Some men may wonder what exactly is the difference between Viagra and Cialis. While there are a few key differences, the two drugs have a lot in common. Let’s look at the similarities and differences between these popular choices for erectile dysfunction medication.
The Appeal Of Both Drugs
It’s no secret that both the generic drug Viagra and the branded drug Cialis are popular choices among men with erectile dysfunction. In fact, Viagra was the #1 best seller in its class for nearly 15 years, proving that men are searching for a solution to their sexual difficulties. Similarly, Cialis has been a best seller for its class since 2003, with sales regularly reaching 600 million tablets per year globally.
The appeal of both drugs is that they’re generally safe and effective, although they do have different side effect profiles. More and more men are discovering the benefits of herbal supplements like yohimbe and ginseng in combination with sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra. Together, these supplements help improve blood flow to the penis and produce an erection strong enough for vaginal penetration.
Many men have found great success with alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, which has helped guide them towards healthier sexual lifestyles. And while there’s no denying the effectiveness of these treatments, many men still turn to pharmaceutical products to remedy their sexual dysfunctions.
Appearance
Both Viagra and Cialis are white, odorless tablets. However, while Viagra is generally accepted to be white, some Cialis samples can appear light orange or even light brown. The tablets are identical in shape and size (28 millimeters by 14.8 millimeters).
The information regarding Cialis’ composition, manufacturing method, and packaging may appear on the packaging, but there is no reference to Viagra on any of their labels. Due to its confidential status, Viagra cannot make this type of information available, so we cannot verify how it is different from Cialis. That said, based on visual inspection alone, we would have to conclude that the two tablets are very similar in appearance.
Composition
The active ingredient in Viagra and Cialis is sildenafil citrate, which is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE-5i). PDE-5i’s function is to increase the blood flow to the penis by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the blood vessels. As a result, more blood is carried to the penis, making it engorge with blood and grow larger, and giving the user an erection. Sildenafil citrate is the same chemical compound as the active ingredient in the popular drug Viagra, and it has very similar properties. It’s potent enough to work within 5 minutes of intake and last for up to 3 hours. In general, the half-life of sildenafil citrate is 12 to 16 hours. Sildenafil citrate is also absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestine, so when taken orally it is distributed to all areas of the body, including the reproductive system. This is an advantage over injected Viagra, which is only concentrated in the reproductive system. However, it does have its disadvantages. Some men experience a reaction to sildenafil citrate, so it must be taken with caution and only under prescribed conditions. Men with allergies to sildenafil citrate or to any of the other ingredients used in its synthesis should not take it. Also, since sildenafil citrate is a natural product and is found in a plant, it is generally considered to be safer and more environmentally friendly than manufactured pharmaceuticals. Unfortunately, this makes it significantly more expensive than its counterparts. Finally, since sildenafil citrate is absorbed into the bloodstream within minutes of oral consumption, it has a very short therapeutic window, which makes it difficult for the patient to gauge how much time remains before the medication starts working. This isn’t the case with Viagra, as it takes longer for the compound in the pill to reach the bloodstream. However, as we’ve established, this difference in absorption can be beneficial, as it gives the user more time to adjust and find the right amount for the individual situation.
There is some variation in the chemical composition of Cialis. The manufacturer specifies that the active ingredient in Cialis is 2.7 mg of sildenafil citrate equivalent/mL, which is significantly more than the 2.0 mg/mL concentration in Viagra. This could mean that Cialis is more potent than Viagra, or it could be that the tablet’s appearance is deceiving – perhaps there is a difference in the color of the active ingredients! In any event, this doesn’t seem to be a major source of variation, as both compounds have proven effective in clinical trials and both can be safely taken together. That is something to be thankful for.
Dosage And Administration
Both Viagra and Cialis are usually taken orally, in line with conventional wisdom. However, it is quite possible that different compounds could be more effective when administered intravenously. This is an option that has been proposed for several diseases, including erectile dysfunction. The dose of both medications is usually determined by body weight, with smaller or lighter individuals receiving a lower dose and larger or heavier individuals receiving a higher dose. However, this can vary widely, and sometimes the dose needs to be adjusted to fit the individual needs of the patient.
When taken orally, both Viagra and Cialis are generally well-tolerated, with some individuals reporting mild side effects. The most common complaints are headache, flushing, and heartburn. Both compounds can also cause an increase in the blood pressure and heart rate of people with certain heart conditions, so users with these issues should exercise caution and seek the advice of a cardiologist before starting treatment. For the same reasons, men with high cholesterol levels should also avoid taking these medications, as they may worsen the overall condition. In most cases, these side effects are mild and go away after the medication is taken. In fact, many men who take Viagra or Cialis claim that they actually help relieve tension and anxiety, so it’s well-worth considering whether or not these things are causing your sexual dysfunction; if so, they may be the root of the problem.
Interactions
Since both Viagra and Cialis are PDE-5i’s, they can both be safely combined with other drugs that contain similar chemical compounds. This includes other erectile dysfunction medications and, in some cases, the combination of these drugs with sexual stimulants or inhibitors. Men who take Viagra should not take Cialis, as taking the two together may cause low blood pressure, fainting, and other similar issues. Similarly, those taking Cialis should avoid using Viagra, as they may experience the same problems. For these reasons, men taking either of these medications should not have sex or drink alcohol, as this may lower their blood pressure and cause adverse effects.
Delivery System
Both compounds are available in different forms. Viagra is generally provided in an extended- release oral tablet form, while Cialis is available in a gel formulation for easier swallowing and better absorption. And while the composition, administration, and manufacturing methods of Cialis have changed quite a bit over the years, its gel form has remained largely the same. Therefore, while there are subtle differences, the vast majority of the compound in the gel remains identical to that in the original formulation.
Side Effects
Since both medications are safe and have a proven track record of helping men with erectile dysfunction, it’s no wonder that they’re both so popular. However, just like any pharmaceutical compound, these medications come with some potential side effects. These include headache, flushing, heartburn, diarrhea, dizziness, and in some cases, vision problems. Just like with most prescription medications, men using Viagra or Cialis must also contend with the risk of interactions and side effects from over-the-counter medications and supplements. Due to the nature of its ingredients, sildenafil citrate is also relatively dangerous for those with heart conditions and those who suffer from respiratory problems. Men with these issues should also be aware of the risks associated with sildenafil citrate and avoid taking it.
Ultimately, as effective as sildenafil citrate is in treating erectile dysfunction, it’s very important for men to understand the risks associated with the drug. For that reason, it must be prescribed by a doctor, who can monitor its safe use and side effects. Also, as more and more men discover the benefits of alternative therapies for sexual health, it’s essential that they are aware of the differences between these treatments and conventional medications. In general, Viagra and Cialis are both safe and effective treatments for erectile dysfunction that may require different approaches to finding relief.