Start looking into erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment and you’ll hit the same question almost straight away: Cialis vs Viagra? Both have been prescribed for years. Both work for plenty of men. So which one should you pick? And which is right for you?
They’re two different drugs that behave differently in the body. Read on and you’ll know what separates them and what to ask at your appointment.
What Are Viagra and Cialis?
- Viagra is a brand name for sildenafil.
- Cialis is the brand name given to tadalafil.
Both are members of a family of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors, which relax the blood vessel walls allowing blood to flow into the penis more easily when there is a sexual stimulation or desire.
What people are unaware of is the fact that these pills work on their own. Without excitement, there is no erection. These pills only facilitate normal functioning of the human organism.
In essence, these pills work the same way; however, they differ in terms of how fast they begin working and what method of their introduction is.
What is the Difference Between Viagra and Cialis
Check the difference between Viagra and Cialis in the table below.
| Viagra (sildenafil) | Cialis (tadalafil) | |
| Typical time to start working | 30 to 60 minutes | 30 minutes to 2 hours |
| How long it lasts | About 4 to 5 hours | Up to 36 hours |
| Available doses | 25, 50, 100 mg | 2.5, 5, 10, 20 mg |
| Food effect | Slower with heavy or fatty meals | Largely unaffected |
| Also prescribed for | ED | ED and enlarged prostate (BPH) |
How Long Cialis or Viagra Lasts?
If there’s only one difference you care about, this is it. It’s the reason men make their choices the way they do.
Viagra effects last for about four to five hours. That’s usually enough time for a planned night of out-of-the-house activities. You take it, you go about your business, and by the morning it’s worn off.
Cialis effects last much longer–around 36 hours, which is why it is known as the “weekend pill.” You won’t need to keep an eye on the time or be worried that you’ve missed out on a chance.
How Fast These ED Medicine Work?
When it comes to Viagra, expect it to get effect in anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes after taking your dose. Cialis may take as little as half an hour for some men; for others, it takes about two hours to take effect.
Food can also affect both medications. Eating a massive fatty dinner can impede Viagra’s effects, which is why many men choose to take it on an empty stomach or light meal. With Cialis, food doesn’t matter as much, which makes it more adaptable to restaurant dining.
Daily Cialis vs On-Demand Dosing
Here is when Cialis stands out more than Viagra. Cialis offers low-dose options, such as 2.5 mg or 5 mg, which you take once a day. In contrast to Cialis, Viagra is used only before sex.
So, if you have sex only occasionally, on-demand works better for you.
Is Cialis Better Than Viagra?
Likely the most frequently asked question about this issue “ which is better viagra or cialis ”and here’s a clear response:
Cialis may work best for you in cases where you:
- Want the longer time frame and more flexibility
- Love to use a daily dose
- Have urinary symptoms due to enlarged prostate
- Do not want to adjust your meals according to the time of taking the drugs
Viagra may be the best solution for you if:
- You prefer a shorter and predictable time frame
- You want to take pills only occasionally
- You want to use a proven medicine that has been on the market for a long time
- Cialis made you feel bad, causing back or muscle aches.
Neither of the medications is stronger. Studies show that both medications help many men with ED.
Tadalafil vs Viagra: Generics and Cost
When searching online, perhaps you have come across the term “tadalafil vs Viagra”. Both refer to the same comparison, except that one of them is referred to by its generic ingredient.
Generic sildenafil and generic tadalafil are readily available and contain the same active ingredients as the branded versions; this is the reason why generics have become the first choice of many men.
Prices vary greatly depending on your location and the respective pharmacy, therefore, it is advisable to talk to your doctor and buy it online with a reputable seller such as Kamagra Shop.
Can You Take Sildenafil and Tadalafil Together?
No, and you need to be clear about this. Both are in the same class of drugs, so combining them does not lead to a more powerful effect; it merely adds their effects up together. That increases the chances of a sudden drop in blood pressure, feeling dizzy, fainting, and getting an unwanted erection.
Use one PDE5 blocker at a time as per your doctor’s instructions. If it is ineffective enough, contact your physician for further information.
Talking to a Doctor Is the Real Answer
Since both drugs require prescriptions, that discussion is a must. This is good news because ED could be an indicator of a serious underlying condition like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or low testosterone.
The following points can be helpful; prepare for the visit by considering:
- The actual dose of the usage of the drugs
- Whether you are into planning things
- The medicines and dietary supplements you are currently using
- Side effects of the pills that you are worried about
Additionally, be careful with those who can sell you the pills without prescriptions. It is important to note that some ED medications are widely available on the internet, you can buy it online from a verified seller.
Conclusion
So, who wins the Cialis vs Viagra debate?
In fact, it is a question of a better fit rather than choosing the winner. Viagra is the more traditional treatment, with a shorter duration of effect that you use as needed. Cialis has a larger duration of effect, possibilities of daily use, and does not require any consideration of food.
It is very easy to make a decision now; just consult your doctor, provide them with full information about your health, and choose the appropriate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tadalafil the same as Cialis?
Yes. The generic name for the active ingredient in Cialis is Tadalafil, while the generic name for Viagra is Sildenafil. Generic products have identical ingredients, but they are typically less expensive.
Can I take Cialis and Viagra together?
No. They are both PDE5 inhibitors so using them together is pointless and may cause low blood pressure, fainting, and priapism. They should be used separately according to the doctor’s prescriptions.
Does Cialis last longer than Viagra?
Yes. Cialis has an effect for as long as 36 hours, whereas Viagra lasts only for around 4 to 5 hours; arousal is required in both cases.
Do Viagra and Cialis work without arousal?
No. Neither drug causes an erection by itself; it simply boosts the blood circulation during sexual stimulation.