Viagra or Cialis – Which is better?
Cialis And Viagra
Both Cialis and Viagra are PDE5 inhibitors used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
Both pills only work when a man is sexually aroused.
Cialis lasts about 36 hours compared to just 4-5 hours for Viagra.
Food does not affect the activity of Cialis, but food can reduce the effectiveness of Viagra.
Cialis can be used in small doses once a day and is also effective in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Men with liver or kidney problems may need to reduce their Cialis dose. Also, the risk of interaction may be greater than Viagra.
Blue pills or Viagra are known worldwide for their effectiveness in treating erectile dysfunction. Cialis is another popular remedy.
Both help counter the inability to hold or maintain an erection, but the most common question is, “Which is more effective, Viagra or Cialis?”
To fully answer your question and help you decide which one is best for you, we’ve put together some useful information to guide you in the right direction.
What are Cialis and Viagra?
Cialis (Tadalafil) and Viagra (Sildenafil citrate) are oral medications used to treat impotence (inability to get or maintain an erection of the penis) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
This is a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors, including vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn ODT) and avanafil (Stendra).
Penile erection is caused by filling the penis with blood. Under normal conditions, sexual stimulation leads to the production and release of nitric oxide in the penis. The nitric oxide then activates the ganyl cyclase enzyme to produce cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
It is cGMP that is mainly involved in erections, as it affects the amount of blood that the blood vessels supply and remove from the penis. Both Cialis and Viagra inhibit an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) which destroys cGMP.
Therefore, Cialis and Viagra prevent the destruction of cGMP and allow it to build up and last longer. The harder the cGMP, the longer the penis redness.
How do they work?
Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, and Stendra all belong to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These drugs work by blocking the PDE5 enzyme.
They also stimulate a chemical in your body called nitric oxide. This action helps the penile muscles relax. Relaxed muscles allow blood to flow freely and you can get an erection when you get excited. It also helps you keep your erection long enough to have sex.
What is the dose for Cialis vs. Viagra?
Cialis
For most people, the recommended starting dose of Tadalafil is 10 mg daily before sexual activity (use tadalafil if needed).
The dose can be increased to 20 mg or reduced to 5 mg per day, depending on the adequacy of the response or side effects.
The effects of tadalafil can last up to 36 hours. People taking drugs that increase blood levels of tadalafil should not exceed a total dose of 10 mg in 72 hours (see Drug Interactions).
For daily use regardless of sexual activity, the recommended dose is 2.5-5 mg per day. Do not take tablet more than once a day.
The recommended dose of BPH or BPH and ED is 5 mg daily, taken at about the same time daily. Tadalafil can be taken with or without food, as food does not affect its absorption through the intestines.
The dose of tadalafil may need to be adjusted in patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction.
Viagra
The usual recommended dose is 25-100 mg 1 hour before sexual activity.
The maximum dose is not more than 100 mg per day.
Elderly people (65+) should start with 25 mg before sexual activity.
Sildenafil citrate is rapidly absorbed. The observed peak plasma concentrations reach between 30 and 120 minutes (mean 60 minutes) of oral administration in the fasted state.
When sildenafil is taken with high-fat foods, it slows absorption and has an average time delay of up to 1 hour.
Available strengths of Cialis and Viagra
The dosage strengths for Cialis:
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
- 40 mg
- 60 mg
The lower doses, 2.5 & 5 milligrams, are known as Cialis Daily and are prescribed for daily consumption.
For Viagra:
- 50 mg
- 100mg
- 120 mg
- 150 mg
- 200 mg
Generic Cialis (Tadalafil) and Viagra (Sildenafil) Dosage
Cialis
Viagra
- Cenforce 50 mg
- Cenforce 100 mg
- Cenforce 200 mg
- Sildalist 120 mg (Sildenafil + Tadalafil)
- Fildena 100 mg
- Aurogra 100 mg
Difference between Viagra and Cialis
The main difference between the two drugs is the active ingredients they contain, their treatment spectrum, and how long they remain in the body.
Viagra contains sildenafil citrate as an active ingredient, while Cialis enhancer is tadalafil.
Sildenafil has a short half-life and peaks within 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion. It remains valid for 4 to 6 hours.
Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, has a long half-life and can last up to 36 hours.
Cialis can be taken with food or on an empty stomach, but the absorption of Viagra is affected when taken with high fat foods.
Viagra is only approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, but may be off-label for female sexual arousal disorder and Raynaud’s phenomenon. It is also effective in managing premature ejaculation.
Cialis is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and erectile dysfunction and is off label for Raynaud’s phenomenon. Several studies have shown that Cialis can also help men with ejaculatory and orgasmic functions.
Viagra is meant to be taken 30-60 minutes before planned sexual activity, while low doses of Cialis can be taken daily by those who have regular sex (at least 2 times a week). People who do not have regular sex can increase the intensity of Cialis as needed.
