Difference between Cialis and Viagra: Everything Explained
Medical conditions pertaining to erectile dysfunction (ED) like problem in achieving a proper penile erection and maintaining the same, reduced interest or energy for sexual acts; are quite common among men across the globe.Â
Hardly two out of ten men would wake up to a doctor without a slightest of hesitation and talk about issues like erectile dysfunction, although not all of them are having such a condition due to any physical lacking, and rather is suffering from a psychological problem.  Â
What is Cialis?Â
Cialis is a commonly referred prescribed branded drug to cure erectile dysfunction, having the salt of tadalafil. It is a registered trademark of Lilly ICOS LLC.Â
What is Viagra?Â
Viagra is a popular branded medication name, having the salt of sildenafil; used for treating erectile dysfunction in men, that is invented and marketed by Pfizer.
Cialis vs Viagra: Key Differences Explained
Parameters |
Cialis |
Viagra |
| Nature of Salt | Tadalafil | Sildenafil Citrate |
| Erection Duration | 17 to 18 hours | 4 hours |
| Mechanism of Action | Being a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, it works by blocking the PDE5 enzyme, and boosts nitric oxide. This action encourages the muscles in the penis to relax, which eventually allows blood to flow freely, and offers an erection when sexually stimulated. | Being a PDE5 inhibitor, it widens the blood vessels in order to allow more flow of blood, eventually bringing relaxaion to the blood vessels. Blood flow is pushed towards the penile area, eventually achieving and maintaining a proper erection. |
| Dosage Intake per day | Cialis is taken as a 10mg starting dose. The dosage may be increased to 20mg if 10mg is ineffective or reduced to 5mg if side effects are intolerable. | 50mg, approximately 1 hour before sexual activity (although can be taken from 30 minutes to 4 hours before). The dose may be increased to 100mg if 50mg is ineffective or decreased to 25mg if side effects are intolerable. Viagra should only be taken once a day even though the effects wear off after approximately 4-5 hours. |
| Dosage strengths available | 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg | 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg |
| Timing of Consumption | 30 minutes prior to the sexual act | 30–60 minutes prior to the sexual act |
| Dissolution duration | 30 to 90 minutes | 20 to 30 minutes (however, having a high fat content meal might affect this duration) |
| Side effects | Headache, stomach upset, back pain, muscle pain, stuffy nose, flushing, or dizziness may occur. | Prolonged and painful erections, flushing or reddening, dizziness, heart problems, gastrointestinal problems, seizures or convulsions, blurred vision or changes in colour vision, muscle pains. |
| Storage temp. | 25°C | 20–25°C |
Drug Interactions – Cialis vs Viagra
Both of these phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, have similar interaction with other drugs, hence the following drugs should be avoided:
- Various forms of nitrates, such as isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) and nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)
- certain blood pressure drugs, such as calcium channel blockers
- alpha-blockers, which can treat high blood pressure or an enlarged prostate
- certain pulmonary hypertension drugs, such as riociguat (Adempas)
- protease inhibitors, a class of HIV medications
- antifungal drugs, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox)
- antibacterial drugs, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin)
Which one is better: Cialis or Viagra?
Both Viagra and Cialis are PDE-5 inhibitors, that relax the smooth muscles in the blood vessels supplying the penis, which again increases blood flow to aid an erection.Â
However, both Viagra and Cialis have two different active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). In Viagra the API or the PDE-5 inhibitor, is sildenafil; while in case of Cialis, it is Tadalafil.Â
Cialis has an advantage over Viagra and Levitra in that it lasts for a lot longer i.,e 36 hours, compared with 4-5 hours for Viagra.Â
But different patients may react to these two drugs in different ways, and that is why a proper medical consultation is strictly advised before anyone finalises on either of these two drugs to cure any issues pertaining to erectile dysfunction.Â
Other related Medicines:
FAQs about the Difference between Cialis vs Viagra
Which one of Cialis and Viagra, is stronger?
Cialis is definitely stronger than Viagra, and requires lesser dosage than the latter.
Do Cialis and Viagra have the same purpose or work?
Both of the medicines belong to the same class of drug, i.,e PDE5 inhibitor and has the same kind of mechanism of work for the same set of purpose. Yet they constitute of different different pharmaceutical ingredients and project different intensity in the results.
Which one is safer: Cialis or Viagra?
Both the drugs have FDA approvals. Moreover, by now, various patients across the globe have already tried either of Cialis or Viagra, and have experienced positive results. Hence both are safe as pharmaceutical drugs. Yet, neither of them should be taken without medical consultation otherwise they might inflict side effects.
Can Cialis or Viagra be taken OTC or doctor consultation required?
Both Cialis and Viagra are strong medication that can cause serious side effects when taken without doctor consultation. Hence a detailed diagnosis is advised before finalising on any of them.
Is Cialis and Viagra available online?
Yes, you may buy this drug online via our website Alldayplus.