Cialis VS Viagra: Which is better?
While Viagra remains the most widely recognized medication for treating erectile dysfunction, various alternative treatments, including Cialis, have emerged in recent times. Determining which treatment is superior is not a simple matter, as both can assist men in achieving satisfactory erections and overcoming erectile dysfunction.
How did it all start?
Initially developed and tested in the UK to treat angina, Viagra was intended to relax the blood vessels supplying the heart. However, the outcomes for treating angina were unsatisfactory, but participants reported experiencing erections after taking Viagra. Further studies revealed that the medication relaxed the blood vessels supplying the erectile tissues. In 1998, Pfizer launched Viagra, which was approved by the European Medicines Agency and US Food and Drug Administration as the first oral medication for treating erectile dysfunction.
As a result of Viagra’s launch, Eli Lilly collaborated with the ICOS Corporation to create a newer version of this erectile dysfunction medication. Tadalafil, the new treatment, was approved for sale in Europe in 2002 and the US the following year and was given the brand name Cialis.
How do they work?
Viagra and Cialis belong to the class of medications known as PDE-5 inhibitors. These drugs function by relaxing the smooth muscles in the blood vessels that supply the penis, resulting in increased blood flow to aid in achieving an erection. Although both drugs have a similar mechanism of action, they contain distinct active ingredients.
Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra, while tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis. As a result, some men may respond better to one drug than the other. However, it is essential to remember that taking both medications together is not recommended, as they work via the same mechanism. In addition, sexual stimulation is required for both drugs to be effective, and they cannot produce an erection on their own.
Viagra:
- How to take it:
You should take Viagra on an empty stomach. If you really need to eat, then try waiting at least 1 to 2 hours after your meal before you take Viagra. It’s best to choose a light, low-fat meal since fatty meals and alcohol can slow down the time it takes Viagra to kick in by about 1 hour.
- How fast it works:
It can start to take effect in as little as 30 minutes. But usually you’ll have to wait 45 to 60 minutes before it reaches maximum effect. Then it keeps working for up to 8 hours.
- Typical dose: The typical starting dose is one 50 mg tablet. If you’re getting side effects, it can be cut down to 25 mg. If it’s not fully working, it can be increased to 100 mg.
Cialis:
Cialis stands out by lasting longer than Viagra. It can also be taken on a daily basis. Hence, it’s great for individuals who don’t respond as well to medications that are only taken “on demand.”
- How to take it:
Food doesn’t affect Cialis. You can take it just when you need it or regularly (every day) if needed.
- How fast it works:
It can start working in as quickly as 30 minutes, but you may have to wait up to 2 hours for it to reach the point when it’s most effective. The effects of Cialis last for up to 36 hours, helping you with erections at any point in that time period.
- Typical dose: The typical starting dose of Cialis for occasional use is one 10 mg tablet. It can be dropped to 5 mg or increased to 20 mg depending on how you respond. The daily dose for regular use is 2.5 mg to 5 mg.
How about their side effects?
Viagra and Cialis have almost similar side effects. Generally, the side effects shown below are often mild:
- headache
- flushing
- nasal congestion
- upset stomach
- vision changes
- muscle pain
However, there are some differences among these medications. Viagra has a higher risk of causing vision changes than Cialis. Specifically, approximately 3% of individuals who take Viagra may experience blue vision that lasts a few hours. On the other hand, Cialis has a slightly higher risk of causing muscle pain than Viagra.
Are ED pills such as Viagra and Cialis safe for your heart?
Although PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra and Cialis are generally safe for the heart, there are two important side effects to consider.
- Firstly, all PDE5 inhibitors have the potential to lower blood pressure, which may not be a concern for everyone but could be dangerous if combined with other blood pressure medications. A sudden drop in blood pressure could cause dizziness, fainting, or even a heart attack.
- Secondly, there is a risk of dangerous interactions between nitrate medications and PDE5 inhibitors, which are commonly prescribed to individuals with heart issues. If you are taking nitrate medication for conditions such as angina (chest pains) or high blood pressure, it is essential to avoid using any ED medications simultaneously.
Fret not, even if you’re not a suitable candidate for these medications, there are still alternative treatment options available for ED. It is always best to discuss with your health care provider first as they will be able to come up with a concise treatment plan for your ED.
