Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team Published on October 19, 2021
According to the “BC Medical Journal”, nearly 50 percent of Canadian men occasionally have a problem getting or keeping an erection. When erectile dysfunction (ED) becomes a problem, many men turn to oral ED medications, Such as Cialis and Viagra. They often help address the issue.
These drugs work in similar ways. Although, there are also some key differences, such as when you should take them, how long they work, and their side effects. This is a full review of these differences between Cialis and Viagra.
Source: WebMD
In the following, you will find:
- What is Cialis (Tadalafil)?
- What is Viagra (Sildenafil)?
- What are the differences between Cialis and Viagra?
- Cialis vs. Viagra, which one is better?
- Cialis vs. Viagra, what dosage should you use?
- Cialis vs. Viagra, recreational use
- Cialis vs. Viagra, cost analysis
- UPGUYS ED products
- Side effects of Cialis vs. Viagra
- What drugs interact with Cialis, what with Viagra?
- Key takeaways
What is Cialis (Tadalafil)?
Tadalafil, with the brand name Cialis among others, is a well-known medication for treating sexual function problems in men such as ED or impotence. It also alleviates the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (i.e., difficulty in beginning the flow of urine, weak urine stream (the need to urinate frequently and urgently), and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Tadalafil works by relaxing the muscle in the prostate and bladder. It is a PDE5 inhibitor that increases blood flow to the penis. It also dilates blood vessels in the lungs, which lowers the pulmonary artery pressure.
How Tadalafil can treat ED
Cialis is available only by prescription, and you cannot buy it over the counter. It is a tablet taken by mouth. Cialis typically works within half an hour, and the duration can be up to 36 hours.
Read more: Simple Steps To Increase Blood Flow To Penis Now
What is Viagra (Sildenafil)?
Sildenafil, with the brand name Viagra among others, is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
It increases blood flow to the penis and helps men to achieve and keep an erection. At least two-thirds of men have improved erections after taking it
Viagra is an approved drug to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and is sold to males ages 18 and older.
Sildenafil effectiveness statistics
Much like Cialis, Viagra also belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 or (PDE5) inhibitors. But this drug only works with sexual arousal. Viagra comes as tablets, and in most cases, it should be taken about an hour before sexual activity. Still, it can be taken half an hour to 4 hours beforehand.
Read more: Viagra’s Effects On The Body
What are the differences between Cialis and Viagra?
As we mentioned before, Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (Sildenafil) are both PDE5 inhibitors used for treating impotence (erectile dysfunction, or ED). Therefore, most of their side effects are more or less similar.
Commonly shared side effects of Cialis and Viagra include:
- Flushing
- Headaches
- Upset stomach
- Flu-like symptoms
- Memory problems
- Muscle pain
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Low blood pressure
- Ringing noise in the ears
You take both medicines as needed.
Although, one significant difference between the two drugs is how long they stay in your system.
Cialis provides penile hardness over a longer period than Viagra. Cialis lasts up to 18 hours (sometimes up to 36 hours), while Viagra only lasts for about 4 to 6 hours.
In the following table, you can see the main differences between Viagra and Cialis.
The table of differences between Cialis and Viagra
Cialis vs. Viagra, which one is better?
Compared to placebo or using no medication, both Cialis and Viagra are effective drugs that treat erectile dysfunction. Most of the differences between the two have to do with how long the drug lasts, how it is taken, and the person’s medical history.
You may need to try more than one type of ED drug to find one that works for you.
Yet, never take more than one erectile dysfunction tablet of any kind within 24 hours. Also, do not switch medications or change the dose of your treatment without first consulting your doctor.
Although Viagra and Cialis are both practical, Cialis may be preferred for its once-daily dosage, as it gives you more freedom to be spontaneous in your sex life. Viagra may be preferred for its shorter half-life for those who only use it occasionally and as needed, and of course, at a lower price than Cialis.
In a meta-analysis pooling 16 different trials and analyzing over 5000 patients, Cialis and Viagra showed similar effectiveness and safety. These results were based on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-EF scale, which is widely used to assess erectile function.
Both drugs had similar incidences of side effects. However, those taking Cialis experienced improved sexual confidence and preferred it over Viagra due to feeling less pressure about planning with its longer-acting effects.
Another study showed that there were no significant differences between the two drugs. Cialis, however, was suggested to offer more flexibility because of its longer half-life.
Cialis has a few advantages when compared to Viagra
If you have ED, your first step should be consulting with a doctor to determine which treatment option may be best for you. Depending on your unique situation, one medication may be more effective or preferred over the other.
