Cialis vs. Viagra: What Are the Differences?

Category: Medical FAQ

Author

Posted on March 15, 2022

Scott is passionate about health and wellness, and enjoys writing on various topic surrounding these fields. Scott lives in Seattle and spends his free time restoring old furniture and playing pickleball with his friends.



One hundred and fifty million men globally have erectile dysfunction, and that number is expected to increase to 300 million by 2025. Erectile dysfunction can impact intimacy with your partner. It also affects your self-esteem, mental, and emotional well-being. 

Medications are valuable treatments for managing your erectile dysfunction. Yet, high pharmaceutical costs in the United States may make some of these unaffordable. How can you afford erectile dysfunction medication and know which one is right for you? 

Cialis vs. Viagra may be at the forefront of your thoughts when choosing medications. Widely used in North America, these medications can positively affect those dealing with debilitating symptoms of erectile dysfunction. 

We have put together a complete guide on which medication is right for you and where to purchase your prescription next, so keep reading for more information!

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is when you can’t get or maintain an erection. It isn’t uncommon for a person to have some difficulties throughout their life with getting an erection. Still, it can interfere with your sexual intimacy and mental well-being when it becomes a consistent problem. 

There are four main suspected causes of erectile dysfunction:

  • Psychological/mental
  • Poor blood flow
  • Nervous system issues 
  • Hormonal imbalances

Stress and anxiety can play a primary factor in erectile dysfunction but is not the only cause. Some common medical diagnoses include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Spinal cord injuries can lead to changes in erections and medications or hormonal imbalances. 

Your physician can help you determine what is causing your symptoms and the best course of treatment. 

Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

Erectile dysfunction is primarily treated through three popular options: drugs, surgery, and holistic remedies. Some people are using supplements and hormonal treatments for helping erectile dysfunction, but the gold-star method continues to be drug treatments. 

Erectile dysfunction medications help improve blood flow to the penis and are taken approximately 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. Most of these medications are phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5), and some of the more common erectile dysfunction drugs on the marketplace are:

  • Alprostadil
  • Stendra
  • Viagra
  • Cialis
  • Testosterone
  • Levitra

Keep in mind – prescription medications come with risks and side effects. The most common erectile dysfunction medication side effects are headache, back pain, and a sore throat. How can you decide which one is best for you with so many options out there?

Cialis vs. Viagra

Cialis and Viagra are two of the more popular medications. They are both PDE5 inhibitors and have positive results for sexual intimacy. When comparing the two, you’ll want to look at how you take it, length of effectiveness, and risk factors. 

What Is Cialis?

Cialis is a brand-name medication used for erectile dysfunction and is also found in its generic form: tadalafil. It helps relax muscles, leading to vasodilation and improved blood flow to the penis. 

Cialis uses also span to men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). If you have cardiovascular disease, talk to your doctor first before taking Cialis. 

There are four main Cialis (tadalafil) dosages: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. For the best results, avoid taking Cialis with foods high in fats, grapefruit, or alcohol.

As sexual stimulation increases, tadalafil can help you maintain an erection for penetration. Like most medications, it should be taken approximately 30 to 60 minutes before intercourse. Cialis can also stay in your system for up to 36 hours, and you should not take it more than once daily. 

Generic tadalafil is equally as effective as Cialis, but has a much more cost-friendly price tag. Purchasing Cialis through a United States pharmacy can cost over $400 for a 28-day supply. Through online Canadian pharmacies, you can purchase Cialis for $115 or under $70 for tadalafil in a 90-day supply. 

What Is Viagra

Compared to a Cialis prescription, Viagra operates very similarly and comes with a generic version – sildenafil. It comes in oral tablet forms with three different prescription strengths: 25 mg, 40 mg, 100 mg. You should take Viagra at least 30 minutes before sexual activity, but you can take it up to four hours before.

Everyone responds differently to medication, and your age, comorbidities, and diet can impact how long it takes for Viagra to work. Yet, one of the main viagra benefits is that it is highly effective, with up to 83% of men reporting improvements in erections

It can work for up to five hours, but you should not take more than one dose daily. Like Cialis, you should not take Viagra with high-fat meals. Compared to Cialis, how much does Viagra cost?

The average cost in the United States is over $2,400. Through PricePro Pharmacy, you can find 100 mg Viagra medications for under $350. The generic version (sildenafil) can save you even more money, cutting your final cost by over $300 for 100 tablets. 

Which Medication Is Best for You?

Cialis and Viagra are both excellent options for managing your erectile dysfunction. Cialis can also work for other medical conditions, and you should discuss which one may be right for you with your doctor.

If you are breaking it down by price alone, Cialis tends to have the cheaper costs. The best way to save money is by looking at PricePro Pharmacy prices, which offer generic and brand-name medications at a fraction of the cost seen in the United States. 

Start Saving Money on Medication

When debating Cialis vs. Viagra, you may wonder which medication will be most effective while keeping your out-of-pocket expenses low. At PricePro Pharmacy, we get it – prescription medications can drain your wallets, and we want to help. 

On our website, you can upload your prescription and find your medication at a price you can afford. Don’t let erectile dysfunction keep you from living your life to the fullest. Take control of your intimacy and check out our website today for erectile dysfunction medications. 

Works Cited

https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/medication-list#medications
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-maximum-effect-from-cialis#need-vs-daily-dosing
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/5702#treatment
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/viagra#side-effects
https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-common-is-erectile-dysfunction-5201068

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