Decision Time | Planning Ahead
Which ED medication is best for me?
Well, it depends. If you're considering using medication to improve the quality of your erections and sex life, you're probably thinking about whether to choose Sildenafil (Active Ingredient in Viagra) or Tadalafil (Active Ingredient in Cialis).
They have a lot in common, they're in the same class of drugs, and research has demonstrated their effectiveness in over 80% of patients.
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Generic Viagra (Sildenafil)
Sildenafil is the active ingredient in brand name Viagra and lasts 4-6 hours.
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Generic Cialis (Tadalafil)
Tadalafil is the active ingredient in brand name Cialis and lasts 24-36 hours.
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Aside from their color, the main difference is timing, our doctors at MetaHealthRX have come up with the following points to consider before making your decision.
Plan Ahead
Both sildenafil and tadalafil take time to work their magic. For best results, you'll want to take them anywhere from 30 minutes up to an hour before you anticipate spending quality time with your special someone.
A study conducted on 50mg sildenafil pills discovered that the median time to onset of erections was 27 minutes, where 71% of patients experienced onset of erections within the first 30 minutes, and 82% responded within 45 minutes. Typically, men have reported slightly faster onset with tadalafil.
If dining and drinking is involved, you may want to consider taking sildenafil or tadalafil even earlier, as food or alcohol can slow down the time it takes for your body to absorb the medication.
Consider Your Sex Life
The most important factor to consider is timing. Sildenafil and tadalafil have different half lives, which determine how long they work for. Sildenafil typically wears off within four to six hours, while tadalafil can last as long as 36 hours in most cases. So whether or not you and your partner are spontaneous lovers or meticulous lovers, just know there's a right pill for you.
Consider Daily Dosing With Tadalafil
Men have reported positive results with daily dosing with a lower dosage of tadalafil. Typically daily dosing is recommended for men who desire the ability to perform sex anytime. Due to tadalafil's longer half life that allows for 24-36 hours of effectiveness, daily dosing allows for more opportunities and preparedness for spontaneous sex whenever you and your partner are in the mood.
Sildenafil can also be taken daily, but is generally prescribed for use on an as-needed basis. Just remember to take one 30 minutes to an hour in advance.
Find What Works For You
If you don't respond to the first medication you select, you may want to try the other before giving up. Only a small percentage of men without serious health conditions fail to respond to both medications. Fortunately, both sildenal and tadalafil are off patent, and are substantially cheaper than they used to be. Your doctor will work with you to find the perfect medication for you. Don't worry, at MetaHealthRX, we never charge for a doctor's appointment, and will never charge you for patient support.