Erectile dysfunction

 Sildenafil and Tadalafil are both an oral tablet, prescription medicines that are FDA approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). 

 Sildenafil is in a group of medications called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Sildenafil treats ED by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, which leads to an erection. This medication comes in tablet form and is taken one hour before sexual activity. Sildenafil’s effects last 4-6 hours. Tadalafil is in a group of medications called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. Tadalafil can be taken up to 36 hours before sexual activity and therefore is often known as the “weekender”. 

 Although the effects of Tadalafil can help you achieve an erection for up to 36 hours, both Tadalafil and Sildenafil can be taken 1 hour before sexual activity. Maximum dose is 20mg for Tadalafil and 100mg for Sildenafil. Both medications should be taken with a full glass of water and can be taken on an empty stomach or with a normal sized meal. It’s important to note that Sildenafil and Tadalafil will not give you an erection for the entire period that they are in your system. They simply allow you to achieve a satisfactory erection when you are sexually stimulated. 

 Do not take Sildenafil or Tadalafil in combination with any other medications to treat ED. Medications containing Nitrates can have a serious drug-drug interaction with Sildenafil or Tadalafil. Inform your doctor if you are taking Nitrates before starting ED treatment. Side effects of Sildenafil and Tadalafil include headache, flushing, difficulty breathing, abnormal vision, nasal congestion, back pain, nausea, dizziness and rash.