Cialis vs Viagra: Which is Right for You?

Cialis vs Viagra: Which is Right for You?

Table of Contents

---

I. How ED Drugs Work

II. Cialis

i. Cialis On-Demand

ii. Cialis Daily

III. Viagra

IV. Cialis vs Viagra: Which One is Better?

V. Taking Cialis and Viagra Together

VI. Conclusion

---

If you're a man struggling with erectile dysfunction (ED), you've probably heard of the two most popular prescription medications used to treat it: Cialis and Viagra. But when it comes to choosing between Cialis vs. Viagra, how do you know which ED drug is right for you?

In this article, we'll go over the key similarities and differences between these ED drugs. We'll explain how each drug works, how long the effects last, how to take them, and tips on deciding between Cialis vs. Viagra.

How ED Drugs Work

When comparing Cialis vs Viagra, it's important to note that while the active ingredients (tadalafil and sildenafil, respectively) may differ, both medications belong to the class of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. ^{1 2} These drugs operate in a similar manner to help treat ED.

When arousal occurs, a cascade of chemical reactions causes blood flow to increase to the penis, resulting in an erection. After a while, an enzyme called PDE5 breaks down these chemicals, causing the erection to subside. PDE5 inhibitors like Cialis and Viagra work by blocking the action of PDE5. This allows the chemical reactions that enable the erection to continue longer. ^{1 2}

So, in essence, Viagra and Cialis support and maintain erections but don't directly cause them. The user still needs to become aroused for the drugs to work. Once an erection occurs, Viagra and Cialis help prevent PDE5 from reversing it too quickly.

Cialis

Cialis has earned the nickname "the weekend pill" for good reason - its effects can last up to an impressive 36 hours with just a single dose. ¹ This extended duration provides men with increased spontaneity and flexibility when engaging in intimacy, setting it apart from other similar medications.

Initially approved by the FDA in 2003, ¹ Cialis is currently used to treat two conditions:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Erectile dysfunction ¹

One of the main differences between Cialis and Viagra is that Viagra only comes in an on-demand formulation, whereas Cialis offers two options:

• Cialis Daily: A low-dose pill taken once per day. This allows men to be ready for sexual activity at any time.

• Cialis on-demand: A higher dose pill taken as needed, 30 minutes prior to sexual activity. This provides more flexibility but requires some planning. ¹

Cialis On-Demand

Cialis on-demand is taken as needed before intimacy. Simply swallow the pill about 30 to 60 minutes before you plan to be sexually active. This ED drug’s effects last for up to 36 hours. ¹

Cialis starts with a recommended dose of 10 mg, but your dosage can be adjusted as needed. If 10 mg doesn't provide the support you want, your doctor may increase your prescription to 20 mg. But, if you experience any side effects on the 10 mg dose, scaling back to 5 mg is another option. The goal is to find the lowest effective dosage that works for your body. ¹

Cialis Daily

Unlike the on-demand version of Cialis, Cialis Daily is a low-dose ED drug that you take every day. This ensures that the drug is consistently present in your system, so you’re ready whenever the moment strikes.

When starting out on Cialis Daily, most men are prescribed an initial dose of 2.5 mg to be taken once daily. This low dose is usually enough to treat ED symptoms. However, if you need more support, your doctor can increase your prescription to 5 mg daily. ¹

You may have noticed that the Cialis Daily dose is lower than that of the on-demand version. This is because, since Cialis Daily is taken every day, the ED drug is always in your system, and a lower amount is needed. The lower dosage also helps minimize side effects that some men experience with higher doses. ¹

Viagra

Since its FDA approval in 1994, ² Viagra has become the go-to ED drug, earning the nickname "the little blue pill" along the way.

Viagra is designed to be taken on-demand, typically 30 to 60 minutes before engaging in sexual activity. Within one to two hours of ingestion, the medication reaches its peak effectiveness. The effects last for approximately 4 hours. ²

Viagra is available in three dosages:

• 25 mg
• 50 mg
• 100 mg ²

Your healthcare provider will likely start you on the 50 mg dose. However, if you find that you require extra support, the dose can be increased to 100 mg. Conversely, if you experience any side effects at the 50 mg level, your provider may recommend stepping down to the 25 mg dose. ²

Cialis vs Viagra: Which One is Better?

Though these ED drugs both work in the same way, there are some important differences between the two medications that are useful to know when deciding between Cialis and Viagra:

• Peak effects: Both Viagra and Cialis typically take around 30 to 60 minutes to kick in after taking a dose. However, Viagra tends to reach its peak effects a bit faster than Cialis. With Viagra, you can expect maximum potency around one hour after taking it, while Cialis peaks at around the two-hour mark. ³

• Duration: Cialis is known for its impressive longevity compared to other ED drugs. A single dose of Cialis can keep you covered for up to 36 hours. ¹ Viagra, on the other hand, only lasts for around 4 hours after taking it. ²

• Daily option: Your frequency of intimacy plays a crucial role in deciding between Viagra and Cialis. For those engaging in regular intimacy, Cialis offers a daily dosing option, eliminating the need to plan around each encounter. On the other hand, if intimacy is sporadic, opting for Cialis on-demand or Viagra might be more suitable.

Taking Cialis and Viagra Together

When it comes to the discussion of Cialis vs. Viagra, there is a common misconception that combining these two medications could potentially enhance their effectiveness for treating ED. However, it's crucial to understand that taking Cialis and Viagra together without medical supervision is not recommended and can lead to serious complications.

Both Cialis and Viagra operate by dilating blood vessels to facilitate better blood circulation, a mechanism that can also lead to a decrease in blood pressure. When these medications are taken together, the cumulative effect can trigger a dangerous drop in blood pressure, posing a serious health risk. ²

Rather than experimenting with mixing ED drugs on your own, have an open discussion with your doctor if the current treatment plan isn't working well enough. This may involve a discussion of Cialis vs Viagra, or they may adjust your current ED drug dosage.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the choice between Cialis vs. Viagra comes down to your needs and preferences. Both medications are highly effective in treating erectile dysfunction, but they have some key differences that may make one more suitable for your lifestyle than the other.

By considering how each medication aligns with your daily routine and personal situation, you can make a well-informed decision between Cialis vs. Viagra.