The Ultimate Guide To Cialis Vs. Viagra - An In-Depth Comparison

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on October 19, 2021

Last Updated on June 14, 2023

Are you looking for the perfect solution to enhance your sexual performance? Wondering whether Cialis or Viagra is the right choice for you? This blog is for you.

When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction, both Cialis and Viagra have proven to be highly effective. Although, there are also some key differences, such as when you should take them, how long they work, and their side effects.

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So, without further ado, let's dive into this in-depth comparison of Cialis vs.Viagra and discover which of these ED medications may be the key to unlocking your sexual satisfaction.

In the following, you will find: 

Cialis vs. Viagra: Their Definitions

Cialis and Viagra are both medications used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Let’s check what each one means.

What is Cialis?

Cialis, also known by its generic name Tadalafil, is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It’s usually used to treat sexual problems in men, such as ED or impotence. It also alleviates the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (i.e., difficulty in beginning the flow of urine, weak urine stream (the need to urinate frequently and urgently), and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

It also dilates blood vessels in the lungs, which lowers the pulmonary artery pressure.

How Tadafil can treat ED

You cannot buy Cialis over the counter in Canada and it’s only available by prescription. There are different dosages of Cialis that can be taken on a daily basis or as needed, depending on the prescribed regimen.

What is Viagra?

Viagra, also known by its generic name Sildenafil, is another PDE5 inhibitor that works by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping men with ED achieve and maintain penis erection. At least two-thirds of men have improved erections after taking it.

Viagra is also used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Sildenafil effectiveness statics

Similar to Cialis, you cannot get Viagra over the counter in Canada.

Read more: Viagra’s Effects On The Body

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Cialis vs. Viagra: The Differences

While both Viagra and Cialis are designed to help men achieve and maintain erections, there are distinct differences between these two medications that are worth exploring. Let’s put Viagra vs. Cialis and check their differences:

- Active Ingredients of Cialis Vs. Viagra:

1. Cialis: The active ingredient in Cialis is Tadalafil.
2. Viagra: The active ingredient in Viagra is Sildenafil.

- Duration of Effectiveness of Cialis Vs. Viagra:

1. Cialis: Cialis is often referred to as the "weekend pill" because it can provide effects for up to 36 hours. This longer erection time allows for more spontaneity in sexual activity.
2. Viagra: Viagra typically remains effective for about 4 to 6 hours.

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- Timing of Administration of Cialis Vs. Viagra:

1. Cialis: Cialis can be taken as needed before sexual activity or in a lower daily dose for continuous daily use.
2. Viagra: Viagra is typically taken as needed, usually 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity.

Read more: Sildenafil vs. Tadalafil

- Dosage Options of Cialis Vs. Viagra:

1. Cialis: Cialis is available in different strengths, including 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets.
2. Viagra: Viagra dosages are different. This medication is available in doses of 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg tablets.

- Food and Alcohol Interactions of Cialis Vs. Viagra:

1. Cialis: Cialis can be taken with or without food. However, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol while taking Cialis may increase the risk of certain side effects.
2. Viagra: Viagra can be taken with or without food, but it may take longer to work if taken with a high-fat meal. Drinking alcohol in moderation is generally considered safe with Viagra, but excessive alcohol consumption with Viagra may affect its effectiveness.

- Side effects of Cialis Vs. Viagra:

As we mentioned before, Cialis and Viagra are both PDE5 inhibitors. Therefore, most of these ED medication side effects are more or less similar. However, individual experiences may vary, and some individuals may find one medication more tolerable than the other.

In the picture below, you can see some of the commonly shared side effects of Cialis and side effects of Viagra:

Cialis and Viagra side effects

If you are taking Viagra or Cialis and you experience nausea, chest pain, or dizziness during sex, seek immediate medical help as you may have a life-threatening condition.

It's important to note that both Cialis and Viagra are prescription drugs and should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

The choice between Cialis and Viagra depends on individual preferences, medical history, and the advice of a healthcare provider.

Read more: Cialis in the morning and Viagra at night

Cialis vs. Viagra, Which One Is Better?

Compared to a placebo or using no medication, both Cialis and Viagra are effective drugs that treat erectile dysfunction. Most of the differences between the two have to do with how long the drug lasts, how it is taken, and the person’s medical history.

You may even have to try more than one type of ED drug to find one that works for you.

Read more: Levitra — The other ED drug

Although Viagra and Cialis are both practical, Cialis may be preferred for its once-daily dosage, as it gives you more freedom to be spontaneous in your sex life.

