Erectile Dysfunction(ED) is becoming a common men-health issue in today’s advancing world scenario. This is mainly due to the reduced quality of life that we have chosen in exchange for technology. As the chances of ED increases, so do the options for treating ED. Two such well-known options are Cialis and Viagra. In this Blog, we will be discussing and covering all the aspects of these medications and will get to know which is better Cialis or Viagra.
What is ED or Impotence?
ED or Erectile Dysfunction is one of the most common disorders mainly affecting males of any age group. It is a condition that men face while having sexual intercourse. ED is also referred to as “impotence”. In simple words, impotency is the disability of a man to obtain or hold an erection during sexual intercourse. Experts have estimated that erectile dysfunction affects 30 million men in the United States (US).
As you start to age ED gets more common but it’s not a natural part of aging. Trouble in getting or keeping an erection while having sex feels embarrassing and most men do not report to the doctor regarding this because they feel embarrassed and ashamed to share their feelings about this sexual dysfunction. But one should consult a doctor without any hesitation. It may be a sign of some health problems like a blockage in blood vessels and may be nerve damage due to diabetes. These problems will be untreated if you don’t consult a doctor.
For men with ED, the solution is very simple which is taking pills and some physical exercises may also be a helping factor. Now, in terms of taking certain drugs, we are going to explain the two major drugs Cialis and Viagra, basically used for Erectile Dysfunction or impotence. Let’s take a look.
A peak introduction to Cialis and Viagra:
All the drugs that are usually preferred for ED including Cialis and Viagra come under the class of medications which is called Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors and are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The basic function of these drugs under this class is to block the PDE-5 enzymes.
What is Cialis?
Cialis is a natural male enhancement pill that comes with an active ingredient named Tadalafil. It is used for the treatment of impotence and is also helpful for the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate). It helps in relaxing the muscles and increase the blood flow and makes it easier for blood to reach into the male sex organ (penis) and people suffering from ED can experience a lasting erection during sex.
This drug is a prescription-only medicine that is available in the form of oral tablets. The drug starts to work within 30 minutes of taking and stays active for up to 36 hours. It is not mandatory to be consumed with food.
The dosages available for Cialis in the Market are:
- 5 mg Cialis
- 10 mg Cialis
- 20 mg Cialis
- 25 mg Cialis
- Cialis 40mg
- Cialis 60 mg
What is Viagra?
Viagra contains an essential component which is Sildenafil. The functioning of Viagra is almost the same as Cialis. It can be considered as an alternative to Cialis. It is also used to treat sexual dysfunction problems in males.
This drug differs in its identity in comparison to Cialis with little measures like it should be preferably taken 60 minutes before having sexual activity. It starts to work within 30 minutes after taking and lasts for around 4-12 hours.
Viagra is available in different strengths such as:
- 25 mg of Viagra
- Viagra 50mg
- 100 mg Viagra
- 150 mg of Viagra
- 200 mg Viagra
Cialis vs Viagra: Comparing the Two in Search of Better Drug for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Choosing between Cialis and Viagra as the better medication depends upon the person and various factors, like knowing everything about the drug. For example, dosage – how and when to take it, how long it lasts, strengths, side effects, advantages, and consequences.
So, let’s dive in to take a brief comparison of these two drugs to examine and finalize the better one.
- The main and active ingredient available in Cialis is Tadalafil and in Viagra it is Sildenafil.
- Both drugs are used for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction to aid in penetration while getting intimate.
- Cialis is available in tablet form, while Viagra is available in the form of oral tablets and pills.
- Cialis lasts for a maximum duration of 36 hours, whereas, Viagra can last up to 12 hours.
- Cialis can be taken with or without food. Whereas, Viagra is preferred to be taken only when having intercourse which may be incompatible for those who prefer spontaneous sexual activity.
- Between both the drugs the efficacy of Cialis lasts longer than Viagra in the person’s body which may mean that side effects can also last longer.
- In comparison to Cialis, the effects of Viagra leave the body quickly and decreases the possibility of having lasting side effects.
Side Effects and Safety Measures of Cialis:
Mentioned below is the list of some common side effects along with precautions of Cialis Drug:
Side effects:
- Headache
- Tingly sensation or warmth
- Indigestion
- Stuffy nose or nasal congestion
- Pain in different parts of the body – Muscle pain, back pain, pain in arms and legs, or pain in the joints.
Precautions:
- Consumption of alcohol with this medicine can cause harmful side effects.
- Avoid the use of grapefruit.
- If allergic reactions like difficulty in breathing, swollen face, lips, etc. occur while using Cialis then seek immediate help from your healthcare expert.
- Nausea, chest pain, and dizziness during sexual activity may be life-threatening side effects. Cease the usage of this drug and consult your physician.
- Call the doctor if facing trouble such as chest pain or pressure pain, change in vision, sudden hearing loss, and prolonged erection which lasts more than 4 hours as it can damage the penis.
Side Effects and Safety Measures of Viagra:
Following below is the list of most usual side effects together with some health advisories of Viagra drug:
Side effects:
- Muscle pain
- Back pain
- Nose bleed
- Headache
- Vision problem – blurred or change in color vision
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Insomnia (sleep problems)
- Upset stomach
Precautions:
- Avoid alcohol and grapefruit while using Viagra.
- Stop the usage of this drug and consult your doctor if experiencing chest pain, pain that is spreading to your jaw and shoulder, or excessive sweating occurs.
- If your vision changes or your erection is painful, you should seek help from a doctor on an immediate basis.
- Get in touch with your physician if you’re facing shortness of breath, convulsions, ears ringing, sudden hearing loss, or irregular heartbeat.
Note: The above-mentioned is the list of some common side effects and precautions used for general reference only. Therefore, it should not be considered as an absolute list.
Summary:
Since, there are various medications for ED including Cialis and Viagra, determining which one is best can’t be decided till you don’t know all the things about them. This is because medicines vary and suit different people.
In the race of exploring and seeking which is better, there may be only one way to decide and that’s trial and error. Taking guidance from a doctor directly can help one to be aware of their side effects and decide which medication is most appropriate for them.
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