ED is a prevalent disease that impacts millions of men worldwide. ED is a loss of ability to maintain or obtain an erection for adequate sex. Luckily, there are many medications used to treat ED; the most common are Cialis and Viagra. Although the two medications treat the same disease, there are several key differences that distinguish them. This article will compare the effectiveness, duration, and side effects of Cialis and Viagra to help you decide between them based on these.
What is Cialis?
Cialis (generic tadalafil) is a prescription medication used to treat ED. It is part of a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which increase blood flow to the penis, allowing for an erection. Cialis was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003 and comes in brand name and generic forms.
What is Viagra?
The other prescription drug for ED is Viagra, which has the generic name sildenafil. Like Cialis, it is a PDE5 inhibitor and works the same way, pumping more blood to the penis. Viagra was first approved by the FDA in 1998, and it comes in brand and generic versions.
Effectiveness:
Cialis and Viagra have both been found to be very effective for ED. They differ, though, in how they come into effect and how long they last. Cialis is slower to work, taking about 30 minutes to get going, whereas Viagra takes about 15-20 minutes. Cialis, on the other hand, acts much more slowly and lasts for up to 36 hours, hence the name “the weekend pill.” Viagra only lasts about 4-5 hours.
The reason for this variation in time is the half-life of the drugs. Cialis has a half-life of 17.5 hours — that is, the drug must take at least that long to reduce to half its original concentration in the body. Viagra, by comparison, has a half-life of only 4 hours. This means that Cialis remains in the body for a much longer period of time, which is convenient for those who desire a longer period of sexual activity.
Side Effects:
Cialis and Viagra are both fairly safe drugs, but like all drugs, there are side effects. The most commonly occurring adverse reactions to both medications include headache, flushing, bloating, and nose congestion.
Headache
Headaches are a common side effect of Cialis and Viagra. Studies show that headaches affect about 16% of men who take Cialis and 25% of men who take Viagra. The headaches are thought to result from swelling blood vessels in the brain. The headaches are typically mild to moderate in nature and go away on their own after a couple of hours. But when the headaches are severe or recurrent, you need to get advice from your doctor.
Flushing
Flushing — also known as redness in the face and neck — is another common side effect of both Cialis and Viagra. The flushing is the result of the dilating blood vessels in the skin. Studies have found flushing in about 10% of men who take Cialis and 15% of men who take Viagra. Flushing is normally mild and clears up automatically within a few hours. But if the flushing is intense or ongoing, they should talk to their physician.
Dyspepsia
Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is a side-effect of both Cialis and Viagra. It gives you indigestion because the muscle in the lower esophagus relaxes, which can cause stomach acid to rush up the esophagus. Research has indicated that dyspepsia affects 7 per cent of men who use Cialis and 13 per cent of men who use Viagra. The constipation is typically mild to moderate, and can be alleviated by avoiding large meals, alcohol, and caffeine prior to taking the drug.
Back Pain
Back pain is a peculiar side-effect of Cialis. Back Pain is found in about 5 percent of men who take Cialis according to research. The back pain is interpreted as the result of weakness in lower back muscles. The back pain is usually moderate to mild in nature and usually subsides within a few hours. However, when the back pain is severe or lasts longer, people should consult with their physician.
Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion is a common side effect of both Cialis and Viagra. Congestion results from the swelling of blood vessels in the nose. Studies have shown that nasal congestion affects about 4% of Cialis and 7% of Viagra men. Congestion is typically mild-moderate in severity, and will clear up automatically within hours. But when the congestion is severe or persistent, people should call their physician.
But a handful of studies found that Cialis increases the likelihood of back and muscle pain, and Viagra increases the likelihood of color vision changes, blurred vision or light sensitivity.
Moreover, Cialis has been found to be toxic to some medications, including nitrates used to treat heart problems, which causes blood pressure to drop in a potentially fatal way. Before you use Cialis or Viagra, consult a physician to be sure that the drugs are safe and legal to use.
Dosage:
Cialis and Viagra come in different strengths, and the dosage recommended may vary depending on the individual and his or her condition. Cialis is available in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets, whereas Viagra comes in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets. The recommended starting dose for Cialis is 10mg, whereas the suggested starting dose for Viagra is 50mg. But physicians can increase or decrease the dose, depending on how the person responds and tolerates the drug.
Cialis also comes in a lower daily dosage of 2.5mg or 5mg that you can take once a day, regardless of whether you are having sex. This is more convenient for people who like spontaneity in their sex lives.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, Cialis and Viagra both work as ED treatments, although there are key differences. Cialis lasts longer; Viagra takes a little longer. Cialis might irritate your back more often; Viagra may cloud your vision more often. And, ultimately, whether one uses the latter or the former depends on personal preference and necessity. One should see a doctor to determine the correct dosage. Both medications were safe and effective at treating ED, and provided the chance for patients to reclaim sexuality and a high quality of life.
