PDE5 inhibitors such as Tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis) and Sildenafil (the active component in Viagra) are two of the most widely used medications for treating erectile dysfunction (ED).
Cialis and Viagra act similarly and have a significant positive impact on erections and sexual performance among men. Nevertheless, between Cialis and Viagra, which is more effective, convenient, safe, and affordable?
While Cialis and Viagra are quite similar, several important differences could make one medication more suitable for you than the other. We have compared Cialis and Viagra across various criteria, including their effectiveness in treating ED, duration of action, and potential side effects. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is a well-known brand-name drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Containing the active ingredient Sildenafil, Viagra was initially developed by Pfizer in the 1980s and early 1990s as a treatment for angina (chest pain caused by heart conditions).
The Food and Drug Administration approved the release of Viagra in 1998, making it the first prescription medication for ED. It is a popular ED medication used by millions of men worldwide with erectile challenges.
Both Viagra and generic Sildenafil are available as oral medications. You can take Viagra as a pill before sexual intercourse. The standard dose of Viagra typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to become effective and helps alleviate erectile dysfunction symptoms.
Note: The standard dosages for Viagra come in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg.
What is Cialis?
Similar to Viagra, Cialis is a brand-name prescription medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of ED, which contains Tadalafil as its active ingredient.
Tadalafil, the active component in Cialis, received FDA approval in 2003. Today, Tadalafil is more commonly known as Cialis. It is an oral tablet meant to be taken before sexual activity, much like Viagra.
Note: The standard dosages for Cialis are 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg.
How Cialis and Viagra Work
Both Cialis and Viagra function by inhibiting the action of an enzyme called Phosphodiesterase type 5 (or PDE5) and activating nitric oxide in the body. This process relaxes the muscles in the penis, enabling increased blood flow during arousal.
Which Lasts Longer: Cialis or Viagra?
Though Cialis and Viagra work similarly to enhance blood flow to the penis and treat ED, there is a notable difference in how long each medication remains active.
Cialis is a long-acting treatment for erectile dysfunction. It’s often dubbed the “weekend pill” due to its prolonged effect. Cialis or generic Tadalafil can last up to 36 hours. This enduring effect makes Cialis a practical choice if you have ED but are uncertain about the timing of sexual intercourse.
Conversely, Viagra is used when you need to manage ED specifically before sexual activity.
Does Food Influence the Effects of Cialis or Viagra?
Cialis and Viagra, like other oral medications, are broken down by stomach acids, allowing them to pass through the liver and enter your bloodstream.
Food does not affect your body’s ability to absorb Cialis, so you can take your daily dose without worrying about meal timings. Cialis usually starts working within 30 minutes to an hour, even after a large meal.
In contrast, food significantly affects Viagra’s efficiency. While it’s safe to take Viagra with food, consuming it after a high-fat meal (like fried foods or a cheeseburger) can delay the medication’s onset. Consult your doctor about diet plans while using Viagra.
Side Effects: Cialis vs Viagra
Common side effects of Cialis include:
- Headache
- Dyspepsia (indigestion)
- Nasopharyngitis (nasal inflammation)
- Back pain
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Facial flushing
- Myalgia (muscle pain)
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Nasal congestion
- Pain in extremities
- Urinary tract infection
- Abdominal discomfort
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Most Cialis side effects are minor and infrequent. Only 15% of users report headaches, the most commonly noted side effect of Cialis.
On the other hand, common side effects of Viagra include:
- Headache
- Facial flushing
- Dyspepsia (indigestion)
- Abnormal vision
- Nasal congestion
- Back pain
- Myalgia (muscle aches)
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Skin rash