Combination Therapy of Tadalafil 2.5mg Plus Sildenafil 25mg Versus Tadalafil 5 mg Monotherapy for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Double-Blinded Cross-Over Study

Overview

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is characterized by the persistent inability to attain or sustain an erection adequate for satisfactory sexual intercourse. As one of the most common male sexual health disorders, ED exhibits a global prevalence of moderate-to-severe cases ranging between 5% and 20% (1). Although erectile dysfunction is not life-threatening, it can substantially impair both physical and psychosocial well-being, exerting a notable negative impact on the quality of life of affected individuals and their partners. ED is a multifactorial condition associated with vascular, psychological, and, in some cases, idiopathic causes (2). Management strategies encompass lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy particularly with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, vacuum erection devices, intracavernosal injections, and surgical options (1). ED frequently coexists with metabolic and cardiovascular disorders and shows a rising incidence with advancing age and the presence of cardiovascular risk factors (2). Both physiological and psychological mechanisms may underlie the condition; psychological etiologies tend to be more prevalent in younger, otherwise healthy individuals (3). The presence of preserved nocturnal erections is a key clinical indicator suggestive of a psychogenic origin of ED (4). Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) represent the primary pharmacologic therapy for ED. Currently, seven PDE5Is (avanafil, lodenafil, mirodenafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, udenafil, and vardenafil) are available in varying dosages and formulations. Their efficacy has been consistently demonstrated in randomized controlled trials (5)(6). Sildenafil exhibits a rapid onset of action, typically beginning 30 minutes after administration, with an effective duration of 4 to 6 hours and a maximum pharmacological activity lasting up to 12 hours (7). While sildenafil is effective in managing erectile dysfunction, discontinuation rates among responders range from 20% to 50% (8). In contrast, tadalafil, a selective and long-acting PDE5 inhibitor introduced in 2003, has a slightly faster onset around 20 minutes and is recommended to be taken at least 30 minutes before sexual activity. Notably, tadalafil has the longest duration of action among PDE5 inhibitors, with effects lasting up to 72 hours. Approximately 52% of patients are able to achieve successful intercourse within 30 minutes of ingestion (9). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tadalafil 2.5 mg plus sildenafil 25 mg as a combination therapy versus tadalafil 5 mg monotherapy for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction