What Are the Differences Between Cialis and Viagra?

 
Both Cialis and Viagra are effective treatments for ED, but they have distinct differences in terms of duration, side effects, and suitability based on individual lifestyle and health conditions. The choice between the two should be based on personal preference, medical history, and consultation with a healthcare provider. Your doctor can help determine which medication is best for you based on your specific needs and health status.
 

 

Tadalafil (Cialis) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED, impotence; inability to get or keep an erection), and the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH; an enlarged prostate) which include difficulty urinating (hesitation, dribbling, weak stream, and incomplete bladder emptying), painful urination, and urinary frequency and urgency in adult men. Tadalafil (Adcirca) is used to improve the ability to exercise in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; high blood pressure in the vessels carrying blood to the lungs, causing shortness of breath, dizziness, and tiredness).

Tadalafil is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. It works to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. This increased blood flow can cause an erection. Tadalafil treats PAH by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs to allow blood to flow more easily.

If you are taking tadalafil to treat erectile dysfunction, you should know that it does not cure erectile dysfunction or increase sexual desire. Tadalafil does not prevent pregnancy or the spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Typical dosing for Cialis (tadalafil)

  • Cialis (tadalafil) is typically taken as a 10 mg dose about 30 minutes before sexual activity when needed. The dose can be adjusted anywhere from 5 mg to 20 mg depending on response Cialis (tadalafil) should not be taken more than once a day at any dose.
  • For people taking Cialis (tadalafil) daily, the usual dose is 2.5 mg to 5 mg by mouth once a day. This does not have to be timed based on sexual activity.

What’s the difference between Cialis and Viagra?

Cialis and Viagra are both PDE5 inhibitors used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).

  • Both only work when a man is sexually aroused.
  • Cialis lasts for around 36 hours compared with only 4 to 5 hours for Viagra.
  • Food does not affect the activity of Cialis, whereas food may decrease the effectiveness of Viagra.
  • Cialis can be used once daily, at a smaller dosage, and is also effective at treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
  • Dosage of Cialis may need to be reduced in men with liver or kidney problems and risk of interactions may be higher than with Viagra.

What ingredients are contained in Cialis or Viagra and how do they work?

Cialis is the brand name for tadalafil and Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil.1,2 Both belong to a class of medicines known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. PDE5 inhibitors work only in the presence of sexual stimulation, as they rely on the natural release of nitric oxide (NO), a chemical only released during sexual arousal. NO in turn activates other substances to relax the smooth muscle inside the penis to allow the inflow of blood and an erection to occur.

PDE5 inhibitors enhance the effect of NO.

Which drug was approved first?

On March 27 th, 1998, Viagra became the first oral pill, and the first PDE5 inhibitor, to be approved by the FDA to treat ED. A generic for Viagra was approved in March 2016  and released in December 2017.

Cialis was first approved for ED on November 21st, 2003. It was the third PDE5 inhibitor to come onto the market (after Levitra [vardenafil]).

Which one lasts for longer?

Cialis has an advantage over Viagra and Levitra in that it lasts for a lot longer – 36 hours, compared with 4-5 hours for Viagra and Levitra.  A generic for Cialis was approved in May 2018 and released in September 2018.

How quickly do Cialis and Viagra work and does food have any effect?

Cialis generally works within 16 to 45 minutes, and its activity is not affected by food.

Viagra generally works within 30 minutes, and its effect may be diminished if taken soon after a high fat meal (which may also delay how fast it works). For this reason, Viagra is best taken on an empty stomach.1,2,7

Effectiveness of all PDE5 inhibitors is similar; although reported effectiveness of Viagra, at 84% is slightly higher than that of Cialis at 81%. However, more men prefer Cialis because of its longer duration of effect.

What is the usual dosage of Cialis or Viagra?

Cialis can be taken on an as needed basis, or daily. Generally, daily dosages are smaller than as needed doses. Typically, Cialis is taken as a 10mg starting dose, prior to sexual activity. The effects of Cialis will last around 36 hours. The dosage may be increased to 20mg if 10mg is ineffective or reduced to 5mg if side effects are intolerable.1

When Cialis is taken for daily use, the recommended initial dosage is 2.5mg once daily, or 5mg for people who also have BPH. Timing of the daily dosage does not matter in people using it solely for ED; however, those with BPH are advised to take it at the same time each day. Do not take more than one dose a day but your doctor may consider an increase in dosage from 2.5 to 5mg if ineffective. Side effects of Cialis include headache and indigestion.1

Viagra is taken on an as needed basis, at a dose of 50mg, approximately 1 hour before sexual activity (although can be taken from 30 minutes to 4 hours before). The dose may be increased to 100mg if 50mg is ineffective or decreased to 25mg if side effects are intolerable.2 Viagra should only be taken once a day even though the effects wear off after approximately 4-5 hours. The main side effects are headache, flushing and indigestion.2 Rarely, color perception may be altered with Viagra. This side effect does not happen with Cialis.7

Cost of Viagra varies depending on tablet strength but is approximately $80 per tablet for the 50mg or 100mg strength. Cialis costs approximately $12 for the 5mg strength and $70 for the 20mg strength, per tablet.

