Cialis® vs. Viagra®
Similarities and differences
Figuring out which erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment is right for you can feel overwhelming. To help make it easier, let’s compare Cialis® and Viagra®, the two most common prescriptions for ED.
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What are erectile dysfunction drugs?
30-50 million American men are affected by erectile dysfunction.
Viagra® (sildenafil) and Cialis® (tadalafil) are drugs commonly used to treat ED, a common sexual dysfunction that may cause difficulties getting or maintaining an erection. Other erectile dysfunction treatments in the PDE-5 inhibitor category include vardenafil (brand name Levitra) and avanafil (brand name Stendra).
Viagra® and Cialis® are both phosphodiesterase type-5 enzyme (PDE-5) inhibitors. These drugs enhance blood flow to the penis to improve erections. While PDE-5 inhibitors are effective at treating ED, they require sexual stimulation and arousal to work - so you don’t have to worry about unwanted erections at inconvenient times.
Viagra vs. Cialis: what is the difference?
Viagra and Cialis take approximately the same amount of time to work. Most people who take Viagra notice it working around an hour after taking it, but it can be effective in as little as 30 minutes. It can take up to two hours to start working for some people. For most people, Cialis starts working in about 30 minutes.
The biggest difference between Viagra and Cialis is how long the drugs last in your body. Cialis can last up to 36 hours while Viagra is taken on demand and lasts for up to 6 to 8 hours.
All erectile dysfunction medications (PDE-5 inhibitors) are proven to be safe and effective for treating ED. And, all PDE-5 inhibitors function in the same way. However, there are some key differences between Viagra vs. Cialis that may make one drug the right choice for you:
The cost of each medication
Whether or not you can/should take the medication with food
How long the medication is effective
Side effects
Frequency of use
What doses do Viagra and Cialis come in?
Available dosage is another key difference between Viagra and Cialis.
Viagra®
Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) comes in 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg oral tablets.
While most people start with the 50 mg dose, your healthcare provider may recommend a higher or lower dose, depending on your medical history. The maximum daily dose for Viagra is 100 mg per day.
For complete safety information, see Viagra Important Safety Information.
Cialis®
Tadalafil (Cialis) is available as an oral tablet in varying strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg.
When using Cialis as needed for ED, most people start with 10 mg at least 30 minutes before sex. However, if you are taking it daily for ED, you’ll likely start with 2.5 mg taken around the same time each day. Your healthcare provider may recommend a higher or lower dose depending on your medical history and other factors.
The maximum daily dose for Cialis is 20 mg per day.
For complete safety information, seea Cialis Important Safety Information.
Viagra® vs. Cialis®
Differences and similarities
Viagra®
Sildenafil
Cialis®
Tadalafil
What does it treat?
Erectile dysfunction
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (under the brand name Revatio)
Erectile dysfunction
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (under the brand name Adcirca)
How to take it?
Take 30–60 minutes before sexual activity; effects last about 4 hours.
Take 30–60 minutes before sexual activity; effects last up to 36 hours.
Or, take a lower dose daily, as directed by your healthcare provider.
Common side effects
Headaches, facial flushing, indigestion/heartburn, back pain, stuffy nose, nausea
Headaches, indigestion/heartburn, back pain, muscle aches, nasal congestion, flushing, pain in arms or legs
Risk of priapism?
Yes
Yes
Food
Can take with or without food; high-fat meals may make it take longer to work
Can take with or without food
Drug interactions
Low blood pressure
Low blood pressure
Side effects summary
Side effects | Viagra® | Cialis® |
|---|---|---|
Stuffy or runny nose | + | + |
Headache | + | + |
Dizziness | + | |
Upset stomach | + | + |
Nausea | + | |
Indigestion | + | + |
Vision changes | + | |
Rash | + | |
Flushing | + | + |
Back pain | + | + |
Pain in the limbs | + | |
Muscle aches | + | + |
These are not all the side effects of Viagra and Cialis. For complete safety information, see Viagra Important Safety Information and Cialis Important Safety Information.