While it may still be taboo to talk about erection problems, finding help has never been easier. However, not all erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments are equal. Pharmacologically, PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors still rule the market. Sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) are the popular options. Though they all belong to the same drug class, they are not the same and should not be used interchangeably, unless there’s a go signal from your doctor.
Pfizer has achieved a game-changing feat worldwide for releasing Viagra. Some people call it the “vitamin V” but it is still not the super drug ED sufferers believed it to be. After all, you need to plan your sexual activity within 4 hours of taking it, leaving no room for spontaneity. When Cialis, aptly nicknamed The Weekend Pill, was introduced as having a half-life of 17.5 hours, it was granted FDA approval the next year.
What a longer half-life means
Biological half-life refers to the time it takes for half of the drug to be metabolized or removed from the bloodstream. Upon reaching its half-life, the drug will be 50% less active. Cialis has a half-life of 17.5 hours, which means its effect can last up to 36 hours.
The Cialis advantage
The benefits of Cialis don’t stop there; it is also indicated for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and pulmonary hypertension. Now that you have chosen to treat your ED with Cialis, you might be wondering how to maximize its effects. In order for an ED drug, specifically PDE5 inhibitors, to create the best outcome, you must know when and how to take it properly. Leave unrealistic expectations out the door, as it can do you more harm. Viagra and Cialis cannot magically give you an erection. Knowing how the drug works will also help you understand your health condition and its management.
Mechanism of action
Simply put, PDE5 inhibitors increase blood flow to the penis to facilitate erection, but you need to be sexually aroused before it can do that. The engorgement of the penis takes place when the blood vessels carrying blood to the penis increase the delivery of blood, and the ones carrying blood away from the penis decrease the removal of blood. Following sexual stimulation is the production and release of nitric oxide (NO). This substance activates the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The role of the cGMP is to control the amount of blood that goes in and out of the penile erectile tissues. In normal setting, an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-5 destroys cGMP. There are high levels of PDE5 in the retina, lungs, and penis. What PDE5 inhibitors, like Cialis and Viagra, do is block the action of the PDE5 enzyme, so that cGMP stays in the system longer and keep the penis engorged.
Tips for Cialis patients
- Alcohol may not affect the action of Cialis, but it can lower blood pressure and decrease sexual performance.
- Tadalafil is not affected by food but taking it on a full stomach may still delay its onset of action.
- Similar to Viagra and Levitra, it begins to work within 30 minutes to an hour, so don’t expect spontaneous erections. But, then again, if you want it to kick in a little sooner, take it on an empty stomach.
- Unlike sildenafil, tadalafil can be taken, albeit in smaller doses, daily. It’s definitely good news for people who don’t want to set their sexual activity around their medication.
- You doctor will most likely prescribe the standard dose of 10mg. For daily usage, you may start with 2.5mg. Your dose can be reduced or increased depending on how you respond to it. The maximum dose you can take is 20mg, but it’s not for a once-a-day regimen. Talk to your doctor if your current dose is ineffective.
- If you are taking Cialis daily, take it at the same time every day.
- You should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice after taking Cialis because it increases the levels of tadalafil in your blood, resulting to a higher risk of side effects.
- It’s worth amking some lifestyle modifications to improve your ED, and make the drug work better. Smoking, stress, alcohol drinking, and substance abuse can affect ED.