Cialis and Viagra, Which is Better, Which is More Effective


Posted by Prescription Hope - See Editorial Guidelines (Last Updated On: Fri Jun 30 2023)

Around 30 million American men face problems with ED (Erectile dysfunction). When ED becomes a concern the majority of men turn to different oral ED medications. The most famous and perhaps the most commonly used oral medications for the treatment of ED are Cialis and Viagra. However, there are some key differences between these two medications. This article will give you a clear overview of Cialis vs. Viagra.

Cialis vs. Viagra? Cialis and Viagra are drugs with similar ingredients used primarily for treating erectile dysfunction. Cialis lasts for about 36 hours and Viagra for 4 hours. Food doesn’t influence Cialis’s performance but does for Viagra. The alcohol effect, drug interactions, and side effects remain almost the same for both.

And here are our pages for each medication:
Viagra
Cialis

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These two medications pretty much work the same way although one may address more specific problems than the other. Let’s dive into more details on each.

Ingredients – Cialis vs. Viagra

Cialis is the brand name for Tadalafil, whereas Viagra is the brand name for Sildenafil. Both of these medications belong to a class of drugs called Vasodilators. The active ingredient in Cialis and the generic drug form is tadalafil. Whereas, the generic version of Viagra is sildenafil citrate.

As both belong to the class of drugs called “Vasodilators”, they pretty much work the same. Since ED is caused due to a condition of less blood flow to the penile region, both these drugs work on correcting this primary problem.

Vasodilators expand the blood vessels which helps to increase the blood flow and extremity to the penile region. Thereby the effects of impotence related to ED are treated with the intake of these medications.

Alternative Uses – Cialis vs. Viagra

The primary use of both these medications is for treating ED. But there are other alternative health conditions where these medications are beneficial.

cialis and viagra

The increasing prostate problem among men has also become a major concern in the US in addition to ED. The use of Cialis with alpha-blockers are thought of alleviating prostate problems.

However, it’s always recommended to consult a doctor regarding any combination of drugs you are considering. Also, Cialis works for premature ejaculation. But there is very little research, clinical trial or evidence on how effective Cialis works for premature ejaculation.

Viagra, on the other hand, is the first-line drug for treating ED, but like Cialis, it also has some other alternative uses. Viagra or its active ingredient sildenafil citrate can be used for the treatment of pulmonary disorders, especially pulmonary hypertension.

How Long Does Each Work When Taken – Cialis vs. Viagra?

Cialis starts to work within 15-45 minutes of ingestion. It lasts or works up to 36 hours or so once the drug has worked its way into your system.

Unlike Viagra, Cialis doesn’t directly work or result in erectile function. Rather it needs a more mental effort or stimulation to take effect of the medication or to start working.

However, many users of Cialis, suggest that the process of how it works is more organic, providing a more natural experience. But some also believe that this effect or time taken to work makes it less effective over Viagra, even if it remains in the body for longer.

Viagra, on the other hand, starts working within about 30 minutes of ingestion, which is faster than Cialis.

The erectile function for this medication works for a straight 4 hours. Most importantly, unlike Cialis, Viagra works without any additional effort or stimulation.

The functioning of this medication lasts through varying states of rigidity. These levels of rigidity continue until 3-4 hours after which the drug exits the system.

On a side note, sometimes your age will decide how long Viagra remains active in your body. Older men may find that Viagra lasts more than the typical 3-4 hours. This is because as you grow older, the liver and metabolic system become less effective in metabolizing the drug.

In addition to how long these medications work, the effectiveness of these drugs vary. The effectiveness of Viagra at 84% is higher than that of Cialis with an effectiveness of 81%.

But despite the effectiveness, many prefer Cialis because of the longer duration of effect.

What Affects the Performance of Each Cialis and Viagra

Performance of Cialis vs. Viagra With Food

The activity, process, or performance of Cialis is not affected by food. In contrast, your diet heavily affects the performance of Viagra.

Apart from performance, the time required for Viagra to start working is affected by the intake of food. So, if you consume a large meal before taking the tablet, it will reduce the time the drug usually starts working – which is usually 30 minutes after the medication is ingested.

The same applies if you have a large meal after taking the tablet – the performance or effectiveness of the medication will be reduced.

This is because the absorption process is slowed down due to the digestion of food. Thereby delaying the effects or performance of the medication. So, Viagra is best taken on an empty stomach.

Performance of Cialis vs. Viagra With Alcohol

Just a glass of any alcoholic drink is unlikely to affect the performance of any of these medications or create any health risks.

But if you consume beyond the minimum recommended or drink excessively you may get into difficulty with either of these medications.

In particular drinking alcohol when taking any ED medications – be it Cialis, Viagra or any other, can lead to orthostatic hypotension.