All PDE5 inhibitors are contraindicated with nitrates.1,2 The longer duration of action of Cialis means it is at higher risk for drug interactions,1 and dosages may need reducing in men with kidney or liver disease. Cialis is not recommended in men who have had a heart attack or stroke within the past 6 months, with either uncontrolled high blood pressure or severely low blood pressure, unstable angina, or other conditions that make sexual activity inadvisable.

What Are the Differences Between Cialis and Viagra?

Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) are two commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). While both medications help achieve and maintain erections, they have several differences in terms of their composition, duration of action, side effects, and other characteristics. Here is a detailed comparison:

Composition and Mechanism of Action

  • Cialis (Tadalafil):
    • Active Ingredient: Tadalafil
    • Mechanism: Inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which increases blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation.
  • Viagra (Sildenafil):
    • Active Ingredient: Sildenafil
    • Mechanism: Also inhibits PDE5, enhancing blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal.

Duration of Action

  • Cialis:
    • Onset of Action: Typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours to become effective.
    • Duration: Can last up to 36 hours, allowing for more spontaneity in sexual activity. This is why it’s often called the “weekend pill.”
  • Viagra:
    • Onset of Action: Usually takes effect within 30 to 60 minutes.
    • Duration: Lasts about 4 to 5 hours, requiring more precise timing around planned sexual activity.

Dosage Forms

  • Cialis:
    • Available in various dosages: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets.
    • Can be taken as needed or in a lower dose (2.5 mg or 5 mg) daily for those who have frequent sexual activity.
  • Viagra:
    • Available in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets.
    • Typically taken on an as-needed basis.

Food Interactions

  • Cialis:
    • Food does not significantly affect the absorption or effectiveness of Cialis.
  • Viagra:
    • Can be taken with or without food, but high-fat meals can delay its onset of action.

Side Effects

Both medications share common side effects, but there are some differences:

  • Common Side Effects:
    • Headache, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, and dizziness.
  • Cialis:
    • May cause muscle aches and back pain, which typically resolve within 48 hours.
  • Viagra:
    • Can cause temporary vision changes, such as a blue tint to vision or increased sensitivity to light.

Contraindications and Interactions

  • Both Medications:
    • Should not be used with nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) due to the risk of severe hypotension.
    • Caution is advised when used with alpha-blockers and other medications that lower blood pressure.
    • Not recommended for individuals with severe cardiovascular conditions without a doctor’s assessment.

Special Considerations

  • Cialis:
    • Due to its longer duration, it is more suitable for men who prefer less planning around sexual activity.
    • Also approved to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which can be beneficial for men with both conditions.
  • Viagra:
    • Typically chosen for its shorter duration, making it suitable for men who prefer a medication with a more limited active window.

What should I know about storage and disposal of Cialis?

Keep Cialis in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

What is the Pros and cons of Cialis (tadalafil) ?

Pros of Cialis

    • A first-choice medication for treating erectile dysfunction
    • Can be taken either as needed, or on a regular basis for those who need it more regularly — this means you can be more spontaneous about the timing of sex.
    • Lasts longer than Viagra (sildenafil)

Cons of Cialis

    • Can’t be taken if you’ve had a heart attack in the past 3 months, or a stroke or heart failure in the past 6 months
    • Can’t be used if you’ve recently taken nitrates like Isordil, Imdur, or nitroglycerin (Nitro-BID, Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat)
    • Could have more side effects for people who are 65 or older — use this medication with care

What are the risks and warnings for Cialis (tadalafil)?

Cialis (tadalafil) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups.

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If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options

Risk of heart attack or stroke

  • Risk factors: Existing heart condition | Recent heart attack or stroke in past 6 months | High or low blood pressure

It’s not recommended for men to take Cialis (tadalafil) if they’ve had a heart attack, stroke, or symptoms of heart failure in the past 6 months, abnormal blood pressure, or if they have chest pain. The safety of Cialis (tadalafil) has not been studied in these situations. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these health conditions.

Low blood pressure

  • Risk factors: Taking alpha blockers | Taking medications for high blood pressure or chest pain (angina) | Drinking alcohol

If you’re taking alpha blockers or medications for high blood pressure with Cialis (tadalafil), your blood pressure may drop too low. Make sure to check your blood pressure regularly if you’re taking these other medications. Be very careful getting up from a sitting or lying down position since this can make you feel dizzy and more likely to fall. Drinking alcohol can also cause low blood pressure. Avoid or lower your alcohol consumption when taking Cialis (tadalafil). You should never take Cialis (tadalafil) when taking nitrate medication for chest pain (angina) because it can cause your blood pressure to suddenly drop to unsafe levels.

