The market for erectile dysfunction medication is extremely competitive with many companies trying to differentiate their product by altering the form or the delivery method. While the two medications are often confused with one another, they are actually very different. If you’re looking for relief from ED, then it might be worth considering the differences between Cialis and Viagra before making a purchase. Here’s a quick comparison between the two leading ED drugs that will help you decide which one is right for you.
Side Effects
Both ingredients in Cialis and Viagra have been on the market for a while now and have a track record of being safe and effective. Nonetheless, there are still some people who experience side effects from taking either drug. Common side effects of Cialis include dizziness, headache, and flushing. While not as common, Viagra can also cause these side effects as well as tachycardia (an abnormally fast heart rate).
Dosage
One of the primary differences between Cialis and Viagra is their dosage. Whereas, Cialis is usually taken orally once a day, and has been shown to improve sexual function for up to 12 hours, Viagra should be taken at least 30 minutes before sexual activity and should last for up to four hours. In rare cases, individuals taking Viagra have reported symptoms of lightheadedness or drowsiness which could potentially be dangerous if the individual is also driving a car or operating heavy machinery.
Form
In addition to their differences in dosage, Cialis and Viagra also differ in terms of their form. While both are oral medications and can be taken conveniently in tablet form, Cialis comes in a sleek, discreet, and easy-to-use oral spray while Viagra is a much more traditional pill to swallow. The two drugs also have different flavors which can make a difference in how well they go down. For example, peppermint flavor has been shown to improve the taste of Viagra when compared to other flavors like cherry or orange.
If you’re looking for an ED medication that’s easy to use and has few, if any, side effects then Cialis is a great choice. However, if you want a traditional pill to swallow then Viagra still reigns as the king (or queen) of ED medication.
The major upside to Cialis is that, since it is orally administered, the vast majority of people will experience pleasant side effects without having to worry about any interactions with other medications. That being said, since it is a new drug, there isn’t a whole lot of research out there yet regarding long-term effects. So, if you’re looking for a medication to treat your ED for the rest of your life, then Cialis might not be the best choice. This said, for those who are newly diagnosed with ED or for those who have tried many other medications and are looking for something different, Cialis might be worth a try. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. While both products are safe and effective, one might suit your needs better than the other. Just keep in mind that, since Cialis is a new drug, there isn’t a lot of research out there regarding long-term use.
Clinical Trials
Another important factor to consider when choosing ED medication is whether or not the medication has been tested in clinical trials. If you’re interested in trying a new medication, then you should definitely consider talking to your doctor about available clinical trials. Clinical trials are important because they allow doctors to see how a medication fares in comparison to a placebo or inactive substance.
As mentioned above, while both Cialis and Viagra have been proven effective in clinical trials, the dosage and the form of Cialis make it a more attractive choice for patients. As a result, more and more men are opting for Cialis over Viagra, especially since it is a new drug and hasn’t been tested thoroughly in comparison to Viagra yet. If you’re interested in trying a new medication to treat your ED, then talk to your doctor about available clinical trials. This way, you can find out which treatment is most suitable for you.
Cost
One of the main reasons why Cialis has become so popular is because it is a relatively cheaper alternative to Viagra. While exact pricing information is not available, average wholesale prices (the cost of a drug before any discounts) for a month’s supply of Cialis range from $134.99 to $278.74 and for Viagra it’s $276.99 to $467.99. On top of that, you’ll have to pay for shipping and handling which can add up the total cost. In contrast, a month’s supply of Cialis will typically cost you around $50 to $75 less than the cost of the identical medication under the name Viagra.
Safety
While we usually think of medications when it comes to potential side effects, it’s also important to remember that some medications are more dangerous than others. Some of the most serious side effects from taking ED medication include: liver damage, heart disease, and high blood pressure (hypertension). Just because a medication is effective in treating your ED does not mean it’s perfect for everybody. If you’re taking any medication, then make sure your doctor knows about all of your existing medical conditions. This way, he can monitor for any interactions and adverse effects between the two.
As mentioned above, while both Cialis and Viagra have been proven safe and effective in clinical trials, the side effects of Cialis can be a bit more common. It must also be remembered that just because a medication is proven to be safe does not mean it’s exempt of all side effects. Some of the more serious side effects include: nausea, headache, dizziness, and flushing. In most cases, these side effects will disappear once the individual stops taking the medication. Nonetheless, these are still serious side effects which one should not take lightly. Just keep in mind that Cialis has been proven safe in randomized, double-blind studies and has a good safety profile. This provides reasonable assurance that it will not cause any harmful side effects.
Overall Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision about which ED medication to try is highly personal. While the safety and effectiveness of both medications has been established, it’s still up to you to decide which one is more suitable for your needs. Both medications have their perks and quirks but, at the end of the day, it’s all about what’s best for you.