Posted 24 August 2018
There are a number of things to consider when
deciding on a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED)
- how long will the effect last, how often do I need to take it, how much does
it cost? But did you know that tadalafil,
once only available as the Cialis brand, is now available to buy online as a
generic (unbranded) version?
What is
Generic Cialis (Tadalafil)?
Generic forms of any medication are medically
identical to the branded originals and are quality controlled to the same
standards as the brand name versions; they are just as safe and effective but
generally cost much less.
Generic tadalafil contains exactly the same
active ingredient as Cialis, but at a fraction of the price. This may be of
benefit if you’ve thought about trying Cialis in the past but were put off by
the cost. However, cost isn’t the only factor to take into account, and the
information below aims to help you decide on the best erectile dysfunction (ED)
treatment for you.
Which
erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment should I choose: Sildenafil or Tadalafil?
Sildenafil and tadalafil are the two most
popular treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED), with sildenafil, brand name
Viagra, being the oldest and most well known of the two. But which is better?
Sildenafil is taken an hour before sexual
activity, and it will help you get an erection up to at least four hours after
taking it, sometimes up to six hours (this doesn’t mean you’ll have an erection
that lasts for this length of time - just that you’ll have the potential to
have an erection if sexually aroused within the four to six hours after
taking). Tadalafil, on the other hand, can be taken 30 minutes before sexual
activity and will help you to get an erection up to 36 hours later, so it
allows for more sexual spontaneity and has been dubbed “The weekend pill”. Both
sildenafil and tadalafil should not be taken more frequently than once a day.
The effect of sildenafil can be impaired if
taken with or after food, but tadalafil works just as well taken after a meal
as it does on an empty stomach.
Which
erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment is best for lactose intolerant people?
If you are lactose intolerant, sildenafil may
be the best option as it is available as a lactose free formulation. You can
buy the Mylan brand of sildenafil at Webmed, which is lactose free.
Tadalafil can also be taken as a daily dose if
you are sexually active at least twice a week. This means you don’t need to
worry at all about waiting for the effects to kick in - you’ll be ready for
sexual activity at any time.
Other erectile dysfunction (ED) medicines are
available besides sildenafil and tadalafil - avanafil,
available only as the brand Spedra, is the fastest
acting, taking effect in just 15 minutes. Vardenafil,
marketed as Levitra, may work more quickly and last
slightly longer than sildenafil and tadalafil and may be the most suitable ED
medication for people with diabetes.
What’s
the best erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment?
Overall, it appears that tadalafil comes out
on top when compared with sildenafil, with the notably longer duration of
action, slightly faster onset of effectiveness, compatibility with food and the
option to take it as a once daily dose. But everyone has different needs, and
what works for one person may not work for the next. Hopefully, this
information will have helped you to decide on which erectile dysfunction (ED)
treatment will be best for you.
To see the full list of erectile disfunction (ED) medication available from Webmed,
click here.
Author: Gabby Gallagher MPharm
Medically reviewed by: Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons)MRPharmS 24/08/18
Posted in Erectile Dysfunction, Men's Health, Sexual Health