You will often hear it said that men become very attached to their libido – their sex drive – and this can make choosing a sex-related medication more difficult. Especially since there are many different options to choose from when it comes to managing your sex drive and many side effects associated with each type of medication. Let’s explore the differences between these two popular erectile dysfunction medications and which one is best suited for you. We will also discuss some of the side effects of each drug, and the advantages and disadvantages of taking each type of medication.
What Is Cialis?
Cialis is an oral medication that was originally developed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. In 2009 it was approved by the FDA for use in treating erectile dysfunction. It works by increasing the flow of blood to the penis thereby increasing the size of the erection. Cialis is frequently prescribed to men who experience rapid heart rate, or those who have had a heart attack.
Cialis has several advantages. First of all, it has a relatively low side effect profile and the most commonly reported side effects are dry mouth, upset stomach and diarrhea. In addition, due to its strong effect on blood pressure, many people experience an improvement in their cardiac function even when taking Cialis. This is likely due to increased blood flow throughout the body. It would appear that cardiovascular diseases are among the first to appreciate the protective effect of Cialis.
What Is Viagra?
Viagra is another popular ED medication that was originally developed to treat high blood pressure and heart disease. Its chief active ingredient, Sildenafil, was first identified in 1989 and it became commercially available in 1998. Like Cialis, Viagra is frequently prescribed to men who experience rapid heart rate or who have had a heart attack.
Viagra has several advantages. First of all, it has a very low side effect profile with the most commonly reported side effects being headache, jaw ache, and back pain. The most serious side effect is vision problems that have been reported by a small percentage of Viagra users. However, if you do experience vision problems, they are generally mild and transient. In addition, in people who take Viagra regularly, there is often an improvement in their cardiac function even when taking the drug. This is likely due to the drug’s vasodilatory effect on blood vessels. However, it must be noted that this is not generally the case and there is little evidence to support this claim.
Considering all of its advantages and disadvantages, it is no surprise that Viagra is one of the top selling ED medications. In fact, according to recent statistics, Viagra was the top selling medication in 2013 with sales amounting to $4.85 billion. In contrast, Cialis was the second most popular medication sold in 2013 with sales of $3.37 billion. So, while Cialis can be effective in treating erectile dysfunction, it appears that more and more men are choosing to rely on Viagra as their preferred medication.
The Differences Between Cialis and Viagra
Although there are many similarities between the two medications, Cialis and Viagra are actually quite different. Let’s take a look at some of the key differences.
Form
Due to its vasodilatory effect on blood vessels, Viagra is highly effective in increasing blood flow to various parts of the body and it can be taken orally or inserted into the vagina. However, Cialis is generally administered once every morning and its effects usually last for four hours or more. This makes it a truly long-lasting medication and it is often prescribed in cases of chronic erectile dysfunction. In other words, if you take Cialis and you experience a problem with blood flow that persists, it could be an indication that you need a higher dose or another medication entirely.
Dose
When you consider the differences in how Cialis and Viagra work, it’s not hard to understand why their doses are so different. As mentioned, Cialis is usually taken once a day while Viagra is usually taken at least once a day and it may be taken with or without food. However, it’s also important to consider how much you need to take. The general rule of thumb is one full pill for every morning dose of Cialis and four pills for every dose of Viagra. So, if you are taking either of these medications, make sure to consult with your doctor regarding the proper amount to take.
Side Effects
It’s important to keep in mind as you consider which medication to take that each drug has its own unique side effects that must be taken into consideration. As mentioned, Cialis has a very low side effect profile with the most commonly reported side effects being dry mouth, upset stomach, and diarrhea. Men with diabetes, high blood pressure and those who already suffer from these conditions are more likely to experience side effects from Cialis. Similarly, Viagra has a relatively low side effect profile with the most common side effects being headache, jaw ache, and back pain. Men with heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure are more likely to experience side effects from Viagra. However, like Cialis, there is a slight risk of vision problems with Viagra use. These are generally mild and transient but if they are a concern, there are other ED medications out there that may be safer for use.
In terms of intensity, Cialis and Viagra are considered to be of similar strength. This is typically determined by the type of active ingredient contained in each drug. For example, Sildenafil is the same exact compound as the one found in Viagra and it has a relatively high affinity for binding to the enzyme PDE5. This enzyme is responsible for degrading the neurotransmitter cGMP within the cell, which in turn leads to smooth muscle relaxation and increased blood flow. In contrast, Tadalafil is another active ingredient in Cialis and it is a more potent inhibitor of the enzyme PDE5. So, in general, Cialis and Viagra are both considered to be strong inhibitors of PDE5 and this is why their side effects are generally similar in severity.
The Safety Of Cialis And Viagra
Since these are medications that can affect the way your body functions, it is important to remember that there is always the potential for severe side effects to occur. However, it is important to remember that Cialis and Viagra are both considered safe when used as prescribed by a physician. This is primarily because these medications have been clinically tested and shown to be very safe. When taking either of these medications, you must remember to consult with your doctor regarding any potential side effects.
Which One Should You Choose?
So, as you can see, despite the fact that Cialis and Viagra are very safe and effective medications when used as prescribed, it’s still not a perfect world. There are some significant differences between the two medications which do make choosing one over the other a bit more complicated. Let’s take a look at the differences and discuss which one might be better suited for your needs.
Form
As mentioned, Cialis is usually taken once a day while Viagra is usually taken at least once a day and it may be taken with or without food. However, if you do experience any problems with digestion, particularly in the morning, it would be wise to take Cialis at a different time of day or in conjunction with a meal. This will help improve its effectiveness and minimize any possible side effects.
Dose
As mentioned, Cialis is usually taken once a day while Viagra is usually taken at least once a day and it may be taken with or without food. In terms of strength, the dose of each drug is the same; however, it is important to note that there is a considerable difference in the duration of action for each medication. Cialis has a much shorter duration of action than Viagra and it generally only lasts for four hours at the most. So, if you are looking for a long-lasting ED medication, you may want to consider a different option. In addition, it is also important to keep in mind how much you need to take. The general rule is one full pill for every morning dose of Cialis and four pills for every dose of Viagra. So, if you are taking either of these medications, make sure to consult with your doctor regarding the proper amount to take.