Cialis vs. Viagra

In this blog, we will have a battle of the heavyweight erectile dysfunction treatments, Viagra vs. Cialis. We will address the pros and cons of each of these erectile dysfunction treatments and allow you to make an educated decision with regards the best erectile dysfunction treatment for you. We also have a little surprise in store that doesn’t result in a zero-sum game when deciding to use Viagra or Cialis, but rather a score draw. Medical Mojo has come up with a solution that allows you combine the benefits of sildenafil and tadalafil, the active pharmaceutical ingredients in Viagra and Cialis in one effective and convenient dosage form. So, it’s a win-win, you get the best of both worlds.

Before we see who comes out tops in the grudge match between Viagra vs. Cialis, we will go over some basics. If you feel you have a good grasp of the basics, you can select the topics that interest you by using the navigational table below.

What is erectile dysfunction?

A good place to start is to come to some kind of agreed definitions as to what erectile dysfunction actually is.

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is defined as when a man cannot get an erection that is firm enough for penetrative sex(Muneer et al., 2014).

Does this mean we should be worried every time we have a bedroom malfunction? No, not necessarily; it’s only when erectile dysfunction is continual and lasts for about six months that it becomes termed chronic erectile dysfunction.

How is an erection caused?

Before we look at what causes an erection, let’s have a quick detour to learn about the mechanics behind an erection.

An erection is all about shunting blood into the penis, and the body has a couple of unique ways to do this. We will focus on one way the body does this.

When the body receives sexual stimuli, it releases nitric oxide from the lining of the blood vessels to the smooth muscles that surround it (Panchatsharam et al., 2023). When these smooth muscles contract they squeeze the blood vessels, meaning less blood can reach the penis. End result, no erection. So, to get an erection, the body has to find some way to relax these smooth muscles, and it has an ingenious way to do this.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

So, because an erection occurs due to the shunting of blood to the penis, anything that reduces this blood flow will lead to erectile dysfunction. So, any long-term condition that has an impact on the circulation and blood vessels has the potential to cause erectile dysfunction.

The following have been linked with an increase in erectile dysfunction (Orimoloye et al., 2019):

• Heart disease
• High cholesterol, and
• High blood pressure

Diabetes and erectile dysfunction

Another long-term health condition that damages the blood vessels is diabetes, which is a major contributor to erectile dysfunction (Maiorino et al., 2014). Diabetes causes too much sugar to accumulate in the blood, which then damages the blood vessels (Guay et al., 2007).

What are Viagra and Cialis?

Viagra and Cialis belong to the same class of drugs called the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, or PDE5 inhibitors for short. They work by increasing the levels of a chemical called cGMP (Corbin et al.,2004)., which is responsible for vasodilation or widening of the blood vessels. They increase the cGMP levels by binding the enzyme responsible for degrading the cGMP.

The PDE5 inhibitors basically trick the phosphodiesterase enzyme into binding them rather than the cGMP, leaving more of it to widen the blood vessels (Francis et al., 2001).

So, remember, more blood flow equals more pressure to build in the penis, causing an erection. However, for both Viagra and Cialis to work, they still require some form of sexual stimulation.

What are the differences between Viagra and Cialis?

It’s all down to a branch of science known as pharmacokinetics. It’s basically how the body handles the drugs and tells us useful information, such as how long it takes for a drug to be absorbed and how long before the body kicks the drug out of the body in the
wee or poo.

Viagra works faster than Cialis.

Viagra has a faster onset of action than tadalafil. It is absorbed quickly, and on average, an erection can be achieved after half an hour (Eardley et al., 2002). In contrast, it takes longer for tadalafil to be absorbed, and the effects usually occur within two hours  (Briganti et al 2005). Although erections did arise sooner in men taking the tadalafil, on average it takes longer to achieve an erection with Cialis (Brock et al 2002; Porst et al 2003).

Cialis works longer than Viagra.

The effects of Viagra last for about for about 4 to 6 hours (Eardley et al., 2002). However, the effects of Cialis are more prolonged; tadalafil has a half-life of 17.5 hours in normal healthy men and 21.6 hours in elderly men.

The half-life of a drug is the time it takes for half of drug to be eliminated from the body. This longer half-life effectively means a longer duration of action of up to 36 hours for tadalafil (Porst et al 2003). This is why Cialis is also known as the “weekend pill”.

Cialis can be taken daily.

Due to its long half-life of 17.5 hours, tadalafil can be taken as a tadalafil 2.5mg or tadalafil 5mg daily dose. After about five days of taking this daily dose, the levels in the blood build up to allow for more consistent erections(Forgue et al., 2006).

In fact, it was found that when taken daily, the concentration of tadalafil in the body is 1.6 times higher than if it’s taken only when needed (Forgue et al., 2006). This daily dosing regimen, of 2.5 mg and 5 mg eventually mimic having 4 mg and 8 mg in the system, respectively.

