Cialis vs. Viagra: What’s the Difference?

Used by millions of men in the United States alone, Cialis (also known under the generic name tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) are two of the most popular brand name drugs for treating erectile dysfunction—and for good reason.

They both have similar effects, they both treat erectile dysfunction, and they both pump up sexual performance. But when it comes to the battle of Cialis vs. Viagra, which contender wins out?

The truth is, there are a few key differences between Cialis and Viagra that can make one medication a better choice than the other.

Below, we compare Cialis and Viagra to help you know which might be best for you. Learn about factors like the amount of time each drug lasts and takes to work, along with potential side effects and interactions you need to be aware of before using either medication.

How Cialis and Viagra Work

Before we get into the differences between Cialis and Viagra, it’s important to explain how these drugs work.

Cialis contains a substance called tadalafil. Tadalafil (generic Cialis) is part of a class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors (phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors) that work by increasing blood flow to the soft tissue of your penis.

The increased flow to the blood vessels in turn makes it easier for you to get and keep an erection when you’re sexually aroused.

Viagra contains a substance called sildenafil(generic Viagra) And just like tadalafil, sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor that increases blood flow to the soft, erectile tissue of your penis.

Because both drugs work by increasing blood flow, they can also be used to treat health conditions like hypertension.

If you have heart disease, use medication for high blood pressure, or have another medical condition, it’s important to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional prior to using ED treatments like Cialis or Viagra.

genuine Viagra® makes it possible

Does Cialis or Viagra Last Longer?

The biggest difference between Cialis and Viagra is the amount of time each drug stays active in your body.

Cialis is a long-lasting erectile dysfunction drug, and on average, can work for up to two days after you take it. Because it lasts so long, it’s been dubbed the “weekend pill” by users and the mass media.

If you are having trouble getting an erection but don’t know exactly when you will have sexual activity, Cialis could be a great choice. Whether you’re going away for a weekend or just want to be prepared for a spontaneous sexual encounter, a single dose of Cialis is usually more than enough.

Viagra, on the other hand, is a shorter-acting erectile dysfunction drug. Most of the time, Viagra lasts for five to six hours, with the effects of the medication usually starting to wear off three to four hours after you take it.

This means Viagra is a great choice if you need a short-acting erectile dysfunction drug to keep you hard and self-confident for one evening. It’s worth discussing your situation with a health provider to determine which ED treatment might be right for you.

It’s important to remember that Cialis and Viagra don’t always last for exactly 24-36 or five to six hours. Factors such as your body weight, eating habits and cardiovascular health can affect how long each medication provides relief from sexual dysfunction.

Verdict: Cialis lasts longer and is better for weekends, whereas Viagra is usually a better choice if you only need to treat ED for one evening.

Which Drug Works Faster?

Cialis and Viagra both start working quickly after you take them. A normal dose of Cialis usually starts to produce an improvement in your erections after about 30 minutes. However, it can take up to two hours for Cialis to become fully effective.

Most of the time, Viagra starts working in about 30 minutes. It can take up to one hour for Viagra to become fully effective, meaning you’ll want to take it an hour or more before you plan to have sex for best results.

Verdict: Cialis and Viagra both start to work in 30 minutes from consumption, but can take about an hour to produce optimal results. Cialis can also take up to two hours to reach its full concentration.