Consult with our doctors
Cialis vs. Viagra, what dosage should you use?
Cialis dosage: The usual recommended starting dose of tadalafil (Cialis) is 10 mg per day before sexual activity. Depending on the adequacy of the response or side effects, the dose may be increased to 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg a day.
The effect of tadalafil may last up to 36 hours. For men who are taking medications that increase their blood levels, Tadalafil should not exceed a total dose of 10 mg in 72 hours.
For once daily use without regard to sexual activity, the recommended dose is 2.5 to 5 mg daily. It should not be taken more than once daily.
The dose of tadalafil may need some adjustments for patients with kidney or liver function problems.
Viagra dosage: The recommended starting dose of Sildenafil (Viagra) is 25 to 100 mg 1 hour before sexual activity. Although, the maximum dose is 100 mg daily.
Older men (+65-year-olds) should start at 25 mg before sexual activity. If Sildenafil is taken with a high-fat meal, its onset may be delayed.
Read more: Getting The Most Out Of Your ED Medication
Cialis vs. Viagra, recreational use
Most men who use Viagra and other ED medications do so legally after receiving a valid prescription from their healthcare provider.
However, since Viagra is well known for being effective for ED, it’s often used recreationally by men looking to increase their sexual performance to get harder and more reliable erections.
Research published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior found that four percent of otherwise healthy men reported using ED drugs like Viagra recreationally.
ED drugs recreational use
Here are some reasons that men might use ED drugs without actually needing to:
Curiosity
Among other reasons for use reported by the men, more than 70 percent mentioned that they were just curious about the effects of Viagra, And most of them got the drug from a friend.
Counteracting with other drugs
Some men report using ED medications to counteract the effects of other medications they may have taken that affected their ability to get or keep an erection.
Read more: What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Take With Viagra
Impressing Someone
Other common reasons for recreational ED medication use included increasing erection hardness, enhancing self-esteem, and impressing their sexual partner.
Although most men who take Viagra recreationally take it before sexual activity, there is a small percentage of men who use it to boost their athletic performance.
Read more: Putting Your Heart Into Sexual Health
Athletic effects
Occasionally referred to as “Vitamin V” by some athletes, Viagra appears to have a mildly positive impact on certain types of exercise.
A 2004 study found that Viagra increased the maximum exercise capacity of a group of mountaineers and trekkers, both at sea level and at altitude.
Although Viagra was originally approved for treating ED, its ingredient sildenafil is also used to treat pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, as vasodilators, most ED medications can increase blood flow to the lungs and potentially improve athletic performance.
Anecdotal reports suggest that some athletes may combine ED medications with steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs to boost their athletic performance.
However, there is no research on the effects of these substances used together or their popularity.
Using ED drugs toimprove athletic performance is highly dangerous - Source: Addiction Resource
Anabolic steroid use comes with serious health risks of its own, including but not limited to:
- A low sperm count
- Testicular atrophy (shrinkage of testicles)
- Gynecomastia (male breast growth)
- High blood pressure
- An increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Although, for some athletes, Viagra may be a necessity to improve sexual function that’s been affected by years of steroid abuse.
So if you are here to see which drug, Viagra vs. Cialis, gives you a harder erection or which one you can use to have a fun weekend, Here’s a straightforward answer:
Do not use ED medications recreationally. It is dangerous and would not worth the risk.
You cannot ask which one is more effective between Cialis & Viagra, because they are both powerful and effective drugs that you should not use without a doctor’s prescription. Their effectiveness is highly related to each person’s situation.
Read more: Cialis And Alcohol: Is It Safe? What Are The Side Effects?
Cialis vs. Viagra, cost analysis
Cost is another notable distinction between Viagra and Cialis. The more prolonged effect of Cialis is reflected in its price. While Cialis is slightly more expensive than Viagra, many men will consider the vastly greater duration period of Cialis to represent good value for money.
Equally, plenty of men will prefer the lower price and famous brand name offered only by Viagra. But ultimately, it depends entirely on the individual.
Cialis is slightly more expensive than Viagra
The price you pay for any drug will depend on your insurance plan and your pharmacy. Generic versions of Viagra and Cialis can cost half as much as their brand-name equivalents, if not less.
Viagra and Cialis are usually stocked at most pharmacies. In general, most health insurance companies would not cover their costs. Yet you should know that if you have a certain medical condition, your health plan may pay for the drug with prior authorization.
UPGUYS ED products
UPGUYS offers both Tadalafil (Generic Cialis) and Sildenafil (Generic Viagra).
