According to the National Institutes of Health, erectile dysfunction (ED) impacts about 30 million men in the United States alone. So, while it might be a slightly uncomfortable subject to talk about, it is a prevalent condition and, fortunately, one that can be addressed with proper medical treatment.
The two most commonly prescribed medications for ED are Cialis and Viagra, which, for quite some time now, have both been available in their far more affordable generic forms, tadalafil (Cialis) and sildenafil (Viagra).
While these medications work in similar ways by promoting blood flow to the penis and, thereby, helping men achieve an erection firm enough for sex, there are some important differences between the two that will likely impact which one is best for your personal needs.
Viagra vs. Cialis Comparison
| Compare ED Treatments | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sildenafil (Viagra) | Tadalafil (Cialis) | |
| Generic Availability? | Yes | Yes |
| Time to Effect | 30 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Maximum Effect | 45-60 minutes | 2 hours |
| Duration of Effect | 3-5 hours | 36 hours |
| Food Interactions? | Yes, take it 1 to 2 hours after eating, or with a low-fat meal. | No |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, flushing, nasal congestion, upset stomach, vision changes | Headache, flushing, upset stomach; less vision changes but more muscle/back pain |
How Viagra and Cialis Work
Both tadalafil and sildenafil are in a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medications block the PDE5 enzyme and boost the body’s nitric oxide chemical. This boost encourages the muscles of the penis to relax, which stimulates blood flow to the organ and helps promote a healthy erection.
For the record, if you are wondering which one makes you harder, there has been no concrete evidence found that one mediation works better than the other in terms of achieving an erection. Tadalafil and sildenafil are equally effective ED treatments. The two have core differences that might make one a better choice than the other for your personal needs.
5 Things To Consider When Choosing Between Cialis and Viagra
- Timing
The biggest difference in how these two medications work is how long each remains active in the body’s system. While both should be taken 30-60 minutes before any initial sexual activity, Viagra (sildenafil) remains effective in helping men achieve erection for about 4 hours. Cialis (tadalafil), on the other hand, can remain effective in the body for up to 36 hours, which, naturally, means men can experience the benefits for a significantly longer amount of time. This can be beneficial for those who have less predictive sex lives, such as men who are actively dating versus those in a long-term relationship or marriage.
Conversely, because Cialis stays in the body longer than Viagra, there is a greater chance of experiencing side effects and interactions with other medications, including blood pressure medications, when taking Cialis. Men who are concerned about possible side effects or have other medical conditions being treated with prescription drugs may be better off choosing Viagra.
- Food Impact
Both medications can be taken safely on an empty stomach or with food. However, a large meal, especially a hearty one with a high-fat content, can dampen the impact of Viagra and increase the amount of time it takes for the medication to begin working. Once again, men who are actively dating may benefit from choosing Cialis and its generic alternative, tadalafil, because going out to eat a large meal while on a date might diminish the effects of Viagra.
- Dosage
Another core difference is the dosage you might be prescribed. Viagra is available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets, with most men starting with 50mg. The generic sildenafil tablets are also available in a 20mg size. Your doctor may prescribe a higher or lower dose based on age, physical health, and medical history. The maximum dose per day for Viagra is 100 mg.
Cialis requires a much smaller dose to be effective, with the maximum daily dose being 20 mg. Tablets are available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20 mg sizes, as well as a pill designed to be taken daily at just 2.5mg, a convenient option for many men.
- Side Effects
Because they belong to the same medication classification, tadalafil and sildenafil have similar potential side effects. The most common side effects of sildenafil (Viagra) include headaches, flushing, indigestion, back pain, and nausea. For tadalafil (Cialis), they include headaches, heartburn, flushing, back pain, muscle aches, and pain in the arms or legs. Cialis is less likely to cause flushing but more likely to cause back and muscle pain, which may be a consideration for those who experience these side effects, as they may last longer than those experienced with Viagra due to the medication remaining in the body for an extended period. The side effects of both drugs usually go away once the medication has left the system.
- Cost
The best news when it comes to cost is that prices have dropped dramatically since both Cialis and Viagra have become available in generic forms – tadalafil and sildenafil, respectively. Most medical insurances rarely cover ED prescriptions, and both Cialis and Viagra were once simply cost-prohibitive for many men who could have greatly benefited from them. But that’s all in the past.
Today, both medications are highly affordable, mainly through online pharmacies built to keep costs as low as possible. While there can be differences in price, with tadalafil sometimes costing a bit more (depending on the prescribed dosage) than sildenafil due to its longer-lasting benefits, prices tend to be very comparable when you shop online. For instance, through MediSuite, a popular online pharmacy, prices are as follows for the lower doses of the medications.
Price Comparison: Sildenafil vs Tadalafil
| Sildenafil 20mg | Tadalafil 5mg | |
|---|---|---|
| 180 tablets | $150 | $150 |
| 90 tablets | $95 | $95 |
| 45 tablets | $60 | $50 |
Takeaways
Both sildenafil and tadalafil have been proven to be effective treatments for men who have erectile dysfunction. With the introduction of these generic brands, the cost of care has plummeted, and more and more men benefit from these medications. Which one is right for you? That depends on health and lifestyle factors; you must discuss them with a qualified doctor before receiving a prescription for either medication. If you are suffering from ED, there are solutions out there worth exploring. The first step is speaking with your doctor or contacting a telemedicine physician for an affordable consultation through a provider like MediSuite.
MediSuite is committed to men’s healthcare by providing doctor-prescribed medications at affordable prices delivered directly and discreetly to your door.