Cialis vs Viagra - What's the difference between them?   If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED), there are many options available to help you. Treatment options for ED include psychological, lifestyle, and medication therapies. Two of the most commonly prescribed medications include Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil). Cialis and Viagra are two brand name prescription drugs that can treat ED. They are grouped into a class of medications called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors and work by increasing blood flow to the penis. These drugs help a man get and maintain an erection. Other similar drugs include Levitra (vardenafil) and Stendra (avanafil). What are the main differences between Cialis and Viagra? Cialis is the brand-name drug for tadalafil. It was FDA-approved in 2003 and is used to treat erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Cialis can be taken as needed before sexual activity or once daily with effects lasting up to 36 hours. Cialis reaches maximum levels in the body between 30 minutes and 6 hours after taking it. It can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Viagra, also known by its generic name sildenafil, was approved by the FDA in 1998 and is a popular drug made by Pfizer to treat ED. Brand name Viagra is only indicated for erectile dysfunction. It is taken as needed before sexual activity with maximum levels of the drug reached within 30 minutes to 2 hours after taking it. Eating a high-fat meal with Viagra may reduce the absorption of the drug. Main differences between Cialis and Viagra   Cialis Viagra Drug class Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor Brand/generic status Generic version available Generic version available What is the generic name?What is the brand name? TadalafilCialis SildenafilViagra What form(s) does the drug come in? Oral tablet Oral tablet What is the standard dosage? Erectile dysfunction: 10 mg oral tablet before sexual activityOnce-daily use for ED: 2.5 mg oral tablet by mouth dailyBPH or BPH with ED: 5 mg oral tablet daily at the same time every day Erectile dysfunction: 50 mg oral tablet before sexual activity How long is the typical treatment? As needed As needed Who typically uses the medication? Adult men aged 18 years and older Adult men aged 18 years and older Conditions treated by Cialis vs. Viagra Cialis is primarily used to treat ED. However, it is also approved to treat signs and symptoms from an enlarged prostate also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, is available as Adcirca, which is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), or high blood pressure in the lungs. Cialis can also be used off-label for Raynaud’s phenomenon, a rare blood vessel disorder. Viagra is only FDA-approved to treat ED. Sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra, is also manufactured as Revatio to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Viagra is sometimes used off-label to treat Raynaud’s phenomenon and female sexual arousal disorder. Both Cialis and Viagra have also been prescribed to treat the different problems surrounding ED. For instance, Viagra may also help men who experience early ejaculation so they can have better control. Cialis has been shown to help men experiencing other sexual dysfunctions involving ejaculatory and orgasmic functions. Condition Cialis Viagra Erectile dysfunction (ED) Yes Yes Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) Yes No Raynaud’s phenomenon Off-label Off-label Female sexual arousal disorder No Off-label Is Cialis or Viagra more effective? Compared to placebo or using no medication, both Cialis and Viagra are effective at treating erectile dysfunction. Most of the differences between the two drugs have to do with how long the drug lasts, how it is taken, and the medical history of the person taking it. Although they are both effective, Cialis may be preferred for its once-daily dosing and it’s used for treating BPH. Viagra may be preferred for its shorter half-life for those who only use it sparingly as needed. In a meta-analysis pooling 16 different trials and analyzing over 5000 patients, Cialis and Viagra showed similar effectiveness and safety. These results were based on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-EF scale which is widely used to assess erectile function. Both drugs had similar incidences of side effects. However, those taking Cialis experienced improved sexual confidence and preferred it over Viagra due to feeling less pressure about planning with its longer-acting effects. Another trial showed that the active ingredients in Cialis and Viagra were comparable in effectiveness. There were no significant differences between the two drugs. Cialis, however,  was suggested to offer more flexibility with its longer half-life. If you have ED, it’s important to consult a doctor to determine which treatment option may be best for you. One medication may be more effective or preferred over the other depending on your situation. Coverage and cost comparison of Cialis vs. Viagra Brand name Cialis is not typically covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. Some plans may cover generic tadalafil. The average retail cost of generic tadalafil is $275 for thirty 2.5 mg tablets. With a SingleCare coupon, you can receive a discount and pay around $90-180 depending on the pharmacy. Brand name Viagra is not usually covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. Check your insurance plan as some plans may cover generic sildenafil. The average retail cost of generic sildenafil range from $140 or nearly $400. SingleCare can help you lower this cost to about $75-140 for generic sildenafil.   Cialis Viagra Typically covered by insurance? No No Typically covered by Medicare? No No Standard dosage 2.5 mg tablets (supply of 30) 25 mg tablets (supply of 30) Typical Medicare copay $275 $140-400 SingleCare cost $90-180 $75-140 Common side effects of Cialis and Viagra Cialis and Viagra share several common side effects such as headache, indigestion, muscle pain, back pain, and nasal congestion. Both ED medications can also cause some degree of flushing, which is a warm feeling with a blushed skin tone, especially on the face. These side effects are due to the vasodilator effects of these drugs which relax smooth muscles in the blood vessels to increase blood flow. In addition to these side effects, Cialis may also cause some pain in the limbs. Other side effects of Viagra include abnormal changes in vision, nausea, dizziness, and rash. Serious side effects of Cialis and Viagra can include cardiovascular, or heart, complications such as heart attack, stroke, cerebrovascular hemorrhage, palpitations, and arrhythmias especially if taken with certain other drugs (see Drug Interactions).   Cialis*10 mg tablet Viagra*50 mg tablet Side Effect Applicable? Frequency Applicable? Frequency Headache Yes 11% Yes 21% Indigestion Yes 8% Yes 9% Muscle pain Yes 4% Yes 2% Back pain Yes 5% Yes 4% Nasal congestion Yes 3% Yes 4% Flushing Yes 3% Yes 19% Pain in the arms or legs Yes 3% No – Abnormal vision Yes