- Sildenafil (Generic Viagra) is available in 4 tablet packages (50 mg tablets).
- Tadalafil (Generic Cialis) is available in 4 tablet packages (10 mg tablets).
- Tadalafil Daily (Generic Cialis Daily) is available in 28 tablet packages (5 mg tablets).
You can always talk to UPGUYS doctors to find out which medication is best for you.
Talk to our doctors
UPGUYS ED medications
Side effects of Cialis vs. Viagra
There are some shared side effects for Cialis and Viagra; those include:
Flushing, headaches, stomach pain, flu-like symptoms, memory problems, muscle or back pain, blurred vision and changes in color vision, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, low blood pressure, abnormal ejaculation, prolonged erections, loss of hearing, and ringing in the ears.
A few examples of Cialis and Viagra similar side effects
Cialis
If you are taking Cialis and you experience nausea, chest pain, or dizziness during sex, seek immediate medical help, as you may have a life-threatening condition.
The most common side effects of tadalafil are:
- Flushing (redness and warmth of the face, chest, and neck)
- Headaches
- Upset stomach and abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Flu-like symptoms (stuffy nose, sneezing, or sore throat)
- Nausea
- Low blood pressure
- Blurred vision
- Changes in color vision
- An abnormal ejaculation
- An erection that lasts more than four hours which can damage the penis, Also known as Priapism.
Viagra
If you are taking Viagra and you experience nausea, chest pain, or dizziness during sex, seek immediate medical help as you may have a life-threatening condition.
Approximately 15% of men taking Viagra experience side effects. The most common side effects are:
- Flushing
- Headaches
- Stomach pain
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty differentiating between the colors green and blue
Read more: Side Effects Of Viagra, Cialis And Levitra
What drugs interact with Cialis, what with Viagra?
Cialis and Viagra are both PDE5 inhibitors and therefore have similar drug interactions. Using PDE5 inhibitors with any drug that can decrease blood pressure can be dangerous. Do not use Cialis and Viagra with:
- Nitrates (Angina medication)
- Alpha-blockers (treatment of high blood pressure and prostate problems in men)
- Antihypertensives (blood pressure-lowering drugs)
- Riociguat (pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment drug)
Taking these medications together can cause dangerously low blood pressure.
Key takeaways
- Erectile dysfunction is a common problem where a man finds it hard to get or keep an erection.
- The main symptom of erectile dysfunction is not being able to get or keep an erection.
- Treatment for erectile dysfunction depends on the cause. Treatments include medicines, vacuum pumps, healthy lifestyle changes, and talking therapy.
- Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (Sildenafil) are oral drugs that are used for treating impotence (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
- Cialis and Viagra are in a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors that also include vardenafil and avanafil.
- Cialis is usually more expensive and has a longer effect than Viagra. You cannot buy these drugs without a prescription.
Disclaimer
This article is written for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided in the articles cannot and should not replace advice from a healthcare professional. Talk to your healthcare provider about any physical or mental health concerns or the risks and benefits of any treatment or medication.
FAQs
Cialis vs. Viagra, Which One is Better? A Full Comparison? ›
The biggest difference between Viagra and Cialis is the amount of time their effects last. Viagra remains effective for 4 to 6 hours, which offers ample opportunity to have sex on multiple occasions if you wish. However Cialis typically allows you to achieve erections for up to 36 hours after taking a tablet.
Does Cialis get you harder than Viagra? ›So to answer the above question, no, Viagra would not necessarily give a stronger erection than Cialis, and vice versa. However, Cialis will last longer and can help achieve one or more erections for up to 36 hours. This is considerably longer than Viagra, which is typically effective for 4-6 hours.
Is 20mg Cialis equal to 100mg Viagra? ›20mg is the maximum dose of Cialis and 100mg is the maximum dose of Viagra, meaning your healthcare provider may suggest that you use 100mg of Viagra if you're prescribed Cialis and want to change medications. Ultimately, Cialis and Viagra are different medications that treat the same condition.
Is there anything that works better than Cialis? ›Younger people might do well treated with tadalafil, (Cialis) while older people with other health issues might be better off using sildenafil (Viagra) or vardenafil (Levitra) but more data are needed. The side effects of vardenafil (Levitra) are potentially less than sildenafil (Viagra), but more data are needed.
What is the best pill to stay hard longer? ›- Sildenafil (Viagra). This medication is most effective when taken on an empty stomach one hour before sex. ...
- Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn). This medication also is most effective when taken one hour before sex and can be taken with or without food. ...
