You will soon discover that both pills—Cialis and Viagra—are amazing at what they do. But which one is superior? In this article, we’ll briefly discuss the ins and outs of each of these popular erectile dysfunction (ED) medications.
Key Facts About Cialis
First off, let’s talk about what you need to know about Cialis, so you can make the right choice for your needs.
- It’s a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor.
- It works by relaxing the muscles in your penis, allowing for increased blood flow into your erections.
- It is the generic version of the brand name drug Cicapris.
- It is only available in a few countries, including the U.S.A.
- It is typically used to treat ED in men and women, although it does seem to work better for women than it does for men. [1]
- The drug is safe and has a good record of being extremely effective.
- It has a fast-acting effect, working its magic in less than 30 minutes. [2]
Key Facts About Viagra
Now, let’s talk about what you need to know about Viagra, so you can make the right choice for your needs.
- It is a dual action drug. [3]
- It works by increasing blood flow to the penis and it also has an effect on the muscles of the shaft, increasing the size of the penis [4].
- It is the brand name version of the drug sildenafil.
- It is available in numerous countries, including the U.S.A.
- The drug is generally safe and effective, although it can have some side effects, particularly in older people. [5]
- The medication usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour to have its effect. [6]
- Viagra is also a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor.
Which One Is Better?
So, which is better—Cialis or Viagra? Clearly, both are amazing, but there are a number of factors to consider before choosing one over the other. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when deciding which medication is right for you.
Active Ingredients
It’s important to consider the ingredients in each product before making a decision. While both Cialis and Viagra have very effective active ingredients, tadalafil and sildenafil citrate, they are not created equal. Tadalafil contains a more potent ingredient called dapoxetine. This potent ingredient delays the breakdown of the drug, allowing for more potent effects. While this ingredient is highly effective, it comes with some serious side effects that you should know about before use.
Sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra, is a simpler drug to deal with when compared to tadalafil. It is a more stable version of the active ingredient in Cialis. It also has fewer side effects. However, since both medications act on the same basic pathway, it is possible that you will experience the same kind of side effects when taking either drug.
While the drug is effective in both men and women, it seems that it is more effective in men, due in part to a difference in metabolism. It also works better in combination with other ED medications, such as vardenafil and avanafil. If you’re just looking for a quick fix, then tadalafil is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a drug that may provide some long-term benefits, then sildenafil citrate may be a better choice. Ultimately, your doctor should be able to help you determine which one is right for you based on your specific situation.
Dosage
The dosages of Cialis and Viagra are often confused. While their recommended doses vary, both drugs are typically taken once or twice a day, depending on the individual. The recommended dose of Cialis is 20 mg for the first dose, and this is then increased to 40 mg if necessary, or decreased to 10 mg for individuals with liver or renal disease. [7] The recommended dose of Viagra is 50 mg for the first dose, and this is then increased to 100 mg if necessary. [8] You may also need to try different dosages before you find the right one for you.
Route Of Administration
Cialis and Viagra are both commonly taken orally, though they can be administered in other ways as well. However, it’s a common mistake to assume that tablets means the drug is being absorbed into the bloodstream directly from the gastrointestinal tract. This is rarely the case. The body first breaks down both drugs into inactive metabolites, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream through the liver. From there, the drugs work their magic.
If you’re going to take either of these pills, make sure you swallow them whole and avoid breaking or crushing them. This is because the bioavailability of both drugs is greatly reduced when they are broken down or crushed. The active ingredients must pass unharmed through the walls of your stomach and enter the bloodstream before any positive effects are felt. If you’re taking the medications orally, avoid doing so with impure water or with an acidic drink, as these will greatly reduce their effectiveness. [9] If you’re using a PDE5 inhibitor as part of a treatment program for heart disease or diabetes, then taking the medications with a meal may also increase the effectiveness of the drugs. [10] Ultimately, the route of administration will depend on your specific situation.
Long-Term Effects
Both Cialis and Viagra have been shown to have various positive effects on the human body. Cialis has been shown in some cases to provide additional protection for the heart under certain circumstances. [11] It also seems to enhance the effectiveness of nitroglycerin, or nitro, a common treatment for heart disease. [12] Viagra has also been shown to increase blood flow to certain parts of the body, providing benefits for the heart and other organs, such as the brain and the liver. [13] However, neither drug is recommended for long-term use, as both have been known to have various side effects. There are also some people who have experienced a serious allergic reaction to sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra. [14] If you’re going to use a PDE5 inhibitor to manage your ED, then short-term use is recommended, with specialists advising against taking the medications for longer than a couple of weeks, at least initially.
Side Effects
While both Cialis and Viagra are safe and efficacious, they are not totally without risk. The major side effect to be on the lookout for with both pills is hypotension, or low blood pressure. This may occasionally be caused by excessive drinking alcohol, in combination with the medications. Excessive alcohol consumption, in combination with either drug, can also cause a headache. [15] In some cases, this headache may be severe enough to be a warning sign of a much worse condition, known as acute intermittent porphyria, or A.I.P. [16] Ultimately, if you do experience any side effects from either of these medications, make sure you notify your doctor immediately.
Cost
Since both Cialis and Viagra are very affordable medications, available for purchase without a prescription, it’s a major deciding factor whether or not to use one over the other. If you can find a good deal on either medication, then it may be a smart choice to purchase the generic version, as opposed to the brand name drug, to save you money. While this may not always be the case, particularly if you are in a country with high-end pharmaceuticals, you may find that the brand name versions are more effective than their generic counterparts. It really depends on your situation.
Based on all of this information, it’s clear that both Cialis and Viagra are amazing medications. However, since they are not created equal, it’s important to do some research before choosing one over the other.