Comparing Tadalafil (Generic Cialis) and Sildenafil (Generic Viagra)

How Both Medications Work
How Sesame can help
How to Get a Prescription for Low Libido Medication
What Precautions Should I Take?
Read next

Generic options for both Cialis and Viagra are considered to be just as safe and effective as the name-brand version.

How Both Medications Work

Consider all of these factors when determining which ED medication might work best for you. If you have ED, consider talking with your doctor about Viagra and Cialis. Tell your doctor if you take other over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drugs or supplements. Be sure to mention all other health conditions you have. When used correctly, each of these drugs has been shown to help people with ED.

Dosing Options

Take them exactly as your doctor prescribes, and be sure to let them know if you have questions or concerns. All of these medications have been shown to produce good results, but it may take a little time and patience to find the right one for your needs. If one drug does not work or causes unpleasant side effects, you can try another one. It may also take some trial and error to find the dosage that works best for you. If you’re not sure that using ED medication is right for you, you can also give natural ED treatments a try. The price of both Cialis and Viagra can depend on dosage, how often you take it, your pharmacy’s pricing, and whether or not you have insurance coverage. Not all insurance companies cover medications for erectile dysfunction, so even with insurance, it may be worth checking around for the best price. With Cialis, men have the option to take a lower daily dose (2.5-5mg) or a higher dose that’s only taken as needed (5-20 mg, taken 30 minutes before sex). If taken daily, the price for Cialis without insurance is around $180 for a monthly supply of 5 mg tablets. If taken as needed, the price for Cialis without insurance is around $700 for 30 tablets (20mg).

Product	Dosage	Quantity + Bonus	Price
Viagra Oral Jelly	100mg	220 + 18 Sachets	562.28€ 535.50€
Viagra Generic	200mg	10 Pills	40.96€ 39.01€
Viagra Oral Jelly	100mg	63 + 7 Sachets	190.54€ 181.47€
Viagra Soft Tabs	100mg	120 + 8 Pills	232.21€ 221.15€
Viagra Super Active	100mg	120 + 16 Pills	198.37€ 188.92€
Viagra Generic	150mg	120 + 8 Pills	177.58€ 169.12€
Viagra Generic	100mg	90 + 6 Pills	129.02€ 122.88€
Viagra Original	100mg	76 + 4 Pills	306.59€ 291.99€
Viagra Professional	100mg	20 Pills	71.14€ 67.75€
Viagra Generic	25mg	90 + 6 Pills	105.03€ 100.03€

While the upfront price for 30 tablets of 20mg Cialis is higher than 30 tablets of 2.5mg Cialis, it may be lower in the long run since you’re not taking the medication every day. Viagra comes in 3 different strengths – 25, 50, or 100mg tablets – and is taken as needed; there is no daily option.

How Sesame can help

Also, the effects of Cialis last longer than the effects of Viagra. It depends on the individual and the level of arousal. It’s recommended that you take Cialis 30 minutes before engaging in sexual activity, but it may take as long as 2 hours to take effect. Cialis also requires sexual stimulation in order to work, so arousal also factors into this equation. Both medications are meant to help you maintain an erection long enough to have sex.

Cons of Cialis

However, medications like Viagra aren’t approved to treat premature ejaculation. It’s unnecessary to take Viagra and Cialis together. They’re both PDE5 inhibitors that help achieve the same goal. Your doctor can help you decide which would be best for you, but there’s no need to take both. While all ED medications help achieve the same goal, they differ in dosage, length of effects, and potential side effects. Without insurance, the price of a 30-day supply can range from around $2,800 to $3,200 depending on the dose. Luckily, generic versions of Cialis and Viagra are available (and more affordable) than the brand name medications: A 30-day supply of 25mg generic Viagra tablets costs around $900 without insurance, compared to $3,200 for name-brand Viagra. A 30-day supply of 5mg generic Cialis tablets costs around $50 without insurance, compared to $180 for name-brand Cialis. Discount cards and manufacturer savings programs can also help you save on both medications.

The definition of "success" in female sexual dysfunction treatment is highly individual and subjective.
Improvement may be measured as increased comfort, reduced pain, or better sensation, not just arousal.
Goal-setting with a clinician is part of the process.

Despite common myths, neither medication makes you “harder” than the other. Both Cialis and Viagra work to increase blood flow, and their potency is equally powerful when taken in the correct dose. Serious side effects (though rare) may include chest pain, low blood pressure, or prolonged erection (priapism). Both medications can interact with nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, and should not be used by men with certain heart conditions, such as angina or heart disease.

