Viagra vs. Cialis

See how Viagra and Cialis compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Both Viagra and Cialis are PDE5 inhibitors that increase blood flow to the penis to treat erectile dysfunction, but they differ in how long they last and how they're taken.

  • Viagra is taken on demand about 30 to 60 minutes before sex and lasts roughly 4 to 6 hours, while Cialis can last up to 36 hours and is also approved for BPH symptoms.

  • Cialis offers a daily low-dose option that removes the need to time pills around sex, while Viagra is used strictly as needed.

Viagra vs. Cialis Drug Summary

Viagra

Viagra (sildenafil) is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis to help produce and maintain an erection. It's taken as a tablet on an as-needed basis, usually 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity.

Cialis

Cialis (tadalafil) is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction and the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia in adult men. It works the same way as Viagra, by increasing blood flow to the penis. It can be taken as needed before sex or as a lower daily dose.

Viagra vs. Cialis Side Effects

Viagra

Most common
headache (up to 28%)
dyspepsia (up to 17%)
flushing (up to 19%)
abnormal vision (up to 11%)

Cialis

Most common
headache (up to 15%)
dyspepsia (up to 10%)
back pain (up to 9%)
myalgia (up to 4%)

Viagra vs. Cialis Dosage

Viagra

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 25 mg as needed At the start
Maximum dose 100 mg as needed If needed
Dose changes 2 increases As tolerated

Cialis

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 2.5 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 20 mg as needed If needed
Dose changes 3 increases As tolerated

Viagra vs. Cialis Indications

Viagra

Viagra is FDA-approved specifically for erectile dysfunction in adult men. It does not treat any other condition and is not approved for use in women or children. Each dose is taken on demand before sexual activity, not on a fixed schedule.

  • Treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men

  • Taken 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity

  • Effect lasts about 4 to 6 hours

  • Not approved for use in women or children

Cialis

Cialis is FDA-approved for erectile dysfunction, for BPH symptoms, and for both together in adult men. It offers more flexibility than Viagra because it can be dosed daily or as needed. It is not approved for use in women or children.

  • Treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men

  • Treatment of BPH signs and symptoms

  • Can treat ED and BPH symptoms together

  • Off-label use for pulmonary hypertension (as Adcirca)

Viagra vs. Cialis Pros and Cons

Viagra

Viagra has the longest real-world track record of any PDE5 inhibitor and tends to act quickly for many men. Its effects wear off within a matter of hours, so timing around sexual activity matters. Insurance coverage varies widely and out-of-pocket costs can run high.

Pros

  • Longest-studied PDE5 inhibitor, on the market since 1998

  • Often works within 30 to 60 minutes

  • Simple choice of three dose strengths (25, 50, 100 mg)

  • No boxed warning on the label

Cons

  • Effects last only about 4 to 6 hours

  • Must be timed before sexual activity, less spontaneity

  • Higher rate of visual side effects like abnormal vision

Cialis

Cialis stands out for its long duration of action and its added approval for BPH, letting some men treat two conditions with one drug. Its daily dosing option can simplify planning around sex. List prices tend to run lower than Viagra's on average.

Pros

  • Lasts up to 36 hours, allowing more spontaneity

  • Also approved for BPH, can treat both conditions at once

  • Daily dosing option removes the need to plan around sex

  • Typical monthly list price runs $310 to $1,000 without insurance

Cons

  • Side effects can linger longer given its long duration

  • Not recommended with most alpha-blockers except tamsulosin

  • Daily dosing means taking a pill even on days without sex

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