Both Cialis and Viagra are pharmaceutical drugs designed to help men experiencing erectile dysfunction. Cialis was initially approved by the FDA in 2003. The main ingredient in the drug is “tadalafil”, which is designed to help relax the muscles around the penis and promote blood flow.
Cialis was developed by a relatively small biotech firm in the United States, and has been highly popular ever since. This orange-colored pill can be taken in three separate dosages: 20MG, 10MG, or 5MG. Oral administration is required.
Viagra is slightly older than its competitor, having been founded back in 1998. This prescription medicine’s main drug is “Sildenafil”. It too, helps relax the muscles around the penis so that more blood flow can enter. This drug is offered in three separate table sizes: 100MG, 50MG, and 25MG, and must also be taken orally. Through the dosage alone, it is easy to see how much stronger Viagra can be, which is why it is only recommended for individuals who cannot maintain an erection.
How Are They Different?
Viagra and Cialis work in similar ways, effectively treating erectile dysfunction in men. However, there are some major differences between each erectile dysfunction prescription. Such differences include:
Taking the Medication
Viagra should be orally consumed without food. It should only be used once per day. Cialis can be consumed with a meal and should be take no more than once per 24 hours.
When to Take
Viagra should be taken about one hour prior to sexual activity. Cialis works a little quicker, so it can be taken about 30 minutes before sexual activity. Both are relatively fast-acting compared to other erectile dysfunction drugs on the market.
Length of Time
Viagra typically lasts around 5 hours, whereas Cialis has been known to last up to 36 hours.
Effectiveness
Although, Cialis can last for 6x longer than Viagra, Viagra has been known to be slightly stronger in regards to sexual performance.
Side-Effects: Like most drugs, both Cialis and Viagra come with side-effects. The most common ones include:
- Indigestion
- Headaches
- Flushing
- Back Pain
- Muscle Aches
If you’ve taken either drug, and are experiencing any of the above symptoms for more than 24 hours, it is recommended that you speak with a healthcare professional. They will be able to tell you whether or not you are healthy enough to take either Viagra or Cialis.
When considering taking any erectile dysfunction prescription, it is important to discuss the decision with your healthcare professional.