Viagra may be preferred for its shorter half-life for those who only use it occasionally and as needed, and of course, at a lower price than Cialis.

In a meta-analysis pooling 16 different trials and analyzing over 5000 patients, Cialis and Viagra showed similar effectiveness and safety. These results were based on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-EF scale, which is widely used to assess erectile function. 

Both drugs had similar incidences of side effects. However, those taking Cialis experienced improved sexual confidence and preferred it over Viagra due to feeling less pressure about planning, with its longer-acting effects.

Read more: Tips to get a harder erection

If you have ED, your first step should be consulting with a doctor to determine which treatment option may be best for you. Depending on your unique situation, one medication may be more effective or preferred over the other.

Cialis vs. Viagra, What Dosage Should You Use?

Cialis Dosage:

The usual recommended starting dose of Cialis is 10 mg per day before sexual activity. Depending on the adequacy of the response or side effects, the dose may be increased to 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg a day. 

For men who are taking medications that increase their blood levels, Tadalafil should not exceed a total dose of 10 mg in 72 hours. 

For once-daily use without regard to sexual activity, the recommended Tadalafil dose is 2.5 to 5 mg daily. It should not be taken more than once daily. 

The dose of tadalafil may need some adjustments for patients with kidney or liver function problems.

Viagra Dosage:

The recommended starting dose of Sildenafil or Viagra is 25 to 100 mg 1 hour before sexual activity. Although, the maximum dose is 100 mg daily.

Older men (+65-year-olds) are prescribed to start at 25 mg before sexual activity.

Read more: Getting the most out of your ED medication

Cialis vs. Viagra, Recreational Use

Most men who use Viagra and other ED medications do so legally after receiving a valid prescription from their healthcare provider. 

However, since Viagra is well known for being effective for ED, it’s often used recreationally by men looking to improve their sexual performance to get harder and more reliable erections.

Research published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior found that four percent of otherwise healthy men reported using ED drugs like Viagra recreationally.

ED drugs recreational use

Here are some reasons men might use ED drugs without actually needing to:

1. Curiosity

Among other reasons for use reported by the men, more than 70 percent mentioned that they were just curious about the effects of Viagra, and most of them got the drug from a friend.

2. Counteracting with Other Drugs 

In cases where men are unable to get an erection, some report using ED medications to counteract the effects of other medications they may have taken that affected their ability to achieve or sustain an erection.

3. Impressing Someone

Other common reasons for recreational ED medication use included increasing erection hardness, enhancing self-esteem, and impressing their sexual partner.

4. Athletic Effects

Although most men who take Viagra recreationally take it before sexual activity, there is a small percentage of men who use it to boost their athletic performance.

Occasionally referred to as “Vitamin V” by some athletes, Viagra appears to have a mildly positive impact on certain types of exercise. 

A 2004 study found that Viagra increased the maximum exercise capacity of a group of mountaineers and trekkers, both at sea level and at altitude.

Anecdotal reports show that some athletes may combine ED medications with steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs to boost their athletic performance.

However, some researches show that using ED drugs to improve athletic performance is highly dangerous.

So if you are here to see which drug, Viagra vs. Cialis, gives you a harder erection or which one you can use to have a fun weekend, here’s a straightforward answer:

Do not use ED medications recreationally. It is dangerous and does not worth the risk.

Read more: Premature ejaculation exercises

Cialis and Viagra Precautions and Considerations

1. Inform your doctor about any underlying medical conditions you have, including heart disease, liver or kidney problems, low or high blood pressure, history of stroke, eye problems, or blood cell disorders.
2. Disclose all medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal Viagra, or any other herbal supplements, as some medications may interact negatively with Cialis or Viagra.
3. Never take more than one erectile dysfunction tablet of any kind within 24 hours. Taking them together may cause serious side effects, such as dangerously low blood pressure.
4. Also, do not switch medications or change the dose of your treatment without first consulting your doctor.

Cialis vs Viagra in a Nutshell

In conclusion, Cialis and Viagra are both effective medications for treating erectile dysfunction. While Cialis offers a longer duration of action, Viagra has a well-established track record.

The choice between Cialis vs Viagra should be based on individual needs, preferences, and consultation with a healthcare professional.

By understanding Cialis and Viagra's similarities and differences, you can confidently select the most appropriate option for your situation.

Read more: Putting your heart into sexual health

Cialis and Viagra FAQs

You can also find all the frequently asked questions about Viagra.