When that special moment arises but the spirit is willing yet the flesh proves weak, it can be frustrating indeed. But there are pharmaceutical options that can come to the aid of men struggling with erectile dysfunction (ED). Two of the most well-known prescription medications are Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil). These drugs have helped millions restore intimacy and confidence in the bedroom. But how do you choose between them? What are the key distinctions? This guide breaks down the differences to help you decide if Viagra or Cialis is the better match.
Onset and Duration: How Long do Effects Last?
Viagra and sildenafil usually take 30-60 minutes to kick in while Cialis can begin working in as little as 15-30 minutes. But when it comes to duration, Cialis has the clear advantage. The effects of Viagra tend to wear off after around 5 hours. Cialis, however, can last for up to 36 hours. This had led to it being dubbed “the weekend pill.”
A man taking Cialis on Friday evening could still feel effects Sunday morning! This exceptional duration is due to its long half life and the fact the drug remains longer in muscle tissue. Be aware however that the length of action does depend on dosage, metabolism rate, diet, and other factors. Those using generic Cialis may find its effects do not last as long.
Interactions with Food and Alcohol
Viagra is best taken on an empty stomach at least 2-3 hours after a meal. Food, especially high-fat fare, can limit absorption and reduce efficacy. Alcohol has similar effects. Therefore experts advise refraining from drinking alcohol when taking Viagra or generic sildenafil. The optimal state is on an empty stomach with no alcohol in one’s system.
In contrast, Cialis is not affected so strongly by food or alcohol. While very high fat meals may slow absorption, it can generally be taken with meals or a glass of wine or beer. The flexibility in usage conditions gives Cialis an advantage for those who prefer not to have to strategically time intercourse and medication usage around eating schedules.
Comparing Dosages: How Much to Take?
Prescription ED medications should always be used as directed by one’s doctor and according to packaging instructions. But commonly, the starting Viagra/sildenafil dose is 50mg which can later be adjusted from 25-100mg based on efficacy and tolerability. Doctors caution strongly about exceeding 100mg in 24 hours due to vision changes and other side effects.
Meanwhile, the entry level dose of Cialis is generally 10mg, which can be adjusted up to 20mg or down to 5mg daily based on the patient’s reaction. While it may seem a lower dose, studies found 10mg tadalafil is similar in efficacy to 50mg sildenafil while lower side effects.
Due to its long lasting nature, Cialis is also offered at smaller 2.5mg and 5mg dosages for daily use. This allows men to feel ready anytime without needing to pre-plan and take a dose right before intimacy.
Side Effect Profile: Vision vs Headaches
When it comes to side effects,Viagra and sildenafil are more likely to cause visual disturbances like blurred vision, light sensitivity, and color tinge. This results from their effect on PDE6, an enzyme related to phototransduction. Sensitivity to blue-green color is the giveaway.
Cialis less commonly impacts vision, but is more associated with back pain and muscle aches, likely due to the drug’s lengthened presence in tissue. Both drugs can trigger headaches, flushing, nasal congestion and related conditions due to widening blood vessels. There is little difference in the incidence of these between Cialis vs Viagra. Generally side effects are mild and dissipate quickly.
Cost and Availability: Brand vs Generic
A final comparison is cost. Viagra came on the market in the 1990s. The company Pfizer was able to patent the compound, preventing generics for years. But the patent has now expired allowing generic viagra to be sold. This has made Viagra much more affordable. Prices can vary dramatically – from $20 to $60+ per tablet (25/50/100mg).
Cialis maintains brand exclusivity until fall 2018 as Eli Lilly continues to recoup research costs and profits. Only recently did FDA approve the first generic Cialis (tadalafil). Consequently, it tends to cost significantly more than Viagra, typically $50-75+ per tablet (10/20mg). Prices should fall markedly post-patent expiry.
Both brand name ED drugs as well as generic equivalents can be purchased online through licensed international or Canadian pharmacies for substantial discounts. Prices at local pharmacies tend to be inflated substantially. Carefully vetting online sellers can save hundreds per year for frequent users.
The Winner? It Depends…
Declaring one option clearly “better” than the other is difficult. Men’s experiences and preferences vary widely. Critical factors such as diet, metabolism, reason and severity of ED affect outcomes. But reviewing advantages of each provides keys to guide the decision:
Cialis benefits:
- Longer lasting – up to 36 hours
- More flexible to take with food/alcohol
- Lower dosage still effective
- Daily low-dose option
Viagra/Sildenafil benefits:
- Faster onset – 30 mins vs 1 hour
- No next day effects if intolerable
- Now available as cheaper generic
- Most familiar, trusted option
Before choosing a medication, men should have an exam to diagnose causes of ED, review health history, and determine if PDE5 inhibitors are suitable. Those already using nitrates or alpha blockers may need alternatives. Discussing expectations, priorities and past treatment experiences aids selection between Cialis vs Viagra. Trial and error helps pinpoint one’s optimal dose for peak results. Lifestyle adjustments also boost pharmacological effects.
In closing, Viagra and Cialis remain two highly popular and proven treatments for ED. While similar, differences in onset/duration, interactions, and cost exist. There is no definitive winner – one man’s perfect pill is another’s poison. Working with one’s healthcare provider to decide between brand/generic Viagra or Cialis facilitates finding the best match given medical history, priorities, and budget. This enables restoring confidence in virility and enjoying fulfilling intimacy once again.
