Cialis (Tadalafil) Vs Viagra (Sildenafil): 5 Things That Make Them Different – Introduction
Cialis and Viagra are two of the most common drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction. Both of them are PDE5 inhibitors and, as such, they work by increasing the amount of blood to the penis – thereby leading to better erections. The two medications perform very similarly in addressing the same issue, but there are a few differences between Cialis and Viagra. In this essay, five aspects of Cialis and Viagra differ from each other.
1. Active Ingredient and Duration of Action:
Active Ingredient:
The active ingredient in Cialis is Tadalafil, and the active ingredient in Viagra is Sildenafil. Tadalafil and Sildenafil both work by easing the soft muscles of the blood vessels in the penis, thereby increasing blood flow and creating an erection when you experience sexual stimulation. Yet the two drugs are chemically different and have different pharmacological attributes, so their duration of action and other properties vary.
Duration of Action:
The most important difference between Cialis and Viagra is how long it lasts. Cialis has a longer half-life than Viagra, so it lasts longer in the body. In particular, Cialis lasts for up to 36 hours and Viagra lasts 4–6. It is this prolonged potency that has given Cialis the moniker of ‘the weekend pill’: it makes it possible for men to have sex at will without having to pre-plan their use.
2. Onset of Action
‘onset of action’ is the time that it takes for a medication to kick in once it’s been taken. The effects of Cialis and Viagra begin in a very different way, as they possess distinct chemical structures and mechanisms of action.
Sildenafil-based Viagra takes between 30 and 60 minutes to work. This is because Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor that relaxes muscles of the blood vessels and increases the flow of blood to the penis. But Viagra can delay its effect if you take it along with an especial meal or alcohol, as the latter deprive Viagra of absorption.
Conversely, Cialis, which contains Tadalafil, takes longer to work than Viagra. Tadalafil kicks in between 15-30 minutes and lasts as long as 36 hours. It’s this extended interval of action that has landed Cialis the moniker “the weekend pill”. Cialis does not react to food, unlike Viagra, and it does not start working even if you take it with a meal.
3. Dosage and Frequency:
Both Cialis and Viagra require different amounts and intervals for taking it. Viagra is typically administered on a regular basis, usually an hour before sex. Viagra starts at a dosage of 50 mg, and can be reduced to suit the response and tolerance of the patient. Viagra is taken only at a recommended dosage of 100mg per day.
Cialis, on the other hand, comes in two doses: one for emergencies and one daily. Cialis has the same as-needed dosage as Viagra, and is typically recommended at a starting dose of 10mg, which can be increased to 20mg depending on the patient’s response and tolerance. The highest permitted Cialis on-the-go dose is 20mg daily.
Cialis daily, by contrast, comes in smaller doses (2.5 to 5mg) and is intended for men who plan to have sex two or more times per week. The smaller dose of Cialis per day keeps the level of the drug in the body steady and makes it ready for action at any moment.
4. Effectiveness for Different Populations:
Viagra is the first FDA-approved PDE5 inhibitor for treating ED, so it has proven its effectiveness across a wide range of men. More recent research has suggested that Viagra can reduce ED in men who suffer from ED due to an organic, psychological, or combination of reasons. However, Viagra’s effectiveness varies significantly among individuals suffering from severe ED or with a dramatic history of diabetes, neurological conditions and cardiovascular disease.
Cialis, however, lasts a longer half-life than Viagra, providing its effect for up to 36 hours. This can work well for guys who prefer their sex acts to be random. Cialis comes in two forms- one a day and once daily. Cialis as needed’s efficacy profile is similar to Viagra’s but the once a day dosing allows for ED therapy. This has been very useful in men who also have other severe co-morbidities such as diabetes and high blood pressure to encourage greater sexual satisfaction as well as other effects on the quality of life. In addition, there is evidence that Cialis is also tolerated better in some types of men and thus yields more predictable results.
5. Adverse Effects:
Though Cialis and Viagra are fairly similar to one another in their side effects – headaches, flushing, dyspepsia, and nose bleeds – some are different: Viagra, for instance, has been shown to cause vision problems – blue eyes and light sensitivity – through the stimulation of PDE6, and that might be a very irritating problem for those taking them when it squints out their vision before or after taking them.
However, Cialis is less susceptible to PDE6; thus, it carries less risk of visual side-effects, and might be a more desirable option for men who are wary of seeing a change in their eyes while taking ED drugs.
It is also worth noting how these medications affect blood pressure. These two drugs lower blood pressure to a temporary and very slight degree. cialis specifically, which has a longer half-life, would delay the blood pressure-lowering effect, perhaps more so in men taking nitrates; a combination that might be less suitable for some cardiovascular patients.
Conclusion: Cialis (Tadalafil) Vs Viagra (Sildenafil): 5 Things That Make Them Different
In short, Cialis and Viagra are similar in general when it comes to ED control, but they are distinct. From their active ingredients, their doses and duration of action, to whether they work for a given population and whether they cause side effects, it’s best to discuss these with healthcare professionals to see which medication is right for a person. Though they might have similar aims, those distinctions separate Cialis and Viagra from one another.
