Medically reviewed by: Thomas Fischer (Pharmacist). This article has been written according to strict guidelines and medical standards.
Medically reviewed by: Thomas Fischer (Pharmacist)
Tadalafil vs. Sildenafil, or in more popular terms, Cialis vs. Viagra. How are these two drugs the same, and how do they differ from each other? The most obvious similarity is that both of these drugs were invented for the purpose of combating erectile dysfunction in men. Viagra came first, followed by Cialis. Both drugs have proven to be successful.
There are, however, subtle differences that make each drug unique. These differences include alternative uses, the time it takes for the drug to work, and the duration of the effect. The question is, at the end of the day, which one should be used, Cialis, or Viagra? Taking a closer look at both drugs may resolve that question.
Cialis vs. Viagra - Both Drugs Explained Through Definition
Both Cialis and Viagra are PDE5 inhibitors. When a man undergoes sexual arousal, nitric oxide gets discharged in the phallus (penis). This results in the generation of cGMP (enzymes that control the narrowing and expansion of blood vessels carrying blood to the phallus).
PDE5 enzymes hinder penile blood supply by eliminating cGMP. When cGMP enzymes get destroyed, blood vessels resume their natural state, causing an end to the erection. PDE5 inhibitors function by eradicating PDE5 enzymes, which results in the ability to have a proper erection. ED drugs will, however, not cause an erection without sexual arousal taking place.
To best explain the main difference between Viagra and Cialis, it is important to first define them.
Defining Cialis
Cialis is the trademark name for the medication Tadalafil. Tadalafil is a virility drug manufactured by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly & Co. to alter the outcome of ED in men. Alternative uses are for nodular hyperplasia (BPH) and Ayerza’s syndrome (PAH).
Defining Viagra
Sildenafil (Sildenafil: The Active Ingredient Behind Viagra) is a virility medication sold under the trademark name of Viagra and is designed to overcome impotence (s. also Erectile Dysfunction Treatments – The Best ED Cure in Check). Pfizer pharmaceuticals produce it (s. also Pfizer – the Manufacturer of the Little Blue Pill Viagra).
Cialis vs. Viagra - What Makes Them Different?
Although Cialis and Viagra are used for the same purpose, there are several differences worth noting.
Viagra
Viagra is a Sildenafil based drug. It kicks in within an hour after consumption, and its effect lasts up to five hours. It is manufactured in a blue colored, diamond-shaped tablet and is taken orally. It’s available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg doses (s. also Viagra Dosage By Weight – How To Take Viagra For Best results). And is more commonly referred to as “The Little Blue Pill.”
The medication is produced for the purpose of dealing with ED symptoms and also for treating pulmonary disorders. Because of its short-lived activity in the human body and its quick response to become active, it is perfect for the guy that plans ahead.
Cialis
Tadalafil is the base chemical used in Cialis. It’s produced as an orange-yellow colored, almond-shaped tablet that is taken orally. It comes in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg doses. The drug takes effect within two hours of consumption and will retain its impact for approximately 36 hours. It is commonly referred to as “The Weekend Pill.”.
The drug is used for ED and other conditions. Doctors often prescribe it for daily use. Due to everyday use, as well as the long-lasting effect of Cialis, it is the perfect drug for the impulsive guy that does not rely on planned sexual intercourse.
Cialis vs. Viagra - Which One Has The Best Effect?
The use of both drugs results in a firm and lasting erection with no visible distinction of the effect. The difference lies in the amount of time it takes to reach its full potential and the duration of its effect.
It is up to the individual to test both products to establish which one works the best for him. As a guideline and also mentioned earlier, Viagra is often best for the person that plans sexual activity ahead of time. Cialis, on the other hand, is often more suitable for the guys that act on impulse.
Can Cialis & Viagra Be Used Together?
Mixing Cialis and Viagra is not recommended by most doctors. Should you find either Viagra or Cialis to be ineffective, the dosage you are taking may be the problem. Speak to your doctor to increase the dosage of your medication. Increased dosage, in general, resolves the issue.
Using Cialis and Viagra together may hold health implications in store for you. The combination may bring about Priapism (painful erections lasting more than four hours). Should this occur, you need to find emergency medical assistance immediately. Because both Cialis and Viagra can lower blood pressure, the combined use may result in sudden hypotension. This may end up, worst-case scenario, causing heart attacks, strokes, or kidney failure.
Apart from the side effects mentioned above, no interactions exist that scientists know of. That does not rule out the possibility that interactions don’t exist.
Cialis In The Morning & Viagra At Night: Are There Any Complications?
