Viagra vs Cialis, which is better for Men

Published : Jun 28, 2024

Viagra and Cialis are the most common medicines when it comes to treating erectile dysfunction. While both Cialis and Viagra work to increase the flow of blood to the male sexual organs to support hard erections, there are some differences between Viagra and Cialis.

One significant difference is that Cialis lasts longer and can be taken regularly, offering erections on demand. At the same time, Viagra is taken a few hours before it is required and gives less spontaneity. But one thing you must note before using this ED pill is that you need sexual stimulation on your own to let it work for you.

To know the difference between ED medications like Cialis and Viagra, continue reading this blog.

What is Viagra?

Viagra is the first FDA-approved medicine to treat erectile dysfunction. Just like Cialis, it is a PDE5 inhibitor that increases blood flow to the male reproductive organ. The difference is that the effects of Viagra lasts only for four to six hours. This ED pill is taken before the planned sexual intercourse.

You can take Viagra pills once a day. Even if you take this medicine regularly, there are times when Viagra is not present in your system and causes difficulty in achieving an erection. Due to this reason, Viagra is taken by men who have sexual intercourse occasionally. The benefit of the Viagra pill is that you can take it whenever it is needed. You may choose a Viagra dosage by consult with your doctor and use it as instructed before sex.

Side effects of Viagra

Some common side effects of Viagra include:

Muscle aches
Headache
Sleep troubles
Heartburn
Flushing
Nosebleed
Diarrhea

What is Cialis?

Cialis is a type of PDE5 inhibitor approved in 2003 by the Food and Drug Administration as an ED medication. Like other PDE5 inhibitor drugs, Cialis also increases blood flow to the male sexual organ and promotes hard erections.

There are two different ways of taking Cialis: as needed or daily. If you take the medicine daily, the medicine will always stay in your system. This makes it easy for you to get an erection anytime you require. As a man, if you like to indulge in sexual activity frequently, Cialis is a good option.

The other option is to take the Cialis pill 30 minutes before indulging in sexual activity. If you take this medicine once, the effects will last 36 hours. This means it is easy for you to get an erection during that time.

Side effects of Cialis

Common side effects of the Cialis pill include:

Flushing
Drop in blood pressure
Headache
Muscle pain
Cough
Diarrhea
Nausea
Indigestion

How do ED drugs work?

PDE5 inhibitors work by obstructing the breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which leads to increased nitric oxide production in the body.

Nitric oxide is a substance that makes your blood vessels relax. This further causes more blood flow to the male reproductive organ and promotes strong erections. It is essential to know that Viagra and Cialis both work in the same way.

Viagra vs. Cialis

Selecting the proper Erectile dysfunction medication can be difficult. Make sure to discuss with the doctor about your sexual life and desired use. Both medicines are generic and available at discounted prices, which makes them more readily available than before.

Viagra vs Cialis: Which works faster?

Both Viagra and Cialis work quickly. When taking Cialis as needed, you can take it 30 minutes before planned sexual activity. On the other hand, Viagra can be taken within 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual intercourse. However, it works best when you take it at least one hour before sexual activity.

Viagra vs Cialis: Which lasts longer?

When compared to Viagra, the Cialis pill lasts longer. Cialis stays in your system for 36 hours and can provide support for erections during the complete time. However, Viagra stays in the system for just four to six hours.

Viagra vs. Cialis: What is more effective?

Viagra and Cialis are equally effective. All PDE5 inhibitors are 70% effective and help men to achieve hard erections. This means that 7 out of 10 men who take these ED medications have frequent or long-lasting erections. Doctors suggest avoiding the consumption of high-fat meal food as it can reduce the effectiveness of the Viagra pill.

Viagra vs Cialis: Dosage available

The dosage of Cialis depends on whether you are taking it daily or as needed.

Daily dosages are between 2.5 and 5mg. As-needed dosages are generally 10mg but can range from 5 to 20mg.

On the other hand, the typical dosage of Viagra is 50mg. However, this dose can also range from 25 to 100mg. Depending on your condition and age, the doctor will decide the correct dose for you.

Viagra vs. Cialis: Safety

As Viagra and Cialis are both PDE5 inhibitors, they come with the same effects and safety concerns. It is advised to talk with your doctor to know which ED pill is best for you. Discuss with your doctor about possible drug interactions, and if you take any medicine or have any other problem, inform your doctor about it.

Related Article: Discover other best ways to treat ED

What Drugs interact with Cialis and Viagra?

Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) can interact with several other medicines and can cause health risks. Notably, nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) and alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin) are known to cause sudden drops in blood pressure when used with PDE-5 inhibitors. The effects may appear if you use Viagra and Cialis with medicines used to treat high blood pressure. Moreover, the problem of high blood pressure and ED have a link and you must discuss if you taking Cialis.

CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir), certain antibiotics, and antifungals (e.g., erythromycin, itraconazole) may interact with both of these ED pills. The interaction might increase the levels of Cialis and Viagra in the blood, and it increases the risk of side effects.

Additionally, alcohol and grapefruit juice can exacerbate side effects like dizziness and low blood pressure. Certain antiviral medications (e.g., ritonavir) also elevate drug levels in your body when interacting. So, Always consult a doctor before using these ED medications to avoid adverse interactions.

Check out our top-tier men's healthcare solutions.

Final Lines

Therefore, there is nothing like the best medicine when it comes to treating erectile dysfunction in men. If you need a weekend ED drug that lasts for a long time and enjoys sexual activity to the fullest, Cialis is the best option. Viagra is a short-acting erectile dysfunction medicine that helps you enjoy sexual activity for a single evening without staying in the system for too long. You may get our online store to get affordable Generic Cialis, Generic Viagra, and other erectile dysfunction medications at the best price.