Cialis vs. Viagra: What’s the difference?
The main differences between Viagra and Cialis, aside from their chemical makeup, are how long it lasts in your system and the dosage. Keep in mind, though, that the effects for each pill vary by person and other medications you take.
While Viagra and sildenafil have a life span of 4 to 6 hours, Cialis (and generic tadalafil) can stay in your system for up to 36 hours. It also takes Cialis and tadalafil anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours to take effect. Whereas you can feel the effects of Viagra anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes.
Another difference is the dosage. Each medication has its own dosage meter. Viagra doses are 25 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, and 100 mg. Cialis and tadalafil doses are 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. Cialis also has a lower dose of 2.5 mg that you can take daily. The reasoning behind this is that over time, Cialis stays in your system and can help you get an erection as opposed to taking a pill a certain time before sexual activity.
If you take Cialis, there’s a chance of limb pain, whereas Viagra side effects, or other oral ED drugs, do not have this risk.
Otherwise, Cialis and Viagra are both PDE5 inhibitors, so they work the same way. You can also take both pills shortly before sexual activity
| Similarities | Differences |
|---|---|
| They’re both PDE5 inhibitors. | Cialis lasts up to 36 hours in the body, while Viagra lasts 4 to 6 hours in the body. |
| Both are taken 30 minutes before sex. | Cialis can cause limb pain, while Viagra can cause vision change, rash, and dizziness. |
| Side effects include flushing, back pain, headaches, muscle pain, and upset stomach. | Cialis comes in a low 2.5 mg dose so you have the option to take it daily. |
How ED meds work: A refresher
Viagra and Cialis are in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These drugs work by blocking the PDE5 enzyme.
These medications boost a chemical in your body called nitric oxide, which encourages the muscles in your penis to relax. This allows blood to flow freely so you can get and maintain an erection when you’re aroused.
Do not take any of these medications more than once in a 24-hour period.
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What are the side effects of ED medications?
The side effects of these medications are mostly similar, and they’re usually mild. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects that linger and do not go away on their own.
Below are the most common side effects, according to their manufacturers:
Priapism warning
If you have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, contact your doctor right away. This condition, known as priapism, is a risk associated with all of these ED drugs.
| Side effect | Viagra | Cialis |
|---|---|---|
| stuffy or runny nose | x | x |
| headache | x | x |
| dizziness | x | |
| upset stomach | x | x |
| nausea | x | |
| indigestion | x | x |
| vision changes | x | |
| rash | x | |
| flushing | x | x |
| back pain | x | x |
| pain in the limbs | x | |
| muscle aches | x | x |
| sore throat |
Pros and cons of Viagra and Cialis
Pros of Cialis
- lasts longer than Viagra
- unaffected by food intake
- have the option to take it daily
Cons of Cialis
- may cause limb pain
- side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, and lowered blood pressure
Pros of Viagra
- leaves the body faster than Cialis, which may be helpful if you’re concerned about side effects
Cons of Viagra
- may cause vision changes, rash, nausea, and dizziness
- taking Viagra after a high fat meal does slow the rate of absorption
Cost of ED medication
To get any ED medication, you’ll need a prescription. You can get a prescription through your primary care doctor or online through a telehealth company. Online telehealth companies will typically list their prices on their website so you can anticipate what your final cost will be.
However, prices can vary if you are buying ED medications through a local pharmacy based on the type of drug and dosage you have been prescribed. Your local pharmacy should be able to share their price with you ahead of sending in your prescription.
Unless prescribed by a doctor, online ED medications are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They may contain ineffective or harmful ingredients.
Does insurance cover ED pills?
If you have health insurance, keep in mind that most insurance companies will not cover the cost of your prescription. But if you have certain medical conditions, your insurance plan may pay for the drug with prior authorization.
The exact price you pay for any drug will depend on your insurance plan, if you have one, and your pharmacy.
If you’re on a tighter budget, it’s also worth considering generic versions of Viagra and Cialis. They can be just as effective at treating ED and are available at a fraction of the cost.
If your insurance company covers brand-name ED medications, they’re very likely to cover generics, too, which will bring down the price even further.
