Cialis vs Viagra: Which One Should I Take

Viagra and Cialis are branded medications for treating Erectile Dysfunction in men or people assigned male at birth.

Choosing between Cialis vs Viagra can be tricky as they have different active ingredients.

The active salt in Viagra is Sildenafil Citrate, the first ED medication to get FDA approval. On the other hand, Cialis contains Tadalafil.

Read the complete article to know the difference between Viagra and Cialis. Then, decide which one you should take to treat your erection problems.

Cialis vs Viagra: Differences

Cialis and Viagra are both ED pills known for treating erection problems effectively.

Their nearly similar working and effects can confuse a person about which ED pill they should take.

Here we will discuss the differences between Cialis and Viagra in detail for you.

Active Salt

The active salt in Viagra is Sildenafil Citrate, whereas Cialis contains Tadalafil.

Sildenafil and Tadalafil are Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors that treat erection problems by boosting blood flow to the penis.

The enhanced blood flow can help get and maintain an erection when a man is sexually aroused.

Generic versions of Sildenafil and Tadalafil medications are also widely sold and used to treat ED.

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You can check out the following Sildenafil and Tadalafil medicines at Cheap Medicine Shop:

Which works faster between Cialis and Viagra

Tadalafil in Cialis can start to work and show effects anytime between 15 minutes to 2 hours from consumption.

In comparison, Viagra usually works within 30 minutes of consumption.

Red Pills and Blue pillsSource: ironstealth_From_Getty_Images
Red Pills and Blue pills

When do they show peak effects

Peak effects are visible when the absorption of medicine is at the highest level.

The peak effects of Viagra are usually visible within 1 hour of consumption.

On the other hand, Cialis can achieve peak absorption levels within 30 minutes. Sometimes, it can take up to 120 minutes.

How long do the effects of Viagra and Cialis last

Typically, the effects of Viagra can last 4 to 5 hours from consumption.

In contrast, pills that contain Tadalafil, such as Cialis, can last more than a day. They typically last up to 36 hours from consumption.

Fun Fact
Tadalafil pills are commonly known as the ‘weekend pills’ due to their long-lasting effects. Viagra is also famously known as the ‘little blue pill.’

Cialis vs Viagra side effects

Some common side effects of Viagra and Cialis are

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Flushing
  • Upset stomach
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Lightheadedness

However, not all side effects of Viagra and Cialis are similar.

Cialis and Viagra can cause vision changes, including decreased or blurred vision. They may also cause sudden loss of vision in rare cases.

Use of Viagra can also result in abnormal vision changes, such as difficulty separating blue or green colors and increased sensitivity to light. Cialis is not known to cause such side effects.

Red and Blue TabletsSource: PetreaIonut_From_Getty_Images
Red and Blue Tablets

Another difference is that Sildenafil in Viagra can also cause seizures in a person in rare cases.

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects that can result from the consumption of Viagra and Cialis. It is not necessary for you to face any or all side effects. 

The doctor may prescribe these medications because they think that the benefit may be more than the risk of potential side effects.

Warning
Seek medical help immediately if you face any severe side effects.

Cialis vs Viagra: An overview

Refer to the following table to understand the difference between Cialis and Viagra at a glance.

FactorsCialisViagra
Active saltTadalafilSildenafil 
How fast do they work?Anytime between 15 minutes to 2 hoursWithin 30 minutes of consumption
How long do the effects last?Up to 36 hours4 to 5 hours.
Time of peak effectsWithin 30 to 120 minutes of consumptionWithin 1 hour of consumption

Which ED pill should I take

It is challenging to select one ED pill for treating your erection problems from Cialis vs Viagra.

Before choosing any treatment or medication, it is wise to consult your doctor.

They may tell you about various treatments and medications and their advantages and disadvantages.

You may come to know that Cialis (Tadalafil) lasts longer than Viagra and has fewer side effects. Whereas Viagra is one of the most reputable and widely used ED medicine.

As a first line of treatment, they can prescribe Cialis or Viagra, or any other ED pill such as Levitra. 

The pill they suggest will depend on your symptoms, diagnosis, and what you expect from your treatment.

Glossary
  • Seizures: Sudden electrical disturbances in the brain characterize seizures.
  • Erectile Dysfunction: Erectile Dysfunction: It refers to a man’s inability to attain or maintain an erection.
  • PDE-5 inhibitors:They are a class of medications that impact blood flow and cell communication within the body. PDE-5 inhibitors prevent the activity of PDE-5 enzymes by inhibiting them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cialis better than Viagra?

It is difficult to choose between Cialis and Viagra as the better medication.
The ED treatment for a person may depend on several factors.
You may prefer Cialis due to its quick results and low risk of side effects. Additionally, some may believe that Viagra is better due to its well-known brand name.
However, you should consult a physician to determine which medication is best for you.

Does Cialis make you hard all day?

In comparison to other ED medications, Cialis (Tadalafil) lasts the longest. It can last up to 36 hours in an individual.
But this does not mean you will have a continuous erection for 36 hours.
Cialis will help you achieve and maintain erections more easily during the 36 hours after consumption.

Is Cialis less harmful than Viagra?

Many side effects are common between Viagra and Cialis. However, Cialis has a higher chance of muscle or back pain.
On the other hand, Viagra has the potential risk of causing seizures or abnormal vision changes such as increased light sensitivity or blue vision.

Citations:
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Janet Fudge

Janet Fudge writes on general health topics for CheapMedicineShop.com. She holds a post-graduate diploma in Public Health with a major in epidemiology. During the outbreak of COVID-19, Janet actively volunteered in vaccination drives throughout the state of Iowa. She lives in Iowa with her husband and two children.