Scott Weaver
Updated at: October 07, 2024 · 11 min read
Cialis vs Viagra - Which is best?
The debate of Viagra vs. Cialis has been raging for years now and it can be a sensitive question for many men to ask. The majority of men will at some point struggle with attaining and maintaining a healthy erection. This is why medications, such as Viagra and Cialis, have been developed in order to help these cases.
When Viagra was launched in 1998, it revolutionised the lives of men with erectile dysfunction and impotence symptoms (and their partners’ lives too). Quickly nicknamed “the little blue pill”, Viagra has been used by countless men around the world. But despite its fame, it’s not the only option. Cialis may not have been around in the UK for as long, but it’s actually overtaken Viagra in the popularity stakes. The results of 12 studies where men tried both drugs all came back with the same result; that Cialis was the favourite. But why is that, and how do they compare?
Key Takeaways
Viagra vs. Cialis Effectiveness:
Both Viagra and Cialis help men with erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis. Viagra works slightly faster but Cialis lasts much longer (up to 36 hours).
Side Effects and Interactions:
Both medications can cause similar side effects like headaches and stomach upset, but Cialis's longer duration may lead to more prolonged discomfort. Both can interact with other medications, so it's important to consult a doctor before use.
Choosing Between Viagra and Cialis:
Cialis is preferred by many for its longer-lasting effect, but personal preference and how your body reacts should guide your choice. Always consult a doctor to determine the best option for you.
What are Viagra & Cialis and what do they each do?
Viagra and Cialis are medications that have been developed to help combat the effects of erectile dysfunction, allowing for men of all ages to attain a healthy erection and to, in some cases, boost their sexual performance.
Many people will often question whether to use Viagra or Cialis, but do not actually understand how or why they work. Both of these medications contain chemicals that are designed to promote blood flow to the penis so the user can perform sexually. This can completely change a man's physical and mental well-being, restoring a sense of masculinity and prowess.
What are the differences between the medicines in Cialis and Viagra?
Starting with the technical aspects, both drugs contain active ingredients. Viagra contains sildenafil, while Cialis uses tadalafil and whichever one you go for, you’ll need a prescription first. However, Viagra can be prescribed freely on the NHS while Cialis is restricted, meaning it might be harder to get your hands on.
Viagra comes in three dosages (25mg, 50mg, or 100mg) while Cialis is available in four (2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg), and both drugs are taken orally. Both drugs are designed to be taken in an ‘on demand’ capacity, so you take a pill before you want to get an erection. However, the lower doses of Cialis (2.5mg and 5mg) are designed to be taken daily so that you don’t need to pre plan. This is particularly popular for men who want to get an erection more than once a week. Viagra (Sildenafil) and Cialis (Tadalafil) are both available as branded or generic and with different tablet amounts.
Medication | Dosage | Description | |||
| Cialis | Cialis 10mg | This is the usual starting dose. It’s often prescribed if it’s your first time using ED medication. Many younger men with ED find this dose effective. There is an over the counter version of 10mg tadalafil called "Cialis Together". | |||
| Cialis 20mg | The highest dose available. If the 10mg dose isn’t effective, this stronger option might offer better results. | ||||
| Cialis 2.5mg | Known as 'Cialis Daily', these lower doses are for men who prefer to be ready for spontaneous sex, taking a tablet daily instead of as needed. | ||||
| Cialis 5mg | |||||
| Viagra | Viagra 50mg | The typical starting dose. It’s usually prescribed for young men, those with mild to moderate ED, or if you haven’t used ED medication before. There is an over the counter version of 50mg sildenafil called 'Viagra Connect'. | |||
| Viagra 100mg | This is the strongest dose available, often prescribed if you have more severe ED and the 50mg dose isn’t effective. | ||||
| Viagra 25mg | The lowest dose, suitable for younger men or those with mild ED. It’s also less likely to cause side effects. |
What is the difference in effectiveness between Cialis and Viagra?
