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Cialis and Viagra are oral medicines for erectile dysfunction (ED) that boost nitric oxide and relax penis muscles, but they have a few differences worth noting.
The main difference is their duration: Men prefer taking Cialis as it lasts up to 36 hours and can be taken daily, while Viagra lasts 4-6 hours and is taken as needed, around 30 minutes before sex.
It’s also worth mentioning that food doesn’t interfere with the activity of Cialis, but with Viagra, there may be a noticeable decrease in its effectiveness.
Cialis also helps with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms. But if you’re a man with liver or kidney issues, there’s a higher risk of interaction in Cialis than Viagra.
So it all depends on your preferences for sexual spontaneity and frequency when it comes to deciding between the two medicines. It’s very important to consult doctors before determining the best and safest option for you.
Which medicine has the fewest side effects?
Both have the same side effects as they work similarly to each other. So you’ll find headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, and visible changes common to both.
However, Viagra poses a higher risk of vision changes. And because Cialis has a longer half-life, even its side effects can stay up for longer.
Even when it comes to severe side effects, heart attacks, strokes, and a sudden loss of hearing are common to both.
Viagra and Cialis: FDA Approval and Uses
Viagra (sildenafil) was the first FDA-approved medication for erectile dysfunction (ED) in 1998. Cialis (tadalafil) was approved in 2003 to treat ED and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Other medications like vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) and avanafil (Stendra) are also approved for ED treatment.
Dosage
Cialis can be taken as needed or daily, with 10mg as a starting dose before sexual activity. Its effects last around 36 hours. The dosage can be adjusted if needed. For daily use, the initial dosage is 2.5mg or 5mg for those with BPH.
Viagra is taken as needed at a 50mg dose, about 1 hour before sexual activity. The dose can be adjusted if needed. Effects last around 4-5 hours.
Cost
Viagra costs around $80 per tablet for 50mg or 100mg strength. Cialis costs approximately $12 for 5mg and $70 for 20mg strength per tablet.
Precautions and Contraindications
All PDE5 inhibitors are contraindicated with nitrates. Cialis has a longer duration of action, increasing the risk of drug interactions. Men with kidney or liver disease may need dosage adjustments.
Cialis is not recommended for men who had a heart attack or stroke within the past 6 months, have uncontrolled high or low blood pressure, unstable angina, or other conditions making sexual activity inadvisable.
Allergic Reactions
If someone is allergic to Cialis or Viagra, they might have an allergic reaction after taking the medication. Allergic reactions happened during Cialis clinical trials, but the number of people affected was not reported. Reactions included serious rashes and skin conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Allergic reactions can be mild or severe, with symptoms like rash, itching, flushing, and difficulty breathing. If someone has an allergic reaction to Cialis or Viagra, they should get medical help immediately. Always tell healthcare providers about allergies before taking any medication.
Alternative erectile dysfunction treatments without allergic reactions include self-injections, vacuum erection devices, and penile implants. These options work differently than oral medications like Cialis and Viagra and may be better for those who can’t take oral drugs or have side effects from them.
Final Thoughts
Cialis and Viagra are both oral medicines used for treating erectile dysfunction, but they have some differences that make them better suited for certain individuals. Consult your doctor to know which medicine is the best for you.