Differences in dosages between Viagra and Cialis

• Viagra: Available in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg doses, Viagra is typically taken as needed, about 30 minutes before sexual activity.

• Cialis: Available in daily doses (2.5 mg and 5 mg) and higher doses (10 mg and 20 mg) for on-demand use. The daily dose is suitable for those wanting more spontaneous sexual encounters, while the higher doses are for occasional use.

Can I take food with Viagra and Cialis?

Food, especially fatty meals can affect the absorption of Viagra or sildenafil. For this reason, Viagra is best taken on an empty stomach to allow for faster absorption. Food can delay absorption, especially a fatty meal, and the time to peak concentrations can be extended to over an hour, with an average reduction in peak concentrations of 29% (Nichols et al., 2002). However,  the absorption of tadalafil is unaffected by fatty meals or alcohol consumption (Francis et al.,2003). Tadalafil’s unique pharmacokinetics means it has a slower absorption and a longer half-life, meaning that it can be taken with meals or alcohol without a decrease in its ability to cause an erection (Carson et al.,  2007).

The PDE enzyme family

The phosphodiesterase or PDE enzymes are not just found in the penis, but they are spread throughout the body, mainly in the smooth muscles of the blood and airways, where they regulate the function of multiple organ systems (Carson and Lue 2005).

The PDE superfamily is a group of enzymes divided into 11 types, from PDE1 to PDE11, which are coded by 21 different genes (Lin et al 2003).

In the penis, PDE enzymes are responsible for breaking down a molecule called cGMP, which increases its levels resulting in relaxation of the vascular smooth muscle and widening of the blood vessels. Nearly all PDE types can be found in the penile tissue known as the corpus cavernosum, except for PDE6. However, the most common PDE type in the penis is  PDE5 (Carson et al.,  2007).

Tadalafil is at least 9000 times more selective for PDE5 than most of the other families of PDEs, with the exception of PDE11 (Briganti et al 2005).

Cialis does not affect blue vision.

The PDE enzyme, specifically PDE6, plays a role in how we process light in our eyes. The medications sildenafil and vardenafil can slightly affect this enzyme, which might lead to a side effect where some people see a blue tint to their vision (Carson et al.,  2007).

This happens because interfering with PDE6 can mess up how we distinguish blue and green colours. While this side effect occurs in about 11% of men taking the highest dose of sildenafil, it’s less common with vardenafil (Montorsi et al 1999).

Tadalafil doesn’t really affect PDE6 much. It focuses more on inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, and is more than 700 times stronger at targeting PDE5 than PDE6. This is why vision issues are extremely rare with tadalafil, happening in less than 0.1% of cases (Carson et al 2004a).

Comparison between Viagra and tadalafil for erectile dysfunction

In a scientific review comparing the two heavyweights of the erectile dysfunction treatment, sildenafil (Viagra) and Cialis (tadalafil), both drugs were found equally effective and safe in treating ED.

The study, which analysed data from multiple medical databases, revealed that tadalafil had a slight edge over sildenafil, improving psychological outcomes and being the preferred choice among patients and their partners.

Additionally, while tadalafil was associated with higher incidences of muscle and back pain, it caused less facial flushing than sildenafil. These findings suggest that tadalafil might be a better option for some patients due to its benefits in boosting sexual confidence and overall preference (Gong et al., 2017).

Side Effects: What to Expect with Viagra and Cialis

The most frequent side effects of this medication are headaches, facial redness, stuffy nose, sore throat, and upset stomach. These reactions occur because the medicine, which widens blood vessels to improve blood flow, also affects small blood vessels in other areas of the body (Huang et al., 2013).

If you experience issues with one medication (such as headaches with Viagra or muscle pain with Cialis), switching might help.

To learn why headaches occur with PDE5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil and tadalafil, read our blog, Why does Viagra cause a headache?

If you are experiencing heartburn when taking Viagra or Cialis and want to know why this happening, read our blog, Why does Viagra cause heartburn?

Interactions with Other Medications and Alcohol

Viagra and Cialis can interact with certain medications, especially nitrates (used in heart conditions), alpha-blockers, and some antifungals and antibiotics. Combining ED medications with nitrates can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure  (Huang et al., 2013).

Also, while light alcohol consumption is generally safe, heavy drinking can reduce the effectiveness of both drugs. To learn more about the effects of alcohol, read our blog, Can I drink alcohol while taking sildenafil?

Key takeaways

• Effectiveness: Both Viagra and Cialis increase blood flow to the penis, aiding in strong erections. Viagra acts faster, but Cialis lasts much longer—up to 36 hours.
• Side effects: Both can cause mild side effects like headaches or upset stomach, with Cialis’s prolonged duration potentially extending discomfort.
• Choosing the best option: Cialis may be preferred for its extended effect, but individual reactions vary. If you are still unsure which option is best for you, please contact us.

