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dateApril 3, 2024

Tadalafil (CIALIS) vs Sildenafil (Viagra) – Which is better?

Are you having trouble getting or keeping an erection? You’re not alone. Lots of men experience erectile dysfunction (ED) at some point in their lives. It can happen due to physical or psychological reasons. The good news is some medications can help. Two of the most popular and well-known drugs for treating ED are Tadalafil […]

Are you having trouble getting or keeping an erection? You’re not alone. Lots of men experience erectile dysfunction (ED) at some point in their lives. It can happen due to physical or psychological reasons. The good news is some medications can help.

Two of the most popular and well-known drugs for treating ED are Tadalafil (the brand name is Cialis) and Sildenafil (the brand name is Viagra). Both of these medications increase blood flow to maintain an erection.

But how do these two drugs compare? Which one is better? That’s what we’ll explore in our blog. We’ll look at how they work, how long they last, dosages, side effects, costs, and more.

Let’s compare Tadalafil (Cialis) and Sildenafil (Viagra) to see which one might be better for you!

How Do They Work?

Both Tadalafil and Sildenafil belong to a class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors. When you become sexually aroused, your body releases a chemical that relaxes the blood vessels in the penis and increases blood flow. This causes an erection. However, sometimes, this process doesn’t work as well as it should, and that’s why these medications are used.

Tadalafil and Sildenafil work by inhibiting an enzyme called PDE5, which normally breaks down the chemical responsible for relaxing the blood vessels. The inhibition of enzymes increases the blood flow that flows into the penis, making it easier to keep an erection.

What is the Onset of Action and Duration?

How quickly do these medications start working, and how long do their effects last? There are some main differences between Tadalafil and Sildenafil.

Sildenafil (Viagra) tends to act a bit faster. You’ll usually start feeling its effects within 30 minutes to an hour after taking the pill. The effects typically last for around 4 hours.

Tadalafil (Cialis), on the other hand, takes a little longer to kick in – usually around 2 hours after you take it. But the great thing about Tadalafil is that its effects can last for up to 36 hours! That’s a whole day and a half.

So, if you’re looking for something that’ll work quickly for a single sexual encounter, Sildenafil might be the way to go. But if you want more flexibility and don’t mind waiting a bit longer for it to start working, Tadalafil could be a better option since its effects last so much longer.

What is Dosage and Administration?

Both Tadalafil and Sildenafil come in tablet form that you take by mouth. However, the typical dosages can differ between the two.

For Sildenafil (Viagra), the standard dose is 50mg, although your doctor may prescribe a lower 25mg dose or a higher 100mg dose depending on how your body responds to it.

With Tadalafil (Cialis), the typical starting dose is 10mg. Your doctor may increase or decrease the dose from there based on how well it works for you and any side effects you experience.

There are also some differences in how you take them. Sildenafil is usually taken about an hour before sexual activity. Tadalafil can be taken every day at the same time or as needed, like Sildenafil before sex.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing for whichever medication you’ve been prescribed.

How Effective and Successful Are They?

In most cases of erectile dysfunction, both Tadalafil and Sildenafil provide the same highly effective treatment. However, there are some slight differences in their success rates based on studies.

Regarding Sildenafil (Viagra), research shows it is capable of improving erections in about 80% of men suffering from ED. Thus, it works the majority of the time but not for everyone.

Tadalafil (Cialis) is effective in about 8 or 9 out of 10 men with ED. So, its success rate is just a tad higher than Sildenafil’s.

However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness can vary from person to person.

You may love to read: DOES VIAGRA CONNECT WORK?

What are the Side Effects and Safety Concerns?

Like most medications, Tadalafil and Sildenafil can cause some side effects in some people. The good news is that the most common side effects are relatively mild. However, there are also some more serious safety concerns to be aware of.

Let’s start with the milder side effects. You may experience headaches, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, stuffy nose, or flushing (feeling warm or red) in the case of both drugs. Tadalafil is also sometimes associated with muscle pain. These effects are usually not severe for most men.

More serious side effects that need to be treated by a doctor include priapism, which is an erection that lasts longer than four hours, sudden severe loss of vision or hearing, and irregular heartbeats. While rare, these need to be treated right away.

Some pre-existing conditions may make these drugs unsafe, like severe heart or liver disease, recent stroke or heart attack, uncontrolled high or low blood pressure, and certain rare eye diseases. Your doctor needs your full medical history.

Are There Any Differences in Cost and Availability?

In the UK, both Tadalafil and Sildenafil are available only with a prescription from your doctor or an online pharmacy service.

As far as cost is concerned, Sildenafil (Viagra) may be the more affordable option, especially if you go for the generic version rather than the brand name.

A single 50mg dose of generic Sildenafil typically costs around £1-£2 per tablet if you get it from your local pharmacy. Meanwhile, for Tadalafil (Cialis), a 10mg generic tablet usually runs between £2-£4 each from the pharmacy. So, in general, Sildenafil is the cheaper of the two, especially if you opt for the generic rather than the brand-name drug.

Final Remarks

Both Tadalafil (Cialis) and Sildenafil (Viagra) can effectively treat erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil works faster but wears off sooner, while Tadalafil takes longer to kick in but lasts much longer. Consider cost, timing needs, and overall health when choosing. Ultimately, have an open discussion with your doctor about which one may be the better option for your situation. With the right medication and treatment, you can get your confidence back in the bedroom.