So how do they stack up in terms of how well they work? Well, Viagra manages to work for a slightly higher percentage of people (84%, compared to 81% for Cialis) but it can sometimes be affected (and the benefits dampened) if you’ve recently eaten a big meal or one that’s high in fat, while Cialis doesn’t suffer from this same factor.
How long do Viagra and Cialis take to work?
Cialis:
Starts working in 30 to 60 minutes
Reaches peak concentration after about 2 hours
Viagra:
Starts working in about 30 minutes
Full effects are noticeable after 1 hour
Reaches peak concentration after about 50 minutes
How long do Viagra and Cialis last for?
Viagra:
Lasts 4 to 5 hours
Cialis:
Lasts up to 36 hours
The main difference between the two is how long they last. While Viagra tends to last a respectable 4 to 5 hours, Cialis storms ahead in that respect, with its potency lasting up to 36 hours.
For anyone alarmed by that fact, it doesn’t mean that the drug produces an instantaneous erection. It simply means that in an erotic context, the drug can still assist 36 hours after taking it. So there’ll be no embarrassing, unavoidable bulges when you’re in public.
The Weekend Pill
The fact that Cialis can last that long has earned it the nickname of “the weekend drug” – if a man takes a pill on Friday, it will last him through to Sunday.
And of course, erectile dysfunction medication is as much about the couple who are using it, as it is about the man taking it, and Cialis is the preferred drug amongst women too. Not only is this powerful pill perfect for hot and heavy new couples, but it’s also the favourite with long-term partners. The 36-hour window of opportunity makes spontaneous sex possible between those in the honeymoon period, and while long-term couples may be more likely to plan sex dates in advance than to have an impromptu session, it opens up availability for those plans too.
Can alcohol affect how effective Viagra and Cialis are?
Yes, alcohol can affect how well Viagra and Cialis work. It's best to limit your alcohol intake when taking these medications. While a small amount of alcohol is generally okay, drinking a lot can reduce the effectiveness of the drugs (NHS, 2022; NHS, 2022). Try to limit alcohol consumption on the days you plan to use ED medication.
What are the differences in side effects between Cialis and Viagra?
Like with many medications, Viagra and Cialis are still both susceptible to side effects. Some of the side effects include headaches, back pain, muscle aches, red flushes or indigestion. The most common side effects by percentage are headaches (16% of users), stomach upset (7%), and nasal congestion (4%). Although both drugs have these downsides, the side effects may be a mark against Cialis; longer effectiveness also means longer to put up with the not-so-great parts.
For this same reason, Cialis may also be more likely to cause added side effects if you’re on any other medications. Like with anything though, you should always consult a medical professional if you’re unsure of whether or not erectile dysfunction medication is suitable for you to take. In summary, side effects are usually minimal and are not a common factor to consider when comparing Viagra vs. Cialis.
Cialis vs Viagra - Side effects compared
One reason many people chose Cialis over Viagra is based on side-effects. While not everyone will experience side-effects, those who do with Viagra may consider Cialis a better option. Cialis generally has fewer side-effects than Viagra, as illustrated in the table below.
| Side effect | Viagra | Cialis |
| Stuffy or runny nose | x | x |
| Headache | x | x |
| Dizziness | x | |
| Upset stomach | x | x |
| Nausea | x | |
| Indigestion | x | |
| Vision changes | x | |
| Rash | x | |
| Flushing | x | x |
| Back pain | x | x |
| Pain in the limbs | x | |
| Muscle aches | x | x |
If you have taken Viagra and have experienced unpleasant side-effects such as dizziness, nausea, vision changes or rashes, consider taking Cialis as it does not have these same common side-effects. Likewise, if you are experiencing pain in the limbs or indigestion when taking Cialis, Viagra actually may be a better option for you.
Do Viagra and Cialis have interactions with other medications?
Viagra and Cialis can both interact with various medications, particularly those used to manage high blood pressure and cardiovascular conditions.