It is probably not a good idea to take Cialis in the morning and Viagra at night. Cialis has a long-lasting effect, and it remains active for an estimated thirty-six hours. Because of this, taking Viagra within that time period comes down to combined use. As discussed above, this may lead to serious and unwanted side effects that may result in death.
The answer is no, you cannot use Cialis in the morning and Viagra at night.
Viagra vs. Cialis - Does One Make You Harder Than The Other?
No. There is no difference in the hardness of the erection that you have after using either Cialis or Viagra. The fundamental difference is the duration of the effect the drugs offer. Viagra is active for an estimated five hours, whereas Cialis has a long-lasting impact, approximately thirty-six hours.
Studies show that, due to Cialis lasting much longer, it is the more popular of the two drugs. The lasting effect allows for spontaneity in one’s relationship. Viagra, on the other hand, tends to work for a slightly higher percentage of people.
The choice of which drug to use remains with the individual. Something that you must keep in consideration when choosing ED medication, though, is your lifestyle.
Is Cialis A Better ED Drug Than Viagra?
According to studies, Cialis, due to its prolonged action, is the ED drug of choice for most people. Viagra has proved to be slightly more effective in the number of people the drugs work for. The effect of Cialis, however, is the same as that of Viagra. The use of Cialis and Viagra both result in a satisfying, rigid erection. The individual needs to assess both drugs and then decide which suits him better.
Cialis vs. Viagra - Side Effect Comparability
Viagra and Cialis share the same side effects. The most common of these side effects include:
- Stomach pains,
- Flu-like symptoms,
- Flushing,
- Headaches,
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea,
- Diarrhea,
- Changes in color perception and blurred vision,
- Hypotension,
- Abnormal ejaculation,
- Nausea,
- Prolonged erections,
- Ringing in the ears, and,
- Loss of hearing.
For a comprehensive list of all the side effects, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Cialis vs. Viagra - Contraindication Analysis
Contraindication definition:
- A distinct situation in which a condition or symptom indicates that a particular treatment is inadvisable and should not be used due to the potential harm it may cause the patient.
Contraindications indicated with ED drugs include:
- Leukemia (Bone marrow or blood cancer),
- Pigmentary retinopathy (degenerative, genetic disease of the eye),
- Hearing loss,
- Multiple myeloma (cancerous plasma cells),
- Heart attacks,
- Uncontrolled hypertension (high bp),
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (thickening of the heart muscle),
- Angina (rapid aggravation of heart associated chest pain),
- Aortic valve contraction,
- Life-endangering erratic heart rhythm,
- Severe renal impairment,
- Liver problems,
- Strokes,
- Chronic heart failure,
- Hypotension (low bp),
- Peyronie's disease,
- Penile deformities,
- Formation of fibrous tissue in the phallus,
- A serious deficiency of the autonomic nervous system,
- Esophagus related problems,
- Allergies related to Sildenafil or Tadalafil,
- NAION (a condition in which the eye's optic nerve receives insufficient blood flow resulting in rapid vision loss),
- Pulmonary veno-occlusive dystrophy (arterial hypertension of the lungs),
- Coronary heart disease,
- Hepatic disease (liver disease),
- Nitrates,
- Alpha-blockers,
- Polycythemia (increased concentrations of hemoglobin found in the blood-stream),
- Peptic or hematological ulcer (stomach ulcer or illness),
- Prostate cancer.
The above does not represent all of the contradictions of ED drugs. For more information or a full list, speak to your physician or pharmacist.
Cialis vs. Viagra - How Does Their Cost Compare?
The price of brand name ED drugs is sky-high. But how does the cost of Cialis compare to that of Viagra? At the same time, how does the price compare to their generic versions? ED pricing is often influenced by the quantity you purchase. Higher volumes result in a lower price per pill. Online prices are further influenced by the country of origin where the tablets were produced and shipped from.
The tables below show a comprehensive look at the cost of both brand and generic versions of Cialis and Viagra. It also shows the difference in expense between buying from traditional and online shops. The prices must be viewed as an indication of the cost only, as they may vary from time to time.
Best Price For Cialis 30 Day Supply | ||||||
5mg | 10mg | 20mg | ||||
Brand | Generic | Brand | Generic | Brand | Generic | |
Traditional Outlets | $359.36 | $11.95 | $2,065.04 | $20.85 | $2,065.04 | $23.53 |
Online Pharmacies | $138.00 | $29.62 | $551.24 | $73.50 | $398.44 | $29.62 |
Best Price for Viagra 30 Day Supply | ||||||
25mg | 50mg | 100mg | ||||
Brand | Generic | Brand | Generic | Brand | Generic | |
Traditional Outlets | $1,919.74 | $15.73 | $1,919.74 | $16.36 | $1,919.69 | $15.44 |
Online Pharmacies | $383.78 | $48.74 | $359.24 | $41.24 | $283.80 | $48.74 |
Cialis & Viagra Online - How To Buy These Drugs With An Online Prescription
Safety warning:
There is a lot of criminal activity involved in the sale of medication online. Certain internet pharmacies operate outside the law, and they sell numerous contraband products. Contraband drugs may cause serious harm. Because of its popularity, ED drugs are regularly targeted by these unlawful companies. Always take precautionary steps to ensure the legitimacy of the online company.
