Adcirca Vs. Cialis: Is There A Difference? – Introduction
Two medications frequently mentioned when it comes to treating ED are Adcirca and Cialis. Both are part of a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors that stimulate blood flow to the penis to produce an erection. The two are similar but have key differences that patients must appreciate before deciding which to pursue.
What Are Adcirca and Cialis?
Adcirca (Tadalafil)
Adcirca is most commonly used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition that causes high blood pressure in the vessels that enter the lungs. Yet it is also the same active ingredient as Cialis but in a different dose. Adcirca typically is ingested daily in amounts higher than the dosage recommended for erectile dysfunction.
Cialis
Cialis is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction and BPH. It too uses the same active ingredient, tadalafil, but it is designed to be used in lower dosages to treat ED. Cialis is renowned for its 36-hour effectiveness versus other ED drugs.
Key Differences
Indications and Usage
Most importantly though, the biggest point of difference between Adcirca and Cialis concerns the use of the two drugs.
Adcirca is indicated for PAH, an inherited disease of the pulmonary blood vessels that results in elevated blood pressure and reduced exercise capacity. Adcirca works effectively to treat Erectile Dysfunction but it is not widely utilized for this purpose.
Cialis, on the other hand, was approved for both impotence and BPH, a disorder of the urinary tract. Cialis can be taken by the patient in an individualized manner, whether it is once daily or as needed.
Dosage Forms
The dosages of Adcirca and Cialis, too, seem to confirm the distinction.
Adcirca comes in stronger forms (with the first containing up to 20 mg), but its higher strength is intended to be used for the treatment of PAH, not ED, which requires a lower dose to manage.
By comparison, Cialis comes in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg dosages- depending on the extent of the disease being managed by the physician.
Duration of Action
Each drug offers a long-lasting effect due to its active ingredient, tadalafil, and it can take up to 36 hours. But they are taken in very different ways, and for very different purposes.
Cialis is available in either low daily dose which must be used on a daily basis, or higher dose when necessary, so that the patient will have a little more freedom in sexual relations.
Adcirca, on the other hand, generally is used at doses not designed to treat episodes, just like Cialis. Rather, Adcirca’s duration of action refers to continuous treatment of PAH symptoms.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Adcirca and Cialis are both accompanied by various common side-effects that, while often minimal, are detrimental to patient comfort. These include:
Headache: Headache is one of the most commonly seen symptoms. Headaches, most often a side effect of the drug’s effects on blood vessel dilation, range in severity from mild to severe.
Flushing: Redness and warmth are noticed in some patients, often around the face. The swelling occurs as blood vessels expand.
Static Stomach: Some patients experience stomach upset or nausea.
Backache: Muscle aches such as backache have been observed, and can appear hours after taking the medication.
While such side effects tend to be minor and tolerable, it is often advisable for the patient to alert their healthcare provider to any major changes in their medical state to ensure continued safety and efficacy.
Adcirca vs. Cialis: Differentiating Effects
Although both drugs carry similar side effects, individuals using Adcirca for PAH might also experience additional or more severe side effects compared to Cialis. Examples of these include:
Dizziness: This may be caused by elevations in blood pressure that result from the medication’s impact on vascular tension.
Tachycardia: Heart palpitations may occur- either directly from the drug or due to disease activity that occurs within PAH.
This differential effect is also critical in patients who are susceptible to moving from one drug to another, as well those who have recently received Adcirca for the treatment of PAH. Awareness will make it easier to communicate with health care professionals to ensure proper monitoring.
Cost Factor
The second major distinction between Adcirca and Cialis is the price. The prices of both drugs will be dependent on, but not limited to, insurance coverage, local pharmacy prices, and patient aid programs. These factors may differ considerably from one patient to another in terms of treatment selection and availability. That’s something the patient should discuss with their physician and pharmacist: whether it’s cost-versus-price, whether there are lower-cost options, whether there are financial-aid options.
Which Should You Choose?
Generally speaking, patients with erectile dysfunction should use Cialis because it’s an erectile dysfunction specific medication that is developed specifically for this reason. Discuss your medical history and prescription regimen with doctors and nurses because they have the most accurate insights into what’s best for you.
Patients with PAH and potentially erectile dysfunction may receive Adcirca, but this is less likely in the majority of patients.
Conclusion: Adcirca Vs. Cialis: Is There A Difference?
Both Adcirca and Cialis contain the same active ingredient, tadalafil, but they’re used for different conditions and at different doses. It’s important for patients who suffer from erectile dysfunction or pulmonary arterial hypertension to understand the difference between the two medications. You should always talk to a healthcare provider about these medications to ensure the best and safest possible treatment options given your individual circumstances.
