Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a man’s inability to attain and sustain an erection.
According to the Urology Care Foundation, over 30 million American men periodically struggle with Erectile Dysfunction (also known as impotence).
There are many factors that influence Erectile Dysfunction like Smoking and drinking, Diabetes, Low testosterone, Obesity, stress, sedentary lifestyle, High Blood Pressure, etc.
Although occasional erection problems are common, repetitive episodes may indicate a disorder and require treatment.
When Erectile Dysfunction becomes an issue, many men turn to oral ED medicines, which frequently help solve the issue.
PDE5 inhibitors such as Viagra and Cialis are two of the most commonly prescribed medications for treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED); still, many patients don’t know the differences between Cialis and Viagra.
These medicines function in comparable ways. However, they differ significantly in terms of when they are taken, how long they take to show effects and their side effects.
Cialis and Viagra have extremely similar mechanisms of action and effects on erections and sexual performance.
This article will detail the differences between two ED pills: Cialis vs Viagra, and draw conclusions on which one is better.
What is the difference between Cialis and Viagra
Before comparing Cialis vs Viagra in terms of efficacy, side effects, price, etc., it is essential to understand that the primary difference between Cialis and Viagra lies in their composition.
Cialis contains the active component Tadalafil, whereas Viagra’s primary ingredient is Sildenafil Citrate.
Tadalafil and Sildenafil belong to the medicines known as Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE5 enzymes inhibitors).
PDE5 is an enzyme that breaks down cGMP levels and reverses the erection process.
PDE5 inhibitors block the effects of PDE 5 enzymes and prevent the cGMP breakdown.
This action raises the cGMP levels in the body.
cGMP relaxes the smooth muscles in the penile area, thus boosting the blood flow in the penis.
Enhanced blood flow is required for attaining and maintaining a firm erection.
Which medicine was approved first
Viagra (Sildenafil) was the first oral ED pill and the first PDE5 inhibitor approved by the FDA to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
In March 1998, Pfizer started selling Sildenafil under the brand name Viagra.
Whereas Cialis (Tadalafil) got its FDA approval for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in November 2003.
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly started marketing Tadalafil under the brand name Cialis in 2003.
Which of the two has a quicker action
In Cialis vs Viagra, Cialis works faster than Viagra, between 20 and 30 minutes after taking it.
Viagra (Sildenafil) is effective 30 to 60 minutes after consumption.
The efficacy of the medications is also dependent on the individual’s response to the treatment.
Cialis vs Viagra: Which lasts for longer
In the comparison of Viagra vs Cialis, the biggest question that often comes into the minds of people is which of the two lasts for longer.
Well, the winner on the basis of longer effectiveness is undoubtedly Cialis.
Cialis containing Tadalafil lasts up to 36 hours in the body, which is why it is also known as the “Weekend Pill.”
Viagra, also known as the blue pill, on the other hand, can stay effective in the body for a maximum of 4-5 hours.
Which has more side effects: Cialis or Viagra
Both Cialis and Viagra have side effects like headaches, which are temporary and can be avoided if you stick to a doctor’s prescription.
Some of the side effects of Sildenafil, which Tadalafil users do not experience, are vision change, rash, and dizziness.
Viagra’s side effects tend to remain for a shorter duration as Viagra’s effects linger in the body only for 4-5 hours.
Whereas the adverse effects of Tadalafil, like limb pain, tend to remain for a longer duration due to the 36 hours stay of Tadalafil in the body.
Therefore, when comparing the side effects of Viagra and Cialis, Viagra is an obvious winner because Viagra stays for 4 hours, whereas, Cialis stays in the body for 36 hours.
Viagra vs Cialis: Whose action can food affect
Viagra’s effectiveness may get diminished by the food if it’s taken a right after food, but Cialis doesn’t have this issue.
Viagra (Sildenafil) starts working after 30 minutes, which means a high-calorie meal can change how Sildenafil works for you.
Therefore, it is advisable to take Viagra on an empty stomach or with a low-calorie meal.
On the other hand, Cialis (Tadalafil) usually starts working 20 minutes after it is taken, and food has no effect on how well it works.
Therefore, a comparison done on this ground, Cialis is a clear winner in Cialis vs Viagra difference.
Which is better: Cialis vs Viagra
In Cialis vs Viagra difference, Cialis is a better choice as it starts showing effects quickly and stays for a longer duration in the body.
Due to its benefits, Cialis (Tadalafil) is a better option than Viagra (Sildenafil) for men with Erectile Dysfunction.
However, your physician may order tests and review your medical history before deciding the appropriate treatment for you.
If none of these medicines work, additional medicines, such as Vardenafil and Avanafil, are available to treat impotence in men.
Consult a physician before taking any of the aforementioned medications.
Do not indulge yourself in self-medication.
All the above-mentioned ED medicines when taken along with Dapoxetine can treat Premature Ejaculation as well.