Cialis vs Viagra - What's the difference between them?
If you’re prone to headaches after taking Cialis, our guide to treating headaches from ED drugs may help. Indigestion and heartburn are other common side effects of tadalafil, which occur due to how tadalafil affects the gastrointestinal smooth muscles and also due to increasing gastrointestinal blood flow. Drinking more water or using antacid medicine may make this side effect easier to manage. Cialis relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, which may lead to heartburn.
Side Effects
Cialis is the brand name for the FDA-approved drug tadalafil, a PDE5 inhibitor commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction. Affecting around 30 million men in the U.S. alone, erectile dysfunction is a sexual dysfunction that makes it difficult to get or maintain an erection long enough or hard enough for satisfying sex. Some men with ED are never capable of getting erections when untreated. Others are only capable of getting erections sometimes.
Incidence not known
Similar to sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, tadalafil was originally developed to treat high blood pressure. However, clinical trials revealed these drugs had an unusual side effect: induced erections. This happy accident led to the improvement of sex lives around the globe. Like other PDE5 inhibitors, Cialis blocks an enzyme known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) in the spongy erectile tissues of the penis. This inhibiting effect relaxes the smooth muscle cells of the arteries supplying the penis, enabling better blood flow into the erectile tissues. A small percentage of men who use Cialis is cialis generic experience muscle pain, including back pain. The discomfort tends to occur around 12 to 24 hours after taking the medication.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cialis Professional | 40mg | 180 + 4 Pills | 618.23€ 588.79€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 10mg | 10 Pills | 31.41€ 29.91€ | |
| Cialis Professional | 40mg | 90 + 2 Pills | 348.59€ 331.99€ | |
| Cialis Original | 20mg | 12 Pills | 78.32€ 74.59€ | |
| Cialis Super Active | 20mg | 60 + 8 Pills | 230.32€ 219.35€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 10mg | 60 + 6 Pills | 105.81€ 100.77€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 40mg | 270 + 10 Pills | 382.19€ 363.99€ | |
| Cialis Super Active | 20mg | 180 + 20 Pills | 521.59€ 496.75€ | |
| Cialis Black | 80mg | 30 + 2 Pills | 89.11€ 84.87€ | |
| Cialis Professional | 20mg | 20 Pills | 78.33€ 74.60€ |
Over-the-counter pain relief, like ibuprofen or aspirin, may help. Because Cialis dilates blood vessels, facial flushing can happen around your nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead.
Frequently asked questions
Better blood flow = harder and longer-lasting erections (but only with sexual stimulation). Cialis works within 30 minutes and has a long duration of action, which means it remains active in the body (for up to 36 hours). This means that if you take the medication early in the day, it can still help you get an erection if you attempt to have sex later. “For patients who take Cialis only when they need it, that means that they don't need to worry nearly as much about timing sex with medication ingestion,” says Dr. Peter J.
If I take 5 milligrams (mg) of Cialis daily, how long does it take the drug to work?
Stahl, MD, SVP of Men’s Sexual Health & Urology at Hims & Hers. “They can take it before they go out on a date and feel confident for the entire evening and even into the next day. Cialis's long duration of action also allows it to be taken every day as part of a regular routine so that patients don't have to worry about taking medication before sex and are ready for spontaneous sex 24/7.” If you’re prescribed Cialis, always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance. They’ll work with you to determine the proper dosage based on how you plan to take it. They may start you on a smaller dose and gradually increase it if you’re not seeing results. Around three percent of men who use Cialis experience facial flushing.
Read next
In addition to standard tablets, Cialis can also be taken as a chewable ED med. It’s also sometimes prescribed for symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, under the brand name Adcirca®. BPH is common in older men and typically carries symptoms of lower urinary tract problems, which can become bladder problems over time. Tadalafil can also treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a form of high blood pressure affecting the arteries in the lungs. Studies show that PDE5 inhibitors like Cialis successfully treat ED in 60–70 percent of the population.
It’s in your system for a while and clears slowly
In one meta-analysis of the long-term efficacy of tadalafil, research revealed that daily use offered a better effect on ED than as-needed for long-term treatment. Daily tadalafil also had a lower incidence of side effects. Moreover, daily tadalafil has been shown to have a “cardioprotective” effect of decreasing the incidence of heart attack, stroke and mortality in men. While surprising, this also supports its daily use. Some people consider Cialis superior to Viagra because it lasts longer in the body. Tadalafil can affect nitric oxide levels inside your nasal cavity, giving you a stuffy nose. As with many other side effects of Cialis, nasal congestion tends to fade as your body processes the medication. Some men who use Cialis to treat ED report cold-like symptoms after taking the medication because it affects the soft tissue inside the nose and throat. In clinical trials, one to three percent of men who used Cialis reported leg pain and, on occasion, pain in their other limbs. This side effect was more common in guys who took 10 to 20 mg of Cialis daily. In general, the common effects of daily tadalafil are similar to those when it’s taken as needed before sexual activity. However, because daily-use Cialis is prescribed at a lower dose, some side effects appear less common and are generally less severe.
| Aspect | Description | Typical Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Is Cialis used daily? | Yes, some patients take Cialis daily to manage ED | 2.5 mg or 5 mg |
| Purpose of daily use | To maintain a continuous level of medication in the system | To enable spontaneous activity |
| Common brand names | Cialis, Adcirca | |
| Approved for daily use | FDA approved for daily dosing in specific cases | Yes |
For instance, in clinical trials, 11 to 15 percent of men reported headaches from Cialis at a dose of 5 to 20 mg. In comparison, only three to six percent of men who took Cialis daily at a 2.5 or 5 mg dose reported headaches.