- Tadalafil (Cialis). ...
- Avanafil (Stendra).
The biggest difference between Viagra and Cialis is the amount of time their effects last. Viagra remains effective for 4 to 6 hours, which offers ample opportunity to have sex on multiple occasions if you wish. However Cialis typically allows you to achieve erections for up to 36 hours after taking a tablet.
Do you stay hard after coming on Cialis? ›Being sexually aroused is an important step: sexual stimulation is required, and Cialis won't cause the penis to become erect just by taking the drug. The same is true for Viagra and any other PDE5 inhibitors. It's very rare to experience a persistent erection that won't go away after taking Cialis.
Can I take 2 pills of Cialis 20mg? ›The typical maximum dose of Cialis for ED is 20 mg once a day. If a doctor has prescribed Cialis for pulmonary arterial hypertension, you may be advised to take two 20-mg doses a day. But taking that much of the medication should be done only under a doctor's guidance.
Can I take 2 pills of Cialis 5mg? ›Cialis taken as needed
If your doctor recommends that you take Cialis only as needed for ED, the usual dosage is 10 mg before sexual activity. They may reduce this to 5 mg if the medication is working too well. But if this dose doesn't work for you, your doctor may have you take two 5 mg tablets of Cialis at once.
The maximum recommended dosage of Cialis is 20 mg once per day. Taking a dose of Cialis that's higher than recommended could increase your risk for side effects.
How do I get the best performance out of Cialis? ›
- Take as directed. For as-needed dosing, take Cialis at least 30 minutes or more before sexual activity. ...
- Take as part of a lifestyle with physical activity. ...
- Communicate and stay relaxed.
Overall, Cialis and Viagra are both safe, effective drugs. As with all prescription medicine, you'll need to talk to your healthcare provider about your ED symptoms and general wellbeing before using either type of medication to treat erectile dysfunction.
What over the counter pills are like Viagra? ›- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) According to a landmark Massachusetts Male Aging Study from 1994, low levels of DHEA are associated with a higher risk of ED. ...
- L-arginine. ...
- Ginseng. ...
- Yohimbe. ...
- Propionyl-L-carnitine.
Recent studies have found that exercise, especially moderate to vigorous aerobic activity, can improve erectile dysfunction. Even less strenuous, regular exercise might reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. Increasing your level of activity might also further reduce your risk.
At what age does a man stop ejaculating? ›While there is no definite age at which male ejaculation ceases, it has been suggested that it may happen when a man reaches his late 40s or early 50s. It is important to note, however, that this is not a universal rule and some men may continue to ejaculate at a later age.
Why do I keep losing my erection? ›This is usually caused by stress, tiredness or drinking too much alcohol, and it's nothing to worry about. It can also be a side effect of some medicines. If erectile dysfunction happens often, it may be caused by a condition such as: high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
How many mg of Cialis is equal to Viagra? ›| Viagra | Cialis | |
|---|---|---|
| What's the typical dosage? | 50 mg | 10 mg as needed or 2.5 mg daily |
| When do I take it? | 30–60 minutes before sex | 30 minutes before sex |
| How long does it work? | 4 hours | up to 36 hours |
| How do I store it? | around room temperature, between 68–77°F (20–25°C) | at 77°F (25°C) |
Viagra and Cialis May Cut Risk of Early Death From Heart Disease by 25 Percent. A large new study shows that men who take erectile dysfunction medication are less likely to experience heart failure, stroke, and heart attack.
How long does it take for Cialis to peak? ›Peak plasma concentrations of Cialis are reached within 30 minutes to six hours (average time two hours) of a dose. Effects of 'as needed' Cialis last for up to 36 hours. The recommended starting dose for once-daily Cialis for ED is 2.5mg; once daily Cialis for BPH, 5mg; and 'as needed' Cialis, 10mg.
Does Cialis lower blood pressure? ›Cialis can slightly lower blood pressure. This is not a problem for most men, but Cialis' effect on blood pressure is exaggerated if the Cialis is taken with a nitrate drug. Nitrates are one of the treatments doctors prescribe for angina.
What happens if 20mg Cialis doesn't work? ›
If you're prescribed a lower dosage of Cialis and you find that it's not fully effective (for example, you notice some improvements but still have difficulty maintaining an erection), it's a good idea to discuss this with your healthcare provider to see if switching you to a higher dose is appropriate.
How much does Cialis cost per pill? ›Cialis Cost Per Pill
Some Cialis tablets are designed for use as needed one hour before sex, while others are designed for daily use. The price of brand name Cialis can range from $12 to upwards of $70 per tablet, depending on the specific dosage of the medication.