Hypertension causes many other side effects like headaches, dizziness, and fainting, which may lead to fractures or other minor injuries. Hypertension also increases heart rate. This increased heart rate may lead to several other heart problems.

Vasodilators

cialis and viagra

This happens because both Cialis and Viagra perform as vasodilators. Vasodilators are drugs that lower blood pressure. This relaxes the blood vessel walls enabling them to expand and thereby correcting the ED.

This is how Cialis and Viagra works. When you consume alcohol it has a negative effect on the blood flow to the genitals, reducing the effect of the medication. Aside from this reducing effect, alcohol consumed with any ED medications increases the risk of additional side effects.

Although this effect of alcohol is the same for both Cialis and Viagra, orthostatic hypotension can be even more likely with Cialis than with Viagra. This is because Cialis lasts in your system longer (for about 36 hours or until the drug is in your system) than Viagra (4 hours).

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Drug Interactions – Cialis vs. Viagra

Both Cialis and Viagra are sensitive to specific types of drugs.

Do Not take Cialis if:

  • You are currently taking any medications referred to as “nitrates”.
  • You are using any recreational drugs. This includes especially recreational drugs called “poppers” like amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite.
  • You are taking any medications called guanylate cyclase stimulators, such as riociguat.
  • You are allergic to Adcirca, or any of its ingredients.

Do Not take Viagra if:

  • You are on medications called nitrates (such as nitroglycerin)
  • You are using street drugs called “poppers” (amyl nitrate or amyl nitrite, and butyl nitrate)
  • You are taking any medications called guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat (Adempas)
  • You are allergic to sildenafil, which is the active ingredient contained in Viagra and Revatio.
  • If your allergic to any of the ingredients in Viagra.

Needless to say, it’s always best to discuss with your doctor or health care provider on all medications you take. This includes all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Apart from this if you’re allergic to any specific drug or substance, discuss them with your doctor too.

Side Effects of Cialis vs. Viagra

Let’s take a look at the side effects of Cialis and Viagra, again if you are experiencing these and are concerned about it, then discuss this with your doctor at the earliest convenience.

Common Side Effects of Cialis:

  • Abnormal ejaculation
  • Blurred vision including changes in the colors of your vision
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Flu-like symptoms like a stuffy or running nose, sneeze, and sore throat
  • Flushing (redness or warmth of the face, neck, or chest)
  • Headaches
  • Low blood pressure
  • Memory problems
  • Muscle or back pain
  • Nausea
  • Prolonged erections (priapism).
  • An upset stomach

Common Side Effects of Viagra:

  • An upset stomach
  • back pain
  • diarrhea
  • Dizziness.
  • headaches
  • Inabilities to differentiate between green and blue color
  • loss of hearing
  • memory problems
  • nausea
  • ringing in the ears
  • stomach pain
  • stuffy nose
  • warmth or redness in the face, neck, or chest,

The Typical Cost of Each Cialis vs Viagra Tablet

The cost of both Cialis and Viagra varies depending on the strength. However, Viagra costs approximately $24 per tablet for the strength of 50mg and $35 for the strength of 100mg strength.

On the other hand, Cialis approximately $8.50 for the strength of 5mg and $28 for the strength of 20mg, per tablet.

If you’re struggling to afford your medications, then Prescription hope is here to help. We can help you save money on the many drugs that we offer. If you’re having trouble affording any medications then contact us, and start saving today!

Recommended Dosage Cialis and Viagra

cialis and viagra

Cialis can be taken when needed or daily. The daily doses will be smaller than the needed doses.

The starting dose for an “as-needed” Cialis dose is 10 mg (before any intercourse). The dosage can be increased to 20 mg if 10 mg is ineffective. If the side effects are considered too great, then the dosage may be reduced to 5mg.

When Cialis is taken daily the initial dose is 2.5 mg once daily. The initial dose may be 5 mg for people with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

The timing of the daily dosage doesn’t have to be the same for people who use it only for ED. People with BPH are advised to take the daily dose at the same time every day.

Never take more than one dose per day, even if the first dose is ineffective – until you consult with the doctor.

In contrast to Cialis, Viagra can only be taken wh en needed. The initial recommended dose is 50 mg one hour before intercourse. It can also be taken 30 minutes to an hour before intercourse. The dose can be increased to 100 mg if it’s considered ineffective. It can also be reduced to 25 mg if the side effects of Viagra are considered too great.

You can only take Viagra once a day, even though it works only for approximately 4 hours.

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So Finally…

Hopefully, this has provided you with some understanding of the differences between Cialis and Viagra. As we always recommend, if you’re in any doubt then consult your pharmacist or your doctor.

If you have any questions about how Prescription Hope can help you save money on the drugs that we offer, or if you’re having trouble affording any medications you’ve been prescribed, contact us to create an account and fill out an application to start saving.


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