Cialis vs Viagra: Differences & Which is Best For You?

Cialis and Viagra are examples of phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors that are used to treat erectile dysfunction. They work by increasing blood flow to the penis to help you get an erection that’s hard enough for sex. They have a similar rate of effectiveness, Viagra 50mg is effective for around 74% of men while Cialis at various doses can help 75% of men get an erection.

Although they belong to the same class of medication, there are some differences between Viagra and Cialis which may help you choose one over the other, including their cost and how long they remain effective for.

Here we explore the similarities and differences between Viagra and Cialis to help you decide which is best for you.

Cialis and Viagra are similar in that they are medications used to treat erectile dysfunction. Here we’ll explore how Cialis and Viagra are similar.

Prescription-only status

They are both prescription-only medications which means you must have a prescription from a doctor in order to obtain them. A doctor will assess if Cialis or Viagra are suitable for you to take based on your medical and lifestyle history.

PDE-5 inhibitors

Both Cialis and Viagra belong to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors that are used to treat erectile dysfunction.

Although they contain different active ingredients, Cialis and Viagra have a similar chemical composition and work in exactly the same way by relaxing the smooth muscles in the penis to increase blood flow, and enable you to get and keep an erection.

Generic versions available

Cialis and Viagra are the names of the branded medications but their generic versions contain the same active ingredients, are available in the same dosages, and work in the same way – tadalafil (Cialis) and sildenafil (Viagra).

The difference between the branded and generic versions are their branding and marketing, and pricing; generic versions are cheaper.

Over-the-counter versions

Both Viagra and Cialis have over-the-counter versions available, which means you can buy them from a pharmacy without a prescription.

Viagra Connect is the over-the-counter version of Viagra and contains 50mg of sildenafil. At this dose, the active ingredient has been shown to be effective in 74% of men and can last 4 to 6 hours. However, unlike prescription-only Viagra, 50mg is the only dose available and it is only available in packs of 2 pills rather than 4.

Cialis Together is available without prescription in 10mg doses. This dose is effective for 60% to 70% of men and can last for up to 36 hours.

Although Cialis and Viagra are effective treatments for erectile dysfunction that work in similar ways, there are some differences:

Duration

• Cialis lasts for up to 36 hours
• Viagra remains effective for 4 to 6 hours

Available dosages

• Cialis is available in 4 dosage strengths (2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg) with 5mg being the standard daily dose and 10mg being the standard starting dose for as-needed treatment
• Viagra dosages are 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg with 50mg being the standard, recommended starting dose

Side effects

Common Viagra side effects:

• headaches
• feeling sick (nausea)
• facial flushing
• hot flushes
• vision changes
• dizziness
• stuffy nose

Common Cialis side effects:

• headaches
• back pain
• muscle aches and pains
• facial flushing
• indigestion
• blocked nose

Effectiveness

Research shows that the effectiveness of Viagra at different doses is as follows:

• 25mg: 62%
• 50mg: 74%
• 100mg: 82%

Studies show that Cialis improved erections by 86%, 83%, and 72% in mild, moderate, and severe cases of erectile dysfunction. In another study, 87% of patients were satisfied with their erections while using tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis.

Cost

Cialis is more expensive than Viagra because it lasts for longer, 36 hours compared to 4 to 6 hours. For this reason, Cialis is sometimes known as the weekend pill and may be more suitable if you want an erectile dysfunction treatment that has a longer duration.

How quickly they work

Cialis can work in as little as 30 minutes while Viagra can take between 30 minutes and 1 hour to be effective. If you’re taking Cialis Daily tablets, they continue working for as long as you take them, so you don’t need to wait to have sex.

Viagra and Cialis are about as effective and as powerful as each other, but which is best for you will depend on your circumstances, how long you need the treatment to be effective for, the cost, and how quickly it is effective.

Viagra may be more suitable for you if you:

• need an effective treatment that lasts 4 to 6 hours
• want a cost-effective erectile dysfunction treatment

Cialis may be more suitable for you if you:

• want a treatment that works for longer (up to 36 hours)
• want faster results (usually within 30 minutes)
• have sex frequently (more than 3 times per week) or spontaneously, as Cialis can be prescribed in a daily dose so you do not need to wait for it’s effects to take place

Note: Viagra and Cialis cannot be taken with medication including nitrates which are often used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Before taking Cialis or Viagra, check with your doctor to be sure that you are not taking medications that may induce unwanted side effects when taken alongside Cialis or Viagra.

Can I take Cialis and Viagra together?

No, Cialis and Viagra must not be taken together. Taking more than 1 erectile dysfunction pill at the same time can cause serious side effects. You must only ever take erectile dysfunction medication exactly as your doctor has prescribed.

Cialis and Viagra are not the only erectile dysfunction treatments available. If you find either of these are not suitable or do not work effectively for you, Superdrug Online Doctor also offers the following Cialis and Viagra alternatives:

• Vardenafil: The active ingredient in this generic erectile dysfunction treatment is vardenafil. Like Viagra and Cialis, it is also a PDE-5 inhibitor which works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the penis to increase blood flow and cause an erection. Vardenafil is the generic version of Levitra which has been discontinued. It is a prescription-only medication but may be a more suitable option if you have experienced visual side effects with other erectile dysfunction medications because less than 2% of people who use vardenafil will get them.
• Spedra: Spedra is the fastest-acting erectile dysfunction treatment available, getting to work in as little as 15 minutes. It is also a PDE-5 inhibitor and contains the active ingredient avanafil. Spedra is effective in up to 59% of people who use it.
• Avanafil: Avanafil is the generic version of Spedra. It also works in just 15 minutes, and is available in 3 different doses; 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg.

If you feel oral tablets are not the right treatment for you, there are other treatments available such as:

• Vacuum pumps: Vaxaid vacuum pumps can make your erections last longer, often used alongside penis rings.
• Vitaros cream: Vitaros works in a similar way to oral erectile dysfunction treatments, except the treatment comes in the form of a cream you can apply. It takes 5-30 minutes to start working.