Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or Impotence is a condition where a man is unable to develop and maintain an erection during sex. Conditions that lead to impotence are medications such as anti-depressants, kidney failure, diabetes, anxiety, depression and aging. Other causes for ED - Erectile dysfunction include high cholesterol, hypertension and obesity. Low levels of testosterone, metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis could also lead to impotence.

Lifestyle changes that can help treat erectile dysfunction are reducing stress, quitting smoking and exercising regularly. Oral medications for impotence are Sildenafil and Tadalafil. Viagra is one such popular medication that is used to increase blood flow and relax the muscles in the penis.

Tadalafil

Tadalafil is a prescription drug to treat ED Erectile Dysfunction. Tadalafil, available in many brand names - such as Cialis, is a second generation selective phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor medication. PDE-5 inhibitors work by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-5 PDE-5. First generation PDE-5 inhibitors like Sildenafil and Vardenafil (Levitra) have a half-life of 3.7 hours typically while the second generation drug like Tadalafil has a half life of about 17.5 hours or more. What this means is that a single dose can have a longer effect. Some studies have suggested the use of this drug for the treatment of other male and female sexual disorders, such as premature ejaculation and female sexual arousal disorder.

Dosage of Tadalafil: Note that alcohol and a PDE5 inhibitors act as mild vasodilators. When mild vasodilators are taken in combination, blood-pressure lowering effects of each may be increased. This combination can enhance the potential for orthostatic signs and symptoms such as an increase in heart rate, decrease in standing blood pressure, dizziness and headache.

Normal dosage is about 10 mg as a single dose a few minutes before the actual event. Its effects last upto 36 hours in some cases obviating the need for more doses in subsequent days.

Contraindication for Tadalafil: Tadalafil or Cialis is contraindicated for patients who use organic nitrates as the concomitant use of the nitrates along with PDE inhibitors can result in abnormal lowering of blood pressure, or dizziness, syncope, or even heart attack or stroke.

Side Effects of Tadalafil:Some patients have reported headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, nasal congestion, facial flushing and dizziness although these effects do not last longer than 24 hours after the administration of the drug.

Vardenafil

Vardenafil is a prescription drug for male erectile dysfunction (ED)and is similar to Sildenafil (Viagra). But Vardenafil has a lower effective time compared to drugs of this type. The normal starting dose is 10 mg, roughly equivalent to 50 mg of Sildenafil and like Sildenafil the maximum recommended frequency of use is once per day.

All other precautions applicable to other PDE-5 inhibitor drugs apply to this drug as well.