Some men with erectile dysfunction, or ED, find that by treating an underlying condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or by counselling and lifestyle changes, they can return to an active sex life. But others may need prescription medication to maintain an erection.
In this article, we will discuss the differences between compounding medication and prescribed drugs, such as Viagra® (sildenafil) and Cialis® (tadalafil), help you determine which is more appropriate for your situation.
Compounding Medication for Erectile Dysfunction
Compounding pharmacies have long been a part of the healthcare industry. Compounding faded into obscurity only when companies began mass-producing drugs on a large scale. However, since doctors realized that patients require customized treatment plans, it has come back into the spotlight.
There are several drugs available on the market for treating ED, but a compounding pharmacy offers convenience, compliance, and an optimization of onset of action and duration through dosage form and combinations.
Ease of Use
Have you ever had to swallow a pill that was so bitter you couldn’t even swallow it? Or perhaps, the preparation in a liquid form has a flavor that doesn’t appeal to you. If you had the option, wouldn’t you get it in a palatable flavor to make it more tolerable? Believe us when we say that you are not alone in feeling this way. Many people comment on the same issue.
This is particularly true for elderly patients, children, and even men with ED. In fact, they promote compliance by providing an easy to administer dosage form in a palatable flavor. By administering in such a manner, you not only improve compliance but you may improve a desired effect such as a quick onset of action and at the same time decrease the risk of adverse effects such as headache and flushing.
The Availability of Certain Medications and Combinations Thereof Are Possible
Many patients still need a certain drug when it is discontinued by a company. Compounded medications are the only option left for these patients and their providers. In this case, compounding meets the needs of the patient and is required by regulatory authorities to have a rigorous quality control and assurance much like that of the commercial manufacturers.
A compounding pharmacy can also provide ED medications in various combinations, depending on the patient’s needs. For instance, apomorphine, tadalafil, and oxytocin have become very popular combinations in recent years. It is not common to find them in this combination, so if you want them, you will have to go to a compounding pharmacy.
What Class Are These Ed Medications?
Viagra® (sildenafil) and Cialis® (tadalafil), are both brand names of prescription drugs that are used to treat erectile dysfunction. They belong to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which increase the flow of blood to the penis. These drugs assist men in achieving and maintaining an erection.
Similarly, Cialis® (tadalafil) and Viagra® (sildenafil) are also prescribed for treating different aspects associated with ED. For instance, Viagra® (sildenafil), may be prescribed with mild topical anesthetics for men experiencing early ejaculation so that they can have better control. Cialis® (tadalafil) may help men experiencing other sexual dysfunctions involving ejaculatory and orgasmic functions better than Viagra® (sildenafil).
Cialis® (tadalafil) and Viagra® (sildenafil) are both effective at treating erectile dysfunction. Their main differences are the length of the drug’s effect, how often it is taken, and the person’s medical history. While they are both effective for ED, Cialis® (tadalafil) is preferred by some due to its once-daily dosing, and it’s also indicated for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), two conditions that coexist in many men. Viagra® (sildenafil) has a shorter half-life that is ideal for those desiring a quick effect that dissipates once activity is completed, or those who use it multiple times a day as needed.
Now that you understand the differences between compound medication and prescription drugs like Viagra® (sildenafil) and Cialis® (tadalafil), you can visit with a licensed healthcare professional to determine which is the best one or combination for you. Stud RX has a team of experienced providers who can walk you through all the options, so you can decide on the best one for you. For more information, call us at 1-844-478-8379 or visit our website to schedule an online medical visit.