- Daily Cialis is often recommended for men with frequent ED episodes.
- It can help maintain a steady level of medication in your bloodstream.
- The medication is taken once a day, regardless of when you plan sex.
- Discuss your health history with your doctor before starting daily use.
Other side effects, such as dyspepsia and back pain, were also reported less frequently by men prescribed Cialis for daily use.
4. Generic tadalafil is no different from brand-name Cialis
Another advantage is that you don’t have to time your medication around meals. While Viagra’s effects can be inhibited if you take the drug after eating a large meal (or fatty foods), you can take Cialis with or without food, and the medication will still work as it should. The cost of Cialis varies depending on dosage and how you decide to take the medication. At Hims, we offer access to generic Cialis starting at $79/month for daily use and $36/month for as-needed use. If you opt for brand-name Cialis, the daily use version starts at $1,045/month or $525 for as-needed. Here’s where things get a little more serious.
- Some men prefer daily Cialis for performance consistency.
- Insurance coverage may influence whether daily use is chosen.
- Cost-effectiveness can vary based on dosing frequency.
- Always follow prescribed instructions for safety.
While most side effects mentioned above are relatively mild, the side effects below — although rare — require immediate care.
| Benefit | Description | Evidence / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spontaneous activity | No need to plan medication timing | User reports and studies show improved spontaneity |
| Lower side effect risk | Regular low doses may reduce side effects | Compared to on-demand dosing |
| Improved quality of life | Greater sexual confidence and reduced anxiety | Patient surveys |
| Long-term safety | Long-term usage appears safe for most users | Ongoing research |
Serious adverse effects of Cialis might include: Priapism is a painful erection lasting four hours or longer. It’s a cialis professional order medical emergency that requires immediate attention to avoid damaging the erectile tissue. Though it’s possible to experience a prolonged erection after using Cialis, it’s highly uncommon. Priapism is a painful erection lasting four hours or longer. Tadalafil was linked to rare reports of NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy) in a study of sildenafil and optic nerve damage.
Why trust our experts?
What’s the difference between generic or brand-name Cialis? Both contain the active ingredient tadalafil and work the same way. The only real difference is the name (and the price tag). Most tadalafil side effects are mild and resolve on their own over time. According to a 2008 review of studies on tadalafil, 15 percent of men who used this medication at its highest dose (20 mg) experienced headaches. Optic nerve damage could cause or contribute to vision loss (including retinitis pigmentosa).
- Cialis's active ingredient is tadalafil, known for long-lasting effects.
- Daily dosing provides up to 36 hours of erectile support.
- It is not addictive but should be used responsibly.
- Proper adherence maximizes benefits and minimizes risks.
Like priapism, this is a very infrequent side effect. Cases of sudden hearing loss caused by Cialis are also very uncommon.
| Condition | Risk / Concern | Medical Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Use with nitrates | Severe hypotension | Avoid combining medications |
| Severe liver or kidney disease | Altered metabolism or clearance | Consult healthcare provider |
| Heart conditions | Potential strain or adverse cardiovascular effects | Cardiology consultation recommended |
| Hypotension | Worsening blood pressure issues | Monitor blood pressure regularly |
Some evidence suggests that the reported cases may be linked to underlying medical conditions. If you take Cialis to treat ED and notice any changes in your hearing, it’s best to stop taking the medication and seek medical advice. It’s possible to have an allergic reaction to tadalafil or other inactive ingredients used in the manufacturing process. Common symptoms include hives, rash, swelling of the lips, throat, and tongue, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. Other uncommon side effects of Cialis include chest pain, ringing in the ears, skin issues, and high blood pressure. Tadalafil side effects aren’t the only concern when taking this drug. As mentioned, Cialis can interact with other PDE5 inhibitors for ED, as well as medications prescribed to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), fungal infections, heart disease, heart failure, bleeding disorders, ulcers, and other medical conditions. Be sure to share any prescription drugs you’re taking with your healthcare provider before starting this medication. Tadalafil can interact with nitrates used to treat hypertension, angina (chest pain), and other heart problems. This could cause abnormally low blood pressure that may lead to loss of consciousness, heart attack, or even cardiac arrest. If you take nitrates like nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, or isosorbide mononitrate to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) or angina, you shouldn’t take Cialis.
1. Headache
Remember that dosage also depends on whether you take the medication daily or as needed. If you’re taking Cialis as needed, the typical starting dose is 10 mg, but it can be increased to Cialis 20 mg if necessary. If you take Cialis daily, you’ll take a much lower dose. A typical starting dose is 2.5 mg and can be increased to 5 mg if needed. For as-needed Cialis, you’ll usually take the medication around 30 minutes before sex.
What’s the typical Cialis dosage for a 70 year old?
But remember, the medication can last up to 36 hours, so if you take it well in advance, it can still work in your favor. For daily Cialis, you’ll want to take the medication at the same time each day. Cialis is one of the most popular erectile dysfunction medications. If cialis 10mg pills you’re having difficulty getting or maintaining an erection long enough for satisfying sex, Cialis improves your erectile function by increasing blood flow to the penis. As previously mentioned, it can be taken daily or as needed before sex. Besides nitrates used to treat cardiovascular conditions, ED medications can interact with certain recreational drugs that contain nitrates, like amyl nitrate “poppers.” Cialis can interact with some oral antifungal medications, like itraconazole or ketoconazole, used to treat ringworm, dandruff, or fungal nail infections. These medications, which inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, may increase your exposure to the effects of Cialis.