When do I take it? Cialis Daily must be taken once every 24 hours, with or without food. It's best to get into a routine and take it at the same time each day, as you should never take more than one tablet in a 24-hour period. Cialis should be taken 30-60 minutes before you plan to have sex.
Can you take 40 mg of Cialis? ›Official answer. The maximum recommended dose of Cialis is 20mg daily. Increasing the dose to 40mg might just increase the intensity of side effects and may not actually deal with the erectile dysfunction problem.
What are the negative side effects of Cialis? ›The most common side effects with Cialis are: headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, and stuffy or runny nose. These side effects usually go away after a few hours. Men who get back pain and muscle aches usually get it 12 to 24 hours after taking Cialis.
What medications should not be taken with Cialis? ›- Nitrates. Nitrates are used to treat and prevent angina (chest pain) caused by heart disease. ...
- Alpha blockers. ...
- Blood pressure medications. ...
- sGC stimulators. ...
- PDE-5 inhibitors. ...
- Protease inhibitors. ...
- Anti-infective medications. ...
- Grapefruit.
Watermelon is a natural source of citrulline. Citrulline is an amino acid that may support better erections. Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis, allowing a man to more easily get an erection when he is aroused. Citrulline may do the same thing, although it works in a different way to Viagra.
How much is Viagra at CVS? ›| Pharmacy | Viagra Cost | Sildenafil Cost |
|---|---|---|
| CVS Pharmacy | $161.14 | $89.58 |
| Walmart | $181.03 | $56.83 |
| Walgreens | $176.86 | $92.42 |
| Kroger Pharmacy | $207.88 | $132.90 |
They found that 53 percent of participants ages 65 to 74 had sex at least once in the previous year. In the 75-to-85 age group, only 26 percent did. (Lindau notes that a major determinant of sexual activity is whether one has a partner or not — and many older people are widowed, separated or divorced.)
How often do 60 year olds make love? ›The average person aged 50 to 59 reported having sex 38 times per year, while people in their 60s reported having sex an average of 25 times per year. In addition to age, other factors that appear to influence how frequently people have sex include their location and lifestyle.
What happens if you stop ejaculating for years? ›
The body breaks down unused sperm, which does not build up to trigger further problems. Over time, not ejaculating can trigger psychological problems. For example, people with sexual dysfunctions that affect their ability to ejaculate may experience distress or embarrassment. It can also lead to relationship problems.
Can you have ED and still get morning wood? ›It depends on the type of erectile dysfunction (ED). You can still get morning erections with 'psychogenic ED' – Some people have erection problems because of factors such as performance anxiety, relationship problems, being over-tired, or they've had too much alcohol. This type of ED is called psychogenic ED.
What drinks help you get hard? ›Love coffee or tea? Great! A 2005 review showed that caffeine may improve blood flow and relax the muscles that help you get and keep an erection. Try to keep it to black coffee, unsweetened tea, and caffeinated drinks without sweeteners.
Why does a man get erect in the morning? ›Hormone shifts
Your testosterone level is at its highest in the morning after you wake up. It is highest immediately after waking up from the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage. The increase in this hormone alone may be enough to cause an erection, even in the absence of any physical stimulation.
Poor control of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, poor control of diabetes, and weight gain are some of the common causes of why tadalafil (Cialis) may stop working well. Addressing underlying problems is important not only for sexual health but also for heart health.
Why is Cialis not getting me hard? ›If you're prescribed a lower dosage of Cialis and you find that it's not fully effective (for example, you notice some improvements but still have difficulty maintaining an erection), it's a good idea to discuss this with your healthcare provider to see if switching you to a higher dose is appropriate.
How do you stay hard with Cialis? ›- Take as directed. For as-needed dosing, take Cialis at least 30 minutes or more before sexual activity. ...
- Take as part of a lifestyle with physical activity. ...
- Communicate and stay relaxed.
Is 40 mg of Cialis safe? Taking 40 mg of Cialis could be dangerous and raise the risk of side effects such as a sudden drop in blood pressure and priapism. The typical dose is 10 mg for occasional use and 2.5 or 5 mg for daily use. The typical maximum dose of Cialis for ED is 20 mg once a day.
Is 20 mg of Cialis too much? ›The maximum recommended dosage of Cialis is 20 mg once per day. Taking a dose of Cialis that's higher than recommended could increase your risk for side effects. These can include serious side effects such as drops in blood pressure or priapism (a painful erection that won't go away).