Cialis vs Viagra - Choose the Better Option

What Are Cialis and Viagra?

Cialis and Viagra are phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors most commonly used to treat impotence or erectile dysfunction. These oral drugs can be used when there is an inability to attain or maintain a penile erection. The other phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors also include Vardenafil and Avanafil. Cialis and Viagra act by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase, which is responsible for destroying cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). They allow the accumulation of cGMP and prolong the engorgement of the penis. Viagra is available on prescription, with the exception of Viagra connect, which can be bought over the counter.

What Are the Uses of Cialis and Viagra?

Cialis - This is the brand name for Tadalafil and is generally used to treat erectile dysfunction. The drug is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to treat signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia. It may also be used to manage pulmonary arterial hypertension. Cialis is used off-label for Raynaud’s phenomenon.

Viagra - It is the only FDA-approved treatment for erectile dysfunction. The drug may be used to manage pulmonary arterial hypertension. The drug is used off-label to treat Raynaud’s phenomenon (a condition that causes restricted blood flow to the extremities) and female sexual arousal disorders.

What Is the Dosage of Cialis and Viagra?

• Cialis - The recommended starting dose of Cialis is 2.5 milligrams per day or alternate day. It should be used as needed and taken before sexual activity. Depending on the response or side effects, the dose may be increased to 20 milligrams or decreased to 5 milligrams. The recommended dose for daily use without regard to sexual activity is 2.5 milligrams to 5 milligrams. The drug should not be taken more than once daily and at about the same time each day.

• Viagra - The recommended dose of Viagra is 25 milligrams to 100 milligrams one hour before the sexual activity. It is taken on a need basis. The maximum dose should not exceed 100 milligrams daily. The elderly over 65 should start at 25 milligrams before sexual activity. The maximum levels of the drug reach within 30 minutes to two hours after oral administration.

What Is the Onset of Action of Cialis and Viagra?

Cialis generally works after six to eight hours before intercourse and has a longer-lasting effect of 36 hours. It can be taken with or without food.

Viagra works within 30 minutes of oral administration, with effects lasting up to four to five hours. Eating a high-fat meal can reduce the absorption and effectiveness of the drug.

What Are the Side Effects of Cialis and Viagra?

Cialis (Tadalafil) may cause side effects such as

• Facial flushing.

• Headaches.

• Stomach upset.

• Diarrhea.

• Flu-like symptoms.

• Nausea.

• Low blood pressure.

• Blurred vision.

• Change in color vision.

• Abnormal ejaculation.

• Priapism, or an erection lasting more than four hours, may damage the penis.

The most common side effects of Viagra are:

• Facial flushing.

• Headaches.

• Stomach pain.

• Nasal congestion.

• Nausea.

• Rash.

• Dizziness.

• Urinary tract infections.

• Diarrhea.

• Change in color vision.

• Priapism.

Which Is More Effective Cialis or Viagra?

Both Cialis and Viagra are effective at treating erectile dysfunction. Most of the differences between the two drugs are:

• How long the drug lasts.

• How it is taken.

• Medical history of the person taking it.

However, Cialis is preferred over Viagra for its once-daily dosing and should be taken 30 minutes before you plan to have sex. The drug has a longer effect of 36 hours and improves sexual confidence. It is also used for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cialis's effectiveness is not altered by the presence of food. The side effects of Cialis may last longer owing to its longer mode of action. It is also used for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (a condition in which the prostate gland is enlarged but not cancerous).

Viagra has a short half-life and is used by those who use it sparingly. Viagra remains effective for 4 to 6 hours and allows the opportunity to have sex on multiple occasions.

Does Cialis Have Fewer Side Effects Than Viagra?

Cilias and Viagra share the same side effects, including face flushing, headaches, and indigestion. As Cialis has a longer duration of action than Viagra, the side effects too last longer in Cialis than in Viagra.

What Are the Precautions to Be Taken While Using Cialis and Viagra?

• Heart Diseases - Certain medications like nitrates that are taken by heart patients can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke when mixed with Viagra.

• Kidney injury - Prolonged erection caused due to Cialis can lead to damage to the penis and cause acute kidney injury and should be given with caution in people with preexisting kidney disease.

• Liver Disease - Cialis and Viagra are extensively and rapidly metabolized by the liver. They should be administered with caution in patients with liver damage.

• Eye Problems - Cialis may cause dryness in the eye and lead to permanent damage to the retina.

• Geriatric - Viagra should be given caution to the elderly as the drug increases the plasma protein binding and may increase the incidence of adverse reactions.

• Angulation or Peyronie’s Disease - Viagra should be used with caution in patients with anatomical deformation of the penis.

• Blood Pressure - Viagra can further lower the blood pressure in patients taking antihypertensive medication and should be monitored regularly.

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases - Viagra offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases. The patients should be counseled about various other protective measures.

What Are the Drug Interactions of Cialis and Viagra?

Some drugs and foods may affect the effectiveness of Cialis.

Drug Interaction of Cialis:

• Erythromycin.

• Ketoconazole like Nizoral.

• Itraconazole is like Sporanox.

• Indinavir like Crixivan.

• Ritonavir or Norvir.

• Rifampin.

• Carbamazepines such as Tegretol, Equerto, Carbatrol.

• Phenytoin, such as Dilantin and Dilantin-125.

• Phenobarbital.

• Nitroglycerin.

• Isosorbide dinitrate.

• Terazosin.

• Other PDE-5 inhibitors such as Vardenafil and Sildenafil.

Drug Interaction of Viagra:

• Isosorbide mononitrate.

• Cimetidine.

• Erythromycin.

• Ketoconazole.

• Itraconazole.

• Atazanavir.

• Rifampicin.

Food Interactions:

• Grapefruit Juice - Large amounts of grapefruits and juices should be avoided while taking Sildenafil as it may raise the levels of the drug in the body. It also delays the time taken for the medication to work.

• Alcohol - Consuming alcohol with Cialis or Viagra can increase the side effects such as dizziness and headaches. Alcohol, when combined with these drugs, can result in low blood pressure.

• High-Fat Food - Taking food rich in fat can slow the working time of Viagra by almost an hour. They can also increase the risk of stomach upset which may make sexual activity uncomfortable.

Conclusion:

Both Viagra and Cialis are prescription drugs used for treating erectile dysfunction. The biggest difference between them is the amount of time their effects last. Cialis has a long effectiveness period. While these drugs can help manage erectile dysfunction, it is advised to make lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and increasing physical activity.