Prolonged erection

  • Risk factors: Peyronie’s disease | Cavernosal fibrosis | Sickle cell anemia

There have been reports of men having an erection lasting more than 4 hours while on Cialis (tadalafil). This is rare but if it’s not treated in time, it can cause permanent damage to your penis, including permanent impotence. Get medical help immediately if this happens.

Vision changes

If you suddenly notice changes in your vision in one or both eyes, go to the emergency room or call your doctor immediately. Although this is rare, Cialis (tadalafil) can cause permanent eye damage.

Hearing loss

There have been reports of men having permanent hearing loss while taking Cialis (tadalafil). This may happen along with ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and dizziness. Go to the emergency room or call your doctor immediately if you notice changes in your hearing in one or both ears.

Interactions with other medications

  • Risk factors: Age 65 years or older | Liver disease | Kidney disease | Taking medications such as nitrates, anti-hypertensives, alpha blockers, ketoconazole, or ritonavir

You may experience more side effects while taking Cialis (tadalafil) if you are also taking medications called nitrates for chest pain, blood pressure medications, certain medications for HIV, are elderly, or have liver or kidney disease. Talk to your doctor before starting Cialis (tadalafil) if any of these apply to you.

Is Tadalafil as Good as Cialis?

Cialis and tadalafil contain the same active ingredient. They’re both used to treat erectile dysfunction; the only difference is tadalafil is the generic version.

Tadalafil is used to treat men who have erectile dysfunction (also called sexual impotence). Tadalafil belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medicines prevent an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type-5 from working too quickly. The penis is one of the areas where this enzyme works.

Erectile dysfunction is a condition where the penis does not harden and expand when a man is sexually excited, or when he cannot keep an erection. When a man is sexually stimulated, his body’s normal response is to increase blood flow to his penis to produce an erection. By controlling the enzyme, tadalafil helps to maintain an erection after the penis is stroked by increasing blood flow to the penis. Without physical action to the penis, such as that occurring during sexual intercourse, tadalafil will not work to cause an erection.

Tadalafil is also used to treat men who have signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is caused by an enlarged prostate. Men with BPH usually have difficulty urinating, a decreased flow of urination, hesitation at the beginning of urination, and a need to get up at night to urinate. Tadalafil will make these symptoms less severe and reduce the chance that prostate surgery will be needed. This medicine is also used to treat erectile dysfunction and signs and symptoms of BPH.

Tadalafil is also used in both men and women to treat the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension to improve your ability to exercise. This is high blood pressure that occurs in the main artery that carries blood from the right side of the heart (the ventricle) to the lungs. When the smaller blood vessels in the lungs become more resistant to blood flow, the right ventricle must work harder to pump enough blood through the lungs. Tadalafil works on the PDE5 enzyme in the lungs to relax the blood vessels. This will increase the supply of blood to the lungs and reduce the workload of the heart.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription. .

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

      • Suspension
      • Tablet

How should I take Cialis for the best results?

Take as directed

For as-needed dosing, take Cialis at least 30 minutes or more before sexual activity.

If your prescription involves taking Cialis daily, take it at the same time each day. This maintains steady levels of Cialis in your body.

Take as part of a lifestyle with physical activity

Smoking, heavy drinking, unmanaged stress, and an unhealthy diet can affect ED as well as how Cialis works, potentially leading to more side effects.

A healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking are important for wellness, physical health, and can affect the severity of ED.

Strategies to reduce stress and support your relationship with your partner can also improve sexual performance and well-being.

Communicate and stay relaxed

Working with a psychiatrist, therapist, or sex therapist can help you navigate strategies for the mental and emotional side of intimacy.

Other ways to improve your sexual performance include managing stress, working through relationship concerns, and treating performance anxiety.

If you’re anxious, stressed, depressed, or nervous, Cialis may not work as well. It’s important to relax and be aroused for the medication to work best.

What should I not take with Cialis?

High fat foods

Avoid high fat foods or heavy meals before taking Cialis and before sexual activity. High fat foods can affect how well Cialis works. It may also take longer to work.

Nitrates and other medications

Some medications can interact with Cialis and change its effectiveness. They include:

  • nitrates
  • antiseizure medications
  • HIV medications
  • certain antibiotics
  • oral antifungal medications
  • high blood pressure medications

Be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to take all your medications to avoid interactions.

It’s important to avoid Cialis if you take chest pain (angina) and blood pressure medications in the nitrate category or alpha blocker drugs. They can lower your blood pressure to dangerous levels.

