Adcirca (Cialis)

Description

Cialis (tadalafil) is a PDE5 inhibitor primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Its main distinguishing feature compared with sildenafil (Viagra) and most similar drugs is its long duration of action. It doesn’t create an erection automatically; sexual stimulation is still required.

Key features:

• Long-lasting effect — tadalafil can remain effective for up to about 36 hours, compared with roughly 4–5 hours for sildenafil.
• More flexibility — because of the longer window, timing sexual activity around the dose can be less important.
• Food has less impact — tadalafil can generally be taken with or without food, whereas a high-fat meal can delay sildenafil’s effect.
• ED treatment — improves erectile response by increasing penile blood flow during sexual stimulation.
• Also used for BPH — tadalafil is approved for symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), including when ED and BPH occur together.
• Daily option — tadalafil is also prescribed in a low-dose daily regimen for ED/BPH, unlike the usual as-needed approach.
• Typical side effects include headache, flushing, indigestion and nasal congestion. Tadalafil is particularly associated with back pain and muscle aches in some people.

Compared with sildenafil

Tadalafil = longer window and greater spontaneity.
Sildenafil = shorter acting and generally used specifically before anticipated sexual activity.

Other PDE5 inhibitors include vardenafil and avanafil. Avanafil is notable for its relatively rapid onset, while tadalafil stands out primarily for its much longer duration.

One important safety point: tadalafil, sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors must not be combined with nitrate medications such as nitroglycerin because blood pressure can fall dangerously low.