Which will last the longest?
Regarding the duration of their effects, Cialis has a longer half-life, so it stays in your body for a long time. People who take Cialis daily can feel the effect for up to 24 hours, while those who take it on demand can feel the effect for up to 36 hours. Viagra usually lasts 4-6 hours.
Cialis v/s Viagra hardness
Both of these drugs help people get a firm erection when they are unable to get an erection due to erectile dysfunction. None of these can make you harder than the others. Taking Cialis or Viagra does not improve hardness if you can get a strong erection naturally.
If you are taking Cialis and you experience nausea, chest pain, or dizziness during sex, you may have life-threatening symptoms and should see your doctor immediately.
What are the side effects of Cialis and Viagra?
Side effects of tadalafil are:
- Facial flushing (redness),
- Headache,
- Stomach ache,
- Diarrhea,
- Flu-like symptoms
If you are taking Viagra and experience nausea, chest pain, or dizziness during sex, you may experience life-threatening symptoms and should see your doctor immediately.
About 15% of people taking Viagra experience side effects. The most common side effects are:
- Facial redness
- Headache
- Stomach ache,
- Nasal congestion,
- nausea,
- Dizzy,
- Eruption,
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Diarrhea, and
- You can’t distinguish green and blue colors.
- Priapism,
Consumer safety: Cialis vs. Viagra
While the overall safety data for these two drugs is compelling, Cialis and Viagra are known to interact with some drugs that may have adverse health effects. Do not use Cialis or Viagra under the following conditions:
If you are taking nitrates or other antihypertensive drugs. PDE5 inhibitors can lower blood pressure to dangerously low levels.
Avoid taking large doses of these drugs, as the combination of alcohol and PDE5 inhibitors can cause orthostatic hypotension.
If you have or are experiencing heart problems, you should discuss your compatibility with Cialis or Viagra with your doctor.
Other drugs that can interact with drugs for erectile dysfunction are pulmonary arterial hypertension and amyl nitrite.
If you are using alpha-blockers, certain HIV medicines, antibiotics or epilepsy medicines, you should avoid using Cialis.
What is the cost of Cialis and Viagra?
Cialis and Viagra pills are expensive. A 50 mg or 100 mg Viagra pill can cost about $ 80 per pill and a 20 mg Cialis pill should cost about $ 70 and $ 12 at 5 mg. Cialis and Viagra pills are not covered by insurance, while generic versions of tadalafil and sildenafil are covered by some insurance plans.
Generic and branded versions are equally effective when purchased from reputable manufacturers and suppliers. Therefore, when comparing sildenafil with Cialis, general sildenafil is a friendlier option. If you are looking for a cheap option, choose generic tadalafil instead of Cialis and generic sildenafil instead of Viagra.
FAQ’s For Cialis and Viagra
How fast do Cialis and Viagra work and how effective is food?
Cialis generally takes 16 to 45 minutes to work and its activity is not affected by food.
Viagra usually works within 30 minutes and may be less effective when taken immediately after a high fat meal (which may also slow the rate of action). For this reason, it is best to take Viagra an empty stomach.
The efficacy of all PDE5 inhibitors is similar. Viagra’s reported 84% effectiveness is slightly higher than Cialis 7’s 81% effectiveness. However, more men prefer Cialis due to its long-lasting effect.
Can I use Cialis or Viagra during pregnancy?
nope. Cialis and Viagra are not suitable for pregnant women. Although some off-label uses of female sexual arousal disorder have been reported, pregnant women should not take erectile dysfunction drugs.
Can Cialis or Viagra be used with alcohol?
Do not use Cialis or Viagra with alcohol. Alcohol can increase side effects such as dizziness and headaches. Drinking alcohol with these drugs can lower your blood pressure.
How long does it take for Cialis to kick in?
According to the FDA label, peak levels of Cialis in the body are reached 30 minutes and 6 hours after a single dose. Taking Cialis with or without food does not affect its absorption.
Will Cialis make you last longer?
Cialis does not affect your ability to last longer. It is used to help achieve and maintain an erection for sexual activity. Cialis erection requires sexual stimulation or arousal.
Can I take Viagra and Cialis together?
Do not take Viagra and Cialis together. They work the same way, so using them together may increase the risk of negative side effects.
Is 20mg of Cialis the same as 100mg of Viagra?
20mg of Cialis is a high dose and 100mg is a high dose of Viagra, which some people may find comparable. However, Cialis is more potent than Viagra, so doses of Cialis and Viagra cannot be compared in this way. The right dose for your condition should be determined by your doctor after a thorough medical examination.
References
- https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/viagra-vs-cialis
- https://www.medicinenet.com/cialis_vs_viagra/article.htm
- https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/cialis-levitra-viagra