Viagra vs Cialis: Differences between Viagra and Cialis

Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) are both phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Viagra was introduced first, in 1998, and Cialis followed in 2003. Both medications are effective for treating ED, but they do have some important differences.

viagra vs cialis

Viagra is taken as needed, about 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. It begins working within about 15 minutes, and its effects last for 4-5 hours. Cialis can be taken as needed or daily. When taken as needed, it should be taken about 30 minutes before sexual activity, and its effects last for up to 36 hours. When taking Cialis daily, it should be taken at the same time each day.

viagra vs cialis

Both Viagra and Cialis can be taken with or without food. However, if you take them with a high-fat meal, it will take longer for the medication to start working. Viagra also tends to work best when taken on an empty stomach.

Cialis provides a longer window of opportunity than Viagra; it remains effective for up to 36 hours after taking a dose, while Viagra only lasts for four to five hours. This means that you could theoretically take Cialis once in the morning and still be able to perform later that night without having to take another dose. In practice though, most men find that they need more than one dose per day regardless of which drug they use because sexual activity is not always planned in advance!

viagra vs cialis

Cialis may also be used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlargement of the prostate gland itself rather than ED caused by abnormal blood flow to the penis. BPH can cause urinary symptoms such as hesitancy or difficulty starting urination; these symptoms can improve with treatment of BPH even if there is no improvement in erectile function due to ED drugs like Viagra or Cialis. In fact, PDE5 inhibitors are often used in combination with alpha blockers like Flomax or Rapaflo since they seem to work synergistically: PDE5 inhibitors relax smooth muscle tissue while alpha blockers prevent sympathetic nerve impulses from activating that same tissue – thus allowing increased blood flow into the penis resulting in improved erections while at the same time relieving urinary symptoms due partially relieved pressure on your urethra from an enlarged prostate gland!

viagra vs cialis