Generic Cialis and brand-name Cialis contain the same active pharmaceutical ingredient: tadalafil. This means both medications deliver the same therapeutic effect.
However, slight variations exist in inactive ingredients. These are the fillers, binders, and other substances added to make the pill manufacturable and easier to swallow. These inactive ingredients don’t affect the drug’s primary function but can influence factors like tablet disintegration, absorption rate, and potential for allergic reactions. Checking the specific inactive ingredients listed on each product’s packaging allows for comparison.
The FDA requires generic drugs to be bioequivalent to their brand-name counterparts. This means that they must reach the same concentration of the active ingredient in the bloodstream in the same timeframe after administration. Rigorous testing ensures that generics consistently meet this standard.
Therefore, while the core chemical composition (tadalafil) is identical, minor differences in inactive ingredients exist. Patients should consult their doctor or pharmacist with any questions or concerns about specific ingredients.