Nitrates
When combined with nitrates, these ED medications can cause a significant and potentially dangerous drop in blood pressure, leading to symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or more severe issues such as heart attacks or strokes.
Nitrates that could interact with Viagra and Cialis include prescription drugs like nitroglycerin and recreational substances known as "poppers" (such as amyl nitrate, amyl nitrite, and butyl nitrate).
In addition to nitrates, Viagra and Cialis may also interact with:
Alpha-blockers (for high blood pressure or prostate conditions)
Guanylate cyclase stimulators
Oral antifungals
Certain hypertension medications
Other ED treatments
HIV protease inhibitors
Some antibiotics
If you're taking any of these medications or recreational drugs, it's essential to speak with your doctor before starting Viagra or Cialis. This helps ensure your treatment is safe and effective for you and helps to avoid potential negative interactions.
Cialis or Viagra: Which is Safer?
Cialis and Viagra are generally safe for most men when used as prescribed and without any drug interactions. To stay safe while using these medications, consider the following:
Avoid Grapefruit:
Grapefruit juice can interact with Cialis and Viagra, potentially affecting how these medications work. It's best to steer clear of grapefruit products while using these treatments.
Consult Your Doctor:
If you have any health conditions, such as heart disease or blood pressure issues, talk to your doctor before using ED medication. Conditions like these may affect the safety of using Cialis or Viagra. Always inform your healthcare provider of any past heart attacks or strokes.
Limit Alcohol Intake:
While a small amount of alcohol is okay, avoid heavy drinking when taking Cialis or Viagra as it can increase the risk of side effects.
By following these steps and consulting your healthcare provider, you can use Cialis or Viagra safely.
What are the differences in cost between Cialis & Viagra?
Which drug works best for you is entirely down to the individual, as is the price. Buy Viagra for men below from £6.13 per tablet*. Cialis can be purchased from £2.92* but depending on how regularly you plan on using it and which better fits your lifestyle, they can each work out to be the most cost-effective. It’s all about working out what’s best for you and your partner. If you would like to discover more about Viagra or Cialis or any other erectile dysfunction treatments available, check out our full range online today. Or, if you would like to ask a member of our team a question about any of the products in our range, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Is there an alternative to Viagra (sildenafil) or Cialis (tadalafil)?
If you do not think that Viagra or Cialis would be the right option for you there are a number of different medications that you can try. Levitra (vardenafil) is a similar medication to Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) in that they come in tablet form.
If you want to try an alternative form, Vitaros (alprostadil) is a cream that can help to effectively treat erectile dysfunction. Your doctor can advise you on whether it is a suitable ED treatment for your individual needs.
What do people who have used Viagra or Cialis have to say about them?
Here are a couple of reviews from people that have used both Viagra and Cialis.
"I have been taking Viagra for about 15 years. It works great for me with minimal side effects."
"It's an excellent drug (Cialis). I got back my sexual confidence back with this drug."
For more information and reviews about Viagra and Cialis, check out the links.
Viagra and Cialis FAQs
Can you improve your erections naturally without Viagra and Cialis?
Improve your erections by following medical advice and making simple changes to your daily habits. Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet can significantly enhance your erectile function and performance in bed.
Are Cialis or Viagra affected by food?
Cialis and Viagra, like other oral medications, are processed by your stomach acids before passing through your liver and entering your bloodstream.
Since these medications need to go through your digestive system, the food you eat can influence how quickly they’re absorbed and start working.
You can take Viagra and Cialis with or without food. However, Cambridge University Hospitals notes that consuming Viagra with a high-fat meal might slow down its absorption, making it take longer to kick in. This delay is usually minor, so there’s no need to overly worry about your diet when taking Viagra.
If you find Viagra takes a while to work, try having a lighter meal or taking it on an empty stomach instead of with heavy foods like burgers, steaks, or pizza. This can aid in faster absorption and help you avoid feeling bloated in the bedroom.
*Please note that all prices mentioned in this article are subject to change and were correct at the time of writing.
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