While there are undoubtedly benefits to both Viagra and Cialis (the brand names for the two most famous PDE5 inhibitors), these medications may not be the best choice for everyone. In particular, those seeking to save a few bucks may want to consider other options. Here’s a quick cost comparison of Viagra vs Cialis.
Convenience
One of the biggest differences between Viagra and Cialis is convenience. While both medications are approved for use in the UK and allow for same-day delivery, only Cialis is available over the counter (OTC) and can be obtained without a prescription.
OTC medications require absolutely no prior prescriptions and can be legally purchased and taken without a doctor’s advice. This convenience may not be available in all countries, but it is certainly worth considering if you’re planning on traveling or moving abroad anyway.
Cost
While the cost of Viagra and Cialis vary significantly from country to country, it’s generally accepted that OTC medications are cheaper than their prescription-required counterparts.
For example, a 50 mg tablet of Viagra will set you back about £14.60 in the UK, but you’ll pay just £7.76 for the same strength Cialis tablet. Both medications are also available in the form of oral gels, but the cost of these are higher than their tablet counterparts.
Tolerability
Another important factor to consider when comparing drugs is their tolerability. In general, it’s a good idea to look for medications that are well-tolerated, as unpleasant side effects may inhibit your enjoyment of the medication or even cause you to drop out of the study altogether. This is why it’s critical to compare the side effect profiles of different medications – what are the unpleasant effects that you’ll have to cope with?
On the plus side, drugs with a good tolerability profile may allow for a higher dose to be administered, potentially increasing the medication’s effectiveness. For example, studies have shown that higher doses of the drug sildenafil (Viagra) significantly reduced the severity of the symptoms of erectile dysfunction in men. Similarly, the oral gelling agent, melatonin, has been shown to be more effective when taken at a higher dose, above 3 mg per day. It’s also worth noting that some medications are more suitable for some people than others. For example, some men may not tolerate the side effects of yohimbine (Yoga Pill) well enough to get the full benefits of the drug.
Pill Size And Shape
It’s also important to note that some medications are better suited for taking in the shape of a tablet or pill. For example, omeprazole (Prilosec) and rabeprazole (Aciphex) are both proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that are most effective when taken in the form of a tablet. This is because the smaller the pill or tablet, the easier it is to swallow and less likely you are to choke on it. It’s also worth pointing out that some medications have been known to be more potent when taken on an empty stomach – this is probably because the medications are more easily absorbed into the bloodstream when taken orally. So, if you’re planning to take a drug, make sure to eat something beforehand so that your body can better absorb all of the medication’s components!
Potency
Finally, it’s important to remember that some medications are more potent than others. This is something that you should know before you start taking a medication, as it can affect how much of the drug you need to take in order to achieve the same effects. It’s also worth pointing out that the extent to which a drug is absorbed by the body also affects its potency – the more absorbent the medication, the more potent it can be. For example, it’s been well-established that sildenafil (Viagra) is more effective when administered directly into the bloodstream as opposed to being taken orally – this is because the drug is much more likely to reach its maximum potency when administered this way. In general, this rule applies to all drugs, whether they be prescription or OTC.
As you can see, there are some significant differences between the two classes of medications. If you’re not sure which one is the best for your needs, feel free to ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice but don’t be afraid to consider other options as well.