Viagra vs Cialis – Which one is Better?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) prevents men from getting or sustaining an erection and affects men across the U.S. and the globe. A recent study found that more than 30 million men suffer from ED in the U.S. alone, and this number is projected to grow to 300 million men worldwide by 2025.
Viagra and Cialis are the two most studied and cited medications, and the former often comes up when ED medications are being discussed.
How Viagra vs Cialis Works
ED is caused by insufficient blood supply to the penis. Viagra vs Cialis work by increasing blood to the penis by relaxing the arteries.
Sildenafil is found in Viagra, and tadalafil is present in Cialis. It is an interesting fact that Viagra was initially developed to treat cardiovascular complications that caused chest pains and later discovered to treat ED.
The main factor to consider in the Viagra and Cialis is their differences in duration and onset of action.
Difference Between Cialis and Viagra
People should compare viagra vs cialis considering these factors:
- Cialis is much longer lasting than Viagra
- Viagra can be less effective after a large or fatty meal
- Cialis treats Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Cialis can be called the weekend pill because of its long lasting effects (up to 36 hours) compared to it competitors 4-6 hours.
Dosage Comparison
Dosage is another factor to consider when you compare viagra vs cialis:
- Cialis is 2.5 mg to 20 mg
- Viagra is 25 mg to 100 mg
Cialis does come at a lower cost, but does have longer lasting effects than its competitor. Cialis is also less expensive because of its lower mg. Because of research, we can identify that tadalafil (Cialis) is about 17.5 hours and is a lower half-life than sildenafil (Viagra) at about 4 hours.
Duration and Effectiveness
This is one of the most effective deciding factors when it comes to viagra vs cialis.
Research has shown that a greater duration is desired for ED management and using long acting medication also provides alters spontaneity to less structured timing. Viagra however can claim a faster onset, but the onset can be dependent on the size and type of meal.
Multiple surveys have also shown a 60% more preference in longer acting medications in general.
Comparing Side Effects
Comparing the two medications, there are many possible side effects that they may have. In the case of Cialis, the side effects may include:
- Pain in the muscles or limbs
- Indigestion
- Nausea
While for viagra the possible side effects may include:
- Vision may become blurry
- Dizziness
- Reactions in the skin
Clinical data shows that headaches are the most commonly reported side effect, affecting about 10-15% of the respondents that use the PDE5 inhibitors. Side effects are typically mild and temporary, but should be taken into consideration if they are persistent.
Is Cialis (Tadalafil) Better Than Viagra (Sildenafil)?
Dosage strength of Cialis fare between 2.5 milligrams (mg) to 20 mg. On the other hand, Viagra is sold in strengths ranging from 25 mg to 100 mg. The low dosing strength of Cialis is an attractive thing as the side effects are not as severe as its counterpart.
Despite offered at an incomparably lesser strength, the effects of Cialis last more than 35 hours. On this count, Viagra does not compare well; its effects are known to last not more than 3 or 4 hours. Moreover, how Viagra works depends upon the quantum and nature of meals you take. If you take a fairly heavier meal, the efficacy of Viagra drops down significantly. Also, if you have taken a fat-rich meal, it leads to a slower level of absorption of this PDE 5 inhibitor.
Can You Take Viagra And Cialis Together?
Taking these two PDE inhibiting meds can lead to several counterproductive effects. You may face severe side effects like excessive level of drowsiness, sudden changes in your pressure level, acute spells of migraines, flushing, etc.
Combined intake of Viagra vs Cialis may also pull down their efficacy to a sizable extent. In most cases, you end up encountering an overdosed condition. If you have unknowingly taken these two meds together, call 911 for quicker help. You may also reach a poison control cell nearer to where you live on an urgent mode.
Cialis vs Viagra Price
Cost is also an important part for most people when trying to make a decision between viagra vs cialis.
While one can presume that Viagra will be more cost inclusive due to its higher doses and therefore lower cost per use, the strength with Cialis means that people are more willing to use it. In the last few years, the ability to get generic versions of the medications has also contributed to this.
The most notable example is the availability of generic sildenafil, which has in many areas lowered the price of ED treatment by as much as 80%.
The gap in cost has been further reduced due to discount programs as well as online pharmacies that have both viagra vs cialis.
Which Is Better: Viagra vs Cialis?
Deciding between viagra vs cialis is a function of your needs and your way of life.
Cialis may be better if you:
- Want long-lasting effects
- Enjoy more flexibility with timing
Viagra may be better if you:
- Want a shorter duration
- Prefer the drug to to leave our system quicker
Studies show that about 70% of men respond to PDE5 inhibitors positively, which means both are great options for most patients.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of how long the effects last, it is best to leave the decision of choosing the right drug to your caregiver. Your treating physician will consider several factors like your age, severity of the underlying sexual condition, onset of other diseases like cardiac ailments, hypertension, etc., and also intake of other drugs, if any.
You are hence advised to take either of these meds as per the advice of a qualified caregiving professional.