as well as sudden loss of vision or hearing can also occur in rare cases.
Will Tadalafil (Cialis) Help Me Become Aroused?
Tadalafil (Cialis), like all PDE-5 inhibitors, are a mechanical solution. They help your erection last longer so you can have a more enjoyable sexual experience, but options like Tadalafil (Cialis) aren’t going to spark a mental state of arousal. The element of attraction is still very much applicable in this scenario and is entirely up to you and your partner.
Tadalafil (Cialis) is also not a wonder-pill for low self esteem and performance anxiety either; we wish a pill like that existed but for now your best bet is to try other avenues like talking therapy if your erection issues are not mechanical.
If you do not know what’s causing your ED and aren’t simply curious about your options, we encourage you to seek out the appropriate health care professional for a definitive diagnosis. Keep in mind that there’s no one size fits all, but there is one size that fits.
Sources:
- Bella AJ, Lee JC, Carrier S, Bénard F, Brock GB. 2015 CUA Practice guidelines for erectile dysfunction. Can Urol Assoc J. 2015 Jan-Feb;9(1-2):23-9. doi: 10.5489/cuaj.2699. PMID: 25737750; PMCID: PMC4336024.
- Huang SA, Lie JD. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors In the Management of Erectile Dysfunction. P T. 2013 Jul;38(7):407-19. PMID: 24049429; PMCID: PMC3776492.
