Cialis versus Viagra: find out the differences

Although Viagra is the most well-known medication for erectile dysfunction, a number of alternative treatments have become available in recent years. Cialis is one such treatment. Though many people would like to know which treatment is better, there really is no straightforward answer to that question. Both treatments can help men achieve satisfying erections and beat their erectile dysfunction, but both also have differing characteristics which will suit different men in different ways.

You should bear in mind that the effectiveness of the treatment varies from one man to another, depending on the cause of the erectile dysfunction, its severity and the amount of sexual stimulation the patient receives. Therefore until you try for yourself, you cannot be sure of the exact results you will achieve.

What is the difference between Cialis and Viagra?

Both Viagra and Cialis are PDE-5 inhibitors. They relax the smooth muscles in the blood vessels supplying the penis. This relaxation increases blood flow to aid an erection. However Viagra and Cialis have different active ingredients. In Viagra the PDE-5 inhibitor is sildenafil, while in Cialis it is tadalafil. Some men may react better to one active ingredient than the other. However both sildenafil and tadalafil work via the same mechanism so you should never take the two drugs together. Nor should you take more than one Viagra or Cialis pill at any one time. Both drugs require a sexual stimulus in order to take effect. Neither Viagra or Cialis will cause an erection on their own.

History of Viagra and Cialis

Viagra was initially developed and tested in the UK to treat angina and was meant to relax the blood vessels that supply the heart. While the results for treating angina were disappointing, many participants reported developing erections after taking Viagra. Further research showed that Viagra relaxed the blood vessels supplying the erectile tissues. The medication was launched in 1998 by Pfizer, and approved by the European Medicines Agency and US Food and Drug Administration, as the first oral drug to treat erectile dysfunction.

Following the launch of Viagra, Eli Lilly joined forces with the ICOS Corporation to develop a newer version of this erectile dysfunction treatment. This treatment, Taladalafil, was approved for sale in 2002 in Europe, then in the US the following year. The drug was given the brand name Cialis.

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How to take Viagra and Cialis

Cialis is faster-acting than Viagra. You can take Cialis as little as 30 minutes before you plan to have sex; whereas Viagra must be taken at least one hour before sex. You should also take Viagra on an empty stomach. If you have a large meal shortly before taking a pill, it will slow down the rate at which Viagra takes effect. In contrast, you can take Cialis before or after eating. With both treatments you should limit your alcohol intake to enjoy the greatest effects. It is not unusual for a man not to respond to erectile dysfunction treatment the first time he takes it. Don’t be alarmed if nothing happens! Indeed it is recommended you try taking the tablet on up to eight occasions. Then if no results are forthcoming discuss with your doctor about switching to a different dose or form of treatment.

Duration of effects

The biggest difference between Viagra and Cialis is the amount of time their effects last. Viagra remains effective for 4 to 6 hours, which offers ample opportunity to have sex on multiple occasions if you wish. However Cialis typically allows you to achieve erections for up to 36 hours after taking a tablet. Although Cialis lasts for up to 36 hours, this does not mean you will have an erection throughout that time – it should only happen when you are sexually stimulated. Cialis has comfortably the longest effectiveness period of any erectile dysfunction drug on the market.

Safety

Side effects for either drug are rare but not unheard of. As Cialis and Viagra are both PDE-5 inhibitors, they have similar side effects; although you may find that because Cialis is effective for longer, any side effects you experience may also last for longer. The most likely unwanted effects are light-headedness, headaches or flushing to the face. Nasal congestion, indigestion and visual changes are sometimes experienced as well. If you experience chest pain or a prolonged erection for more than four hours, you must seek urgent medical help. Both Viagra and Cialis are prescription drugs so you must consult with a doctor before you can take them.

Cost is another notable distinction between Viagra and Cialis. The longer effectiveness of Cialis is reflected in its price. While Cialis is slightly more expensive than Viagra, many men will consider the vastly greater duration period of Cialis to represent good value for money. Equally, plenty of men will prefer the cheaper price and renowned brand name offered by Viagra. But ultimately it depends entirely on the individual.

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