How to Get a Prescription for Low Libido Medication

If you’re considering natural ED treatments, talk with your doctor or a healthcare professional first to learn more about risks, benefits, viagra medicine and potential drug interactions. Both Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) are oral medications prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) The effects of Cialis can last for up to 36 hours, while Viagra works for a lesser amount of time – between 4 and 6 hours. Cialis can be taken daily or as needed before sexual activity, while Viagra is typically taken only as needed. Cialis may have a slower onset (it begins working within 30 minutes but can take up to 2 hours to take full effect), whereas Viagra usually works within 30 minutes if taken on an empty stomach. Viagra and Cialis are the most commonly prescribed erectile dysfunction (ED)medications.

GLP-1 Medications

Healthcare providers order these prescription drugs to help patients achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for sex. But which drug, Viagra or Cialis, is the best choice for you? Let’s break down the key differences between them so you can get a better sense for your treatment options. Both Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) belong to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme (PDE5) inhibitors. These medications work by intensifying the effects of nitric oxide (NO), a molecule that helps the blood vessels in the penis expand. Always consult a healthcare professional and discuss your medical history before starting ED treatment.

Communication with a knowledgeable, empathetic healthcare provider is the essential first step.
Providers should specialize in sexual medicine or menopause care for best guidance.
Patient advocacy is often necessary to receive proper evaluation.

Here’s a chart that compares the key differences between Cialis and Viagra: Alternative PDE5 inhibitors that work similarly to Cialis and Viagra include: If you’re not a candidate for PDE5 inhibitors, there are other options available to you. Non-PDE5 inhibitor treatments for ED include penile injections (alprostadil), testosterone therapy, intraurethral suppositories, and more.

Side Effect	Severity	Notes
Headache	Mild	Common in many users
Flushing	Mild	Usually temporary
Vision Changes	Rare	Possible blue tint or blurred vision

You can talk to a healthcare provider about these treatment options to determine sildenafil viagra price the best prescription for you and your sex life. If you're dealing with erectile dysfunction and exploring treatment options, a healthcare provider on Sesame can help today during an online ED visit. These quick video appointments allow you to discuss your symptoms and potential treatment options with a licensed healthcare provider. If appropriate, providers on Sesame can prescribe ED meds and other forms of therapy to help you get your sex life back on track. Any prescriptions will be sent to your preferred pharmacy for pickup. *An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone. Viagra is an FDA-approved medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in men and is not used for sexual dysfunction in women. It can enhance sexual function in males by relaxing smooth muscle in the blood vessel walls, increasing blood flow within the penis.

What Precautions Should I Take?

Cialis also takes about 30 minutes to begin working, but it can take up to 2 hours for the medication to fully take effect. The good news is that food doesn’t affect how well or how quickly it works, so you can take it with or without a meal. Though some studies have mixed results, Cialis and Viagra are considered to have similar effectiveness for treating erectile dysfunction. However, tadalafil (Cialis) had a few advantages. In an analysis of 16 studies, tadalafil improved patients' mental well-being and sexual confidence more than sildenafil (Viagra), likely because it has a longer duration of action (36 hours) that allows for more flexibility and less pressure to plan sex around a medication schedule.

Osphena (Ospemifene)

And while tadalafil caused more back pain and muscle aches, it also caused less facial flushing than sildenafil. As a result, both patients and their partners tended to prefer tadalafil. Viagra was approved in 1998 and was the first-ever oral medication approved by the viagra vardenafil 20mg FDA to treat erectile dysfunction. The generic version of Viagra, sildenafil, was approved in 2017. Cialis was approved by the FDA in 2003 (5 years after Viagra), and the generic version of Cialis, tadalafil, was approved in 2018. Sexual dysfunction in women can present as low libido, known as low sex drive. Viagra is not used for treating sexual dysfunction in women. There are alternative medications specifically targeted to treat low libido in women.1, 2 Receive online counseling in a safe, unbiased space from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp starts at $65 per week and is FSA/HSA eligible by most providers.

Viagra and Cialis are mainly designed for men, but off-label use in women is increasing.
Women with vascular health issues should be particularly cautious with these medications.
There is limited scientific evidence supporting the consistent benefit of Viagra for women.
Cialis’s longer half-life may benefit women seeking sustained effects, but data is inconclusive.
The psychological impact of sexual dysfunction may need addressing alongside medication.
Side effects like flushing and dizziness can affect women, especially if on other medications.
Many women report no change or minimal improvement with these drugs for sexual issues.
Alternative treatments, including counseling and hormonal adjustments, are often recommended.
The use of sildenafil or tadalafil for women should be closely monitored by healthcare professionals.
Ongoing studies aim to better understand and validate female-specific uses of these drugs.
It’s essential for women to understand that these medications are not approved specifically for their condition.
Consulting specialists in female sexual health can help determine the best course of action.

Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for your relationship!

Aspect	Cialis	Viagra
Active Ingredient	Tadalafil	Sildenafil
Onset of Action	30-60 minutes	30-60 minutes
Duration of Effect	Up to 36 hours	4-6 hours
Common Side Effects	Headache, flushing, nausea	Headache, dizziness, flushing

Viagra is the brand name for the generic medication sildenafil.