So you’re interested in trying Viagra or Cialis for the first time, and you find yourself wondering what the differences are. Let’s delve right into it:
Generic Name
Both of these erectile dysfunction (ED) medications are made by Pfizer and each one is available under a different generic name. According to health professionals, there’s a significant difference between the two. While Viagra is simply known as “Viagra”, Cialis is often branded as “Cialis” or “Tadalis” due to the way it was initially marketed.
However, both versions are essentially the same and have proven to be effective in treating erectile dysfunction for men. They work by increasing blood flow to the penis and subsequently increasing the size of the erections produced by the body when sexually aroused. If you’re wondering which one is the best, the answer is that it really depends on what you’re looking for.
How Do They Work?
Viagra was originally developed to treat angina, a type of chest pain. However, after noticing the positive effects it had on men’s erections, Pfizer scientists tested it further and found that it actually works in a completely different way than originally thought. When ingested, it enters the bloodstream and binds to receptors in the brain, thereby increasing blood flow to the penis and resulting in an erection. The medication has since been approved for use in a variety of situations and has established itself as one of the most popular medications for erectile dysfunction.
While the effects of Viagra are typically felt within 10 minutes of consumption, Cialis acts a bit more slowly. Its active ingredient, tadalafil, has been shown in clinical trials to work for up to 4 hours before starting to degrade. As a result, men on Cialis often reported that they were able to maintain an erection for a significantly longer period of time. For some, this meant the ability to have sex multiple times without experiencing any kind of loss in erectile functioning. For others, it meant the ability to have longer and better-quality sessions with their partners. Thanks to the extended active life-span, Cialis has been nicknamed the “love drug” and the “wedding wrecker” due to its popularity as a post-coital pill.
Who’s It For?
Due to its status as a prescription-only drug, Viagra is usually reserved for men who experience trouble getting or maintaining an erection, especially if surgery has not been an option. As mentioned above, it can help to increase blood flow to the penis and consequently result in bigger, more lasting erections. It’s also approved for use in cases where physical intimacy with a loved one is restricted by circumstances beyond your control (e.g. a fear of violence or bodily harm).
In situations where sexual encounters are infrequent but still considered recreational (e.g. watching porn or reading erotica), people can benefit from the shorter half-life of Cialis. As a result of its relatively short half-life, it doesn’t stay in the body as long and therefore requires less frequent dosing to maintain its effects.
Trial Periods
Both Viagra and Cialis carry a warning about using them during early penile rehabilitation due to the possibility of causing damage. As a result, you should only take these medications for as long as necessary and in conjunction with a reputable medical professional. Some men have experienced negative side effects such as enlarged prostate glands, headaches, and liver toxicity following overuse. If you or a loved one are concerned about addiction or sensitivity to substances, these medications should not be used regularly, if at all.
Storage
One of the biggest differences between the two medications involves how they are stored and transported. Due to its status as a prescription-only drug, Viagra must be stored in a cool, dark place and only taken as soon as needed. It is typically prescribed to be taken at the same time every day and is designed to be taken either before or shortly after eating a meal. To ensure the most effective results, it is important to store the medicine at these recommended times and in the proper storage environment. Otherwise, it may lose some of its efficacy.
As a result of its bulk and weight, Cialis can be stored at any location and in any environment without worrying about adverse effects. This is one of the things that make it so popular, especially in areas where space is at a premium (e.g. prison). When stored properly, the medication can stay in the body for up to three days without experiencing any significant degradation in effectiveness. However, you must be careful not to consume it if it has been stored in a hot place or if it has been exposed to extreme weather conditions (e.g. heat or cold). These items can also cause the medication to lose its effectiveness over time.
Dosing
People on Viagra generally take one dose per day, while those on Cialis take a dose once or twice per day. The recommended starting dose for both medications is 10 mg taken at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking. However, people with pulmonary hypertension should begin with 5 mg and work their way up to the suggested 10 mg dose. Men with diabetes should begin with a dose of 5 mg and work their way up to the suggested 10 mg dose. Once the medication has been started, the dose should not be changed without consulting a physician. While the majority of people can expect to see benefits within a few weeks of starting treatment, it can take up to three months before the full effects are felt. In most cases, the minimum effective dose is sufficient and a quarter of a treatment dose is often sufficient for most people.
Side Effects
While both medications carry the same general risks associated with taking any medication (e.g. headaches, dizziness, and upset stomach), they are both significantly less dangerous than many other medications used for similar purposes. The most common side effect associated with Viagra is headaches, but these are usually mild and transient (i.e. they will go away after a few days).
Cialis is significantly less likely to cause headaches compared to Viagra, but it can still cause them in some people. In fact, they are one of the most common side effects reported by men taking the medication. The following are some of the other more common side effects associated with Cialis:
- Dizziness
- Stomach aches
- Bloating
- Back pain
- Trouble sleeping
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Nasal congestion
- Headaches
- Visual impairment
- Heart palpitations
- Hair loss
- Anxiety
In most situations, the side effects of these medications are minimal and temporary. Still, it’s important to keep in mind that these are medications and even though the side effects are minimal, they are still there. As a result, you should only use these medications if you’re feeling up to it. Otherwise, it may not be the wisest choice.
How Long Does It Last?
The effects of both Viagra and Cialis last for up to 4 hours, after which point the medication begins to degrade and lose its effectiveness. Thanks to the extended half-life of these types of medications, men on them are able to have sex multiple times per day without experiencing any loss in erectile functioning, which is incredibly beneficial for both parties involved. For some people, this meant the ability to have sex at least twice per day and for others it meant the ability to have longer and better-quality sessions with their partners.
Since they are both designed to increase blood flow to the penis, the effects of both medications will typically wear off eventually and if unprotected sex has been occurring, then the man will likely need to continue taking the medication to maintain normal erectile function.
To learn more, you can click here to read our in-depth guide to ED treatments or here to read the complete reviews at Drugs.com.