What is a Troche?
Troches are a form of medicine similar to hard candy in shape and size. They are a solid lozenge produced in our pharmacy and designed to dissolve in the patient’s mouth. Troches are generally great for clients who have trouble swallowing medications. Like any other medication, troches contain the main active ingredient needed to treat the specified illness. This form of administration generally provides greater bioavailability for the drug. Since troches dissolve in the mouth, it bypasses the digestive system and goes directly to the bloodstream through the blood vessels under our tongues and in our cheeks. This method avoids the digestive system and any filtration from the liver.
When making the prescriptions, compounding pharmacies are able to customize different aspects of the troche. Flavor, size, and dosage are different aspects of their medicine that patients can choose. Mini troches are available for smaller dosage sizes and will dissolve faster in the mouth.
What is Tadalafil?
Tadalafil is a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor. The medications function by relaxing blood vessels in the lungs in order to increase blood flow. Tadalafil is the main ingredient used in Cialis. Its main purpose is to treat erectile dysfunction. With increased blood flow in the body, the penis is able to more easily receive blood to develop an erection during sexual stimulation. It also is able to alleviate symptoms from an enlarged prostate such as difficulty urinating or frequent bathroom trips.
Tadalafil does not cure erectile dysfunction but instead temporarily makes it easier to develop an erection for the user. Sildenafil is another drug that helps with erectile dysfunction and is the main ingredient in Viagra.
Efficacy of Tadalafil Troche
Tadalafil troches work faster than conventional tablets. The drug does not lead to an erection on its own, sexual stimulation is still needed. Its rapid effectiveness, however, allows a larger window for spontaneousness with the user’s sexual experience. Generally, the troche will take 30 to 60 minutes to work. Once the effect is in place, the user will be able to develop an erection once they engage in sexual activity. Tadalafil only needs to be taken once a day as long as it is at least 30 minutes before any sexual activity.
Tadalafil is generally very well tolerated. Most men won’t experience side effects, but some may experience:
- Muscle aches
- Flushing in face
- Pain in arms and legs
- Indigestion
The 3 most common dosage sizes for tadalafil are 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg. Mini troches dissolve in 5 seconds or less in the mouth. The 5mg dosage size is taken daily to help alleviate benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Your pharmacist and medical provider can help you determine the dosage size needed for your needs.
How to Store Tadalafil Troche
It is important to store troches in a dry and cool place. Preferably at room temperature. It is not necessary to refrigerate troches unless otherwise specified by your pharmacist. Troches may melt if they are exposed to heat or direct sunlight. They can be stored in a cabinet away from moisture.
Comparing Tadalafil Troches to Cialis
Many people prefer troches because they provide a few more benefits than Cialis. Troches are more customizable than Cialis. Cialis tablets come in 4 dosage sizes (2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg), while a compounding pharmacy can make any dosage size recommended by a doctor. This also allows for easier titration (incrementally increasing or decreasing dosage size). Troches take effect faster, which provides greater spontaneousness. Troches will often have more affordable cash pricing available. Other than that, you can expect the same level of functionality or better when compared to Cialis.
Rachel Burns, PharmD
Lead Pharmacist, ClearSpring Pharmacy