Duration: The “Weekend Pill” advantage of Cialis

Cialis has earned the nickname “the weekend pill” due to its long-lasting effects, making it ideal for spontaneous plans. For example, a dose taken on Friday can remain effective until Sunday. Viagra’s shorter duration requires more precise timing, which may feel limiting for some users.

Alternatives to Viagra and Cialis

If neither Viagra nor Cialis feels right for you, alternatives like Levitra (vardenafil) or Spedra (avanafil) may be worth exploring. There’s also Vitaros (alprostadil), a topical cream, which can provide another method for treating ED.

What if you want a fast acting and long-lasting effect erectile dysfunction treatment?

If you would like to combine the fast onset of Viagra with the longer lasting effects of Cialis, then Medical Mojo has the solution, a compounded triple combination erectile dysfunction soluble oral patch.

These soluble oral patches are designed to be absorbed from the buccal mucosa or the inside of the mouth, which has a rich blood supply. When drugs are absorbed via this route, they don’t have to make the long, arduous journey, passing through the acidic lake in the stomach, squeezing through small intestine and finally dealing with the destructive enzyme in the liver to reach the circulation.

The Medical Mojo compounded triple combination erectile dysfunction soluble oral patch.

The soluble compounded oral patch exploits the rich blood supply to the buccal mucosa in the mouth to provide a VIP pass straight into the bloodstream. This means that if you take a compounded triple combination erectile dysfunction soluble oral patch, it will get to work within 15 minutes to half an hour.

The other benefit of the compounded soluble oral patch is that Medical Mojo has combined the fast and short-acting sildenafil with the longer-acting tadalafil, which means you get an erection sooner, and the effects last for up to 36 hours.

But that’s not all! Medical Mojo has also added l-arginine to increase the vasodilatory effects, which means you get a stronger erection. More blood flow equals a stronger erection.

The triple combination erectile dysfunction compounded soluble oral patch is available in the following strengths:

The soluble oral patch is attached to the inside of the mouth, against the inner cheek or under the tongue, where it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, where it can cause an erection within half an hour, with the effects lasting for 36 hours. Check out our YouTube video, “How to use the transmucosal film?”

The soluble oral patch comes in three strengths. So, if you want the flexibility of sildenafil and the confidence of the long-lasting action of tadalafil, try the Medical Mojo triple erectile dysfunction soluble oral patch today.

The benefits of buccal administration of sildenafil, tadalafil combination

There are several advantages of the buccal route (Chinna et al., 2011), including:

• the ease of administration,
• faster absorbance rate of the drug,
• bypasses first-pass metabolism in the liver. Remember that only 41% of sildenafil in an oral tablet makes it into circulation after passing through the liver (Nichols et al., 2002).
• avoids low GI absorbance and
• rapid acting
• longer lasting
• better erections

Final thoughts: Which is best, Viagra or Cialis?

The choice between Viagra and Cialis comes down to personal preference, lifestyle, and how your body responds to each. Cialis’s longer duration may be more appealing for those seeking spontaneity, while Viagra’s shorter, more predictable duration suits others.

Always consult a doctor before starting any ED medication to ensure it’s safe and effective for you. This personalised advice, along with an understanding of each option’s benefits and side effects, will help you find the best treatment for your needs.

Interested in learning more about sildenafil and other treatments for erectile dysfunction?

We’ve covered a range of topics in our blog articles at Medical Mojo, such as:

Why does Viagra cause a headache?

Why does Viagra cause heartburn?

Can Viagra cause blood clots?

Can Viagra cause a stroke?

Does Viagra make you last longer?

Can I drink alcohol while taking sildenafil?

Can Viagra make you bigger?

How long does sildenafil last for?

How often can you take Viagra? A guide for safe use and effectiveness

Can you take Viagra with blood thinners?

What is Kamagra?

What is the difference between Viagra and Viagra Connect?

What is Invicorp?

How long does tadalafil last after taking it?

When to take tadalafil?

Getting expert help with erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction should not be a taboo topic—it’s like an early warning signal, potentially indicating vascular or psychological issues.

At Medical Mojo, we’re ready to assist you. Whether you need help when PDE5 inhibitors aren’t effective or require a tailored treatment approach, we’re here to guide you. Reaching out is the first step, so don’t hesitate to contact us for any queries.

Why choose Medical Mojo for your sexual health needs?

• Private and non-judgmental online consultations from home
• Personalised treatment plans based on your full health profile.
• Health screenings to determine if sildenafil is suitable for you.
• Continuous support and follow-ups during treatment
• Clear explanations of what to expect from sildenafil
• Comprehensive lifestyle advice to enhance sexual health.
• Commitment to evidence-based medical treatments

With Medicalmojo.co.uk, you’ll get a clear picture of what sildenafil and other treatments can do for you, allowing you to set realistic expectations and make informed decisions. For more details, reach out to info@medicalmojo.co.uk.

Note: This information is for educational purposes only and should not substitute for professional medical advice.

References:

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