Alcoholic beverages

Use caution with alcohol consumption when taking Cialis. Too much alcohol can affect your ability to become aroused. It can also cause excessive low blood pressure, leading to headache, dizziness, and fainting.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice

Avoid grapefruit with Cialis. It can increase the levels of the medication in the blood, causing increased side effects.

What else is important to know about taking Cialis?

Age

In some people over 65 years old, Cialis may last longer because it takes more time for your body to process the medication. This affects how soon it leaves your body.

Poor kidney function can increase Cialis levels in your body, increasing side effects. Your doctor may adjust your dose in this case.

Heart and other conditions

If you’re over 65, have a heart condition, or liver- or kidney-related problems, your doctor may need to adjust your dose of Cialis and monitor how the medication works for you.

Fake Cialis

Avoid buying Cialis without a doctor’s prescription. PDE5 medications are some of the most commonTrusted Source counterfeit medications sold online. They can cause serious health risks.

Take as prescribed

Take Cialis exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Don’t take extra doses or change your dosing schedule without talking with your doctor to avoid side effects.

What are the side effects of Cialis?

Common side effects

The most common side effects of Cialis include:

  • back pain
  • diarrhea
  • flushing (redness of the face, neck, or chest)
  • headache
  • upset stomach
  • muscle aches

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of Cialis include:

  • priapism, a painful erection lasting longer than 4 hours, which can cause tissue damage
  • low blood pressure
  • changes in hearing and vision
The takeaway

ED is a common condition and can have many causes, including psychological and physiological reasons.

Risks of ED are higher with certain health conditions, so it’s important to openly talk with your doctor about your concerns. They can help you find the best treatment specific to your situation. This may include the need for ED medications.

Cialis is one of the most popular medications available for ED because it provides two types of dosing and lasts longer than other PDE5 inhibitor medications in this class, like sildenafil (Viagra).

There are several PDE5 inhibitor medications available, so discuss your needs and preferences with your doctor to select the medication best suited to you.

Remember, there are many causes for ED and many treatment options, including Cialis. Don’t be discouraged if Cialis doesn’t work the first time you try it. Your doctor can help adjust the dose or help you find other options to consider.

What can not Cialis do ?

Cialis does not:

      • cure ED
      • increase a man’s sexual desire
      • protect a man or his partner from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV
      • serve as a male form of birth control

Cialis is available by prescription only.

* The brand listed is a trademark of its respective owner and is not a trademark of Eli Lilly and Company. The maker of this brand is not affiliated with and does not endorse Eli Lilly and Company or its products.

What Should I Avoid While Taking Cialis?

  • Do not use other ED medicines or ED treatments while taking Cialis.
  • Do not drink too much alcohol when taking Cialis (for example, 5 glasses of wine or 5 shots of whiskey). Drinking too much alcohol can increase your chances of getting a headache or getting dizzy, increasing your heart rate, or lowering your blood pressure.
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What is the distanges of taking Cialis ?

Cialis (tadalafil) is the only medication in its class that treats both erectile dysfunction and enlarged prostate symptoms. You can also take it on a regular basis, which can allow for more spontaneity.

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

  • A headache, dyspepsia, back pain, nasal congestion, and flushing are the most commonly reported side effects.
  • Other side effects include a drop in blood pressure, muscle or limb pain, or conjunctivitis.
  • Rarely, may decrease blood flow to the optic nerve causing sudden vision loss. The risk is greater in people aged older than 50, with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, who smoke, or with certain pre-existing eye problems.
  • The dosage of Cialis may need reducing in men with kidney disease. For men with CLCR of 30 to 50 mL/min, a starting dose of 5mg not more than once per day is recommended. The maximum dose is 10mg not more than once every 48 hours.
  • For men with CLCR of < 30 mL/min or on hemodialysis, the maximum dose is 5mg not more than once every 72 hours. Once daily use may not be recommended in men with CLCR < 30 mL/min.
  • For men with mild-to-moderate liver disease (Child-Pugh Class A or B), the dose should not exceed 10mg once per day. Cialis is not recommended in severe liver disease (Child-Pugh Class C).
  • Rarely, may cause other side effects including hearing loss or lead to painful erections lasting longer than four to six hours. See your doctor immediately if this happens.
  • May not be suitable for some people including those with angina, chest pain, or other heart conditions, liver or kidney problems, blood or bleeding disorders, stomach ulcers, certain eye conditions, a physical deformity of the penis (such as Peyronie’s disease), or serious prior hypersensitivity reactions to tadalafil.
  • May interact with some medications including nitrates – use of Cialis and nitrates is contraindicated because of the severe hypotension that can develop. May also interact with other medications including ketoconazole or ritonavir; dosage adjustment is recommended.
  • A lower dosage of Cialis is recommended in men with mild-to-moderate liver disease. Cialis should be avoided with severe liver disease.
  • Not for use in females.