Cialis Vs Viagra: Differences, Usage, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Interaction, And Similarities

In this article, we’ll make a comparison between Cialis and Viagra in terms of multiple factors like usage, dosage, side effects, and some more.

Overview

Men undergo prostate surgery due to being diagnosed with malfunctions in their urinary tracts, leading to issues such as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) which can be more simply called Prostate Enlargement.

PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors are used to restrict the harmful reactions of PDE-5 on the GMP in nerves, blood cells, and various tissues within the body. We shall be discussing Cialis and Viagra, two common PDE-5 inhibitors. These drugs are used by patients to re-establish their erection-maintaining capabilities and get rid of impotency problems.

There is a section of the male population that fails to enjoy the sexual pleasures of life due to ED. Their ability to maintain an erection is either null or for extremely short durations.

The only way for them to attain an erection is by going through the process of penile rehabilitation, surgery, or medicines such as Viagra and Cialis. These medicines are safe if consumed within prescribed limits and not mixed with other drugs such as nitrate alpha-blockers used for lowering blood pressure.

In fact, you can easily buy generic 100mg Viagra online; along with that, you can also buy Cialis online as well. Since such drugs can be accessed easily, you must have a good amount of information about them before you start using them.

Keep reading to understand more about Viagra and Cialis.

Cialis Vs Viagra: Differences

Despite being administered for the same purpose of ED, both these medicines have dozens of differences. Depending on factors such as time of reaction, side effects, cost, drug interactions, and safety level, both these brands can vary in several aspects.

Brand Name

• Cialis is the brand name but the generic name is Tadalafil.
• Sildenafil is known by its brand name, Viagra.

The main active ingredients in either of these medicines are Tadalafil and Sildenafil respectively.

Half-life

• Cialis can be consumed on an empty stomach or even with food, it does not matter. Expect around 30 minutes to 2 hours before experiencing its effects. It is commonly called the ‘weekend drug’ because of its superior long-lasting effects. Once taken in, the results of this tablet can be evident for up to 36 hours and a minimum of 24 hours. Ideally, this tablet is taken before sexual activity or daily in case you suffer from severe ED.
• Viagra on the other hand must be consumed with food and cannot be had on an empty stomach. Feasting on a high in fat meal will reduce Viagra’s effects due to its fat-dissolving property. The amount of time it takes for visible effects is close to immediate – expect maximum results within 30 minutes to 4 hours of consumption. Viagra’s effect wears off within 4 to 6 hours at the most and is advised to be consumed via daily doses if you are a victim of impotence.

Cialis And Viagra: Usage

• Cialis is known to treat not only ED but also benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is usually prescribed post prostate surgery (prostatectomy) and helps in getting rid of urinary tract disabilities such as frequent late-night urination, inability to empty the bladder, and bloody urination. A rare blood vessel problem known as Raynaud’s phenomenon can also be treated by using Cialis. Cialis helps treat ejaculatory and orgasmic issues, and also Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).
• Viagra, on the other hand, can be used by men who suffer from early ejaculation. It gives them a better sense of control over their sensualities. Viagra is also given to women who have low sensitivity as increased blood flow to their sexual organs increases sensitivity. But do remember that the brand name only advocates the treatment of ED.

Dosage

• Cialis (Tadalafil) is usually consumed in dosages of 10 mg tablets an hour before sexual activity. In the event it is used to specifically treat ED, daily doses of 2.5 mg tablets must be taken in the morning or at night. If the reason that you are having Cialis is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) then make sure you consume the administered dose at the same time every day in doses of 5 mg tablets.
• Viagra, as used mainly for ED, has only one approved and advised dose for ED patients. 50 mg tablets of Viagra 30 minutes before sexual activity suffices for about 4 to 6 hours of sexual activity.

Cialis And Viagra: Side Effects

• Cialis and Viagra both mostly share common side effects such as gastrointestinal problems, headaches, chest congestion, and muscle pain. Due to its vasodilating effects, the smooth muscles within the body are relaxed and blood vessels broaden for increased blood flow – this can lead to the face of the patient turning blushy-red.
• However, Viagra can also disrupt clear vision and lead to dizziness and nausea. Whereas, Cialis can cause severe pain in the arms and limbs.

Drug Interactions

• Cialis when consumed with alcohol or alpha-blocking agents severely lowers blood pressure and can lead to fainting and even heart strokes in unfortunate situations. Cialis must be taken in lower doses if the patient has been consuming alpha-blockers since before, and vice versa. The breaking down process of Cialis slows down when medicines like Sporanox, Crixivan, and Norvir are in the system at the same time. This leads to priapism (prolonged erection) and causes major discomfort combined with immense pain. On the other hand, medicines like Tegretol, Dilantin, and Carbatrol will reduce the effect of Cialis when consumed at the same time.
• Viagra syncs with the nitrate ingredients present in medicines that are used for lowering blood pressure, thus make sure to never consume nitrates at the same time as Viagra. Whereas consuming medicines such as Erythromycin, Tagamet and Nizoral will aggravate the effects of Viagra, causing side effects in return. Another point to remember is to never consume Viagra with other PDE-5 inhibitors such as Levitra and Cialis.

Cialis And Viagra: Similarities

Both, Cialis and Viagra are used for the same purpose, which is that of diminishing the effects of ED.

• They are both consumed orally in the form of tablets.
• These medicines have been manufactured for adult men over or equal to the age of 18.
• Both medicines are approved by the FDA worldwide.
• Both medicines come under the same class of medication known as Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. They work by restricting the blocking action of PDE-5 related to the flow of blood and also relax muscle walls to normalize blood pressure. This helps in channeling the ideal amount of blood to the penis, which helps get to an erection state.

Each medicine has multiple benefits, but its primary function is to resolve the sexually disruptive effects of ED. Beware as Cialis in no way improves the chances of prolonged intercourse, all it does is that it helps maintain an erection for a longer duration – the remaining depends on your abilities.

Another crucial point to note is that although a few of the manufacturers have said it helps in female arousal, women should absolutely refrain from consuming Cialis or Viagra when pregnant as the effects can be random. Take your time, try brute-force by consuming both medicines at separate intervals during the year.