Ensuring That The Online Health Provider Is Legit
There are certain steps you can take to guarantee that you’re dealing with the real deal. These include:
- Check the doctor's credentials. Certificationmatters is an independent website that allows the user to check the doctor's credentials.
- Read reviews by patients as well as independent sources. Ratemds and Betterdoctor are two verified and reliable sources where you can find independent reviews.
- Make sure the website address has the correct spelling.
- Look for the https:// protocol. This is an indication that you are on a secure site.
- Look for a padlock on the left of the website address. This ensures that the connection status of the website is protected.
- Search for Trust seals issued by companies like Verasafe, Paypal, Merchant Safe, Visa, etc. Companies go through strict scanning processes to ensure that they are certified and legitimate.
- Be sure to verify that the telemedicine site does not charge a monthly subscription fee.
Finding A Telemedicine Provider
Search the net for a legitimate telemedicine site, preferably operating from the state that you live in to ensure the doctor’s familiarity with the law.
Not all telehealth providers accept health insurance. If you do have health insurance and plan on using it for your telehealth visit, it might be a good idea to check if the provider you plan on using does accept health insurance. After finding the telemedicine site that you wish to use, log on to the site.
Making The Appointment
It is a prerequisite of telehealth providers that you register with the company and provide a detailed profile of yourself on your first visit.
When you have completed this, you are free to make an appointment. Telehealth providers generally operate 24/7, which allows you to book an appointment when the time and date suits you. These appointments are either conducted via phone or video call.
Seeing The Doctor
During the doctor’s appointment, tell the doctor about your ED condition and ask as many questions as you can think of. The more insight the doctor is given about your situation, the more efficient he will be in providing a diagnosis.
After hearing his diagnosis, the doctor will supply you with a prescription for either Viagra or Cialis. The drug prescribed depends on your choice of medication as well as your overall health.
Getting Your Medication
Telehealth providers, in general, either have a chemist or work in conjunction with one. After your appointment, the telehealth provider will forward your prescription to the chemist they work with, or that one you have designated.
Upon reception of your script, the chemist will dispense, package, and mail the medication to you via either postal services or by courier. It’s typically sent as overnight delivery.
Paying For The Consultation & Medication
Telehealth providers generally do accept both health Insurance and cash-paying patients. During the registration process, you can set up payment options. If you have health insurance, you can link it to the Telehealth Provider. If you don’t, you can set up a payment plan.
- Sustained efficacy and safety of vardenafil for treatment of erectile dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. In: Valiquette L et al., Mayo Clin Proc. 2005 Oct;80(10):1291-7. URL: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Erectile dysfunction: comparison of efficacy and side effects of the PDE-5 inhibitors sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil–review of the literature, Gresser U et al. URL: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. VIAGRA® (sildenafil citrate) Tablets. URL: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov.
- Kim AA, Kent CK, & Klausner JD. Increased risk of HIV and sexually transmitted disease transmission among gay or bisexual men who use Viagra, San Francisco 2000-2001. AIDS. 2002 Jul 5;16(10):1425-8.
- Guimarães AC, Malachias MV, Coelho OR, Zilli EC, Luna RL. Use of sildenafil in patients with cardiovascular disease. Arq Bras Cardiol. 1999;73(6):515-26. doi:10.1590/S0066-782X1999001200006. URL: https://www.scielo.br
- Huang SA, Lie JD. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors In the management of erectile dysfunction. P T. 2013;38(7):407-19. URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Porst, Hartmut et al. Efficacy of tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction at 24 and 36 hours after dosing: a randomized controlled trial. In: Urology Volume 62, 07/2003. Elsevier Inc.
- Brock, Gerald et al. Efficacy and Safety of Tadalafil for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: Results of Integrated Analyses. In: The Journal of Urology Volume 168, 10/2002. Elsevier Inc.
- Sáenz de Tejada, Iñigo et al. Effects of Tadalafil on Erectile Dysfunction in Men With Diabetes. Diabetes Care Volume 25, 12/2002. In: American Diabetes Association. URL: diabetesjournals.org