There’s a plethora of erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments on the market today. The most popular being Viagra manufactured by Pfizer and Cialis, manufactured by Eli Lilly. These brand name medications have recently come off patent, meaning that their price have dropped. Generic brands have always offered men an affordable alternative and this is still the case.
The end of the duopoly in a sense, providing consumers the choice to vote with their pockets. More importantly, these generic ED medications provide men who could not afford Viagra and Cialis previously a treatment.
Generic medications are produced throughout the world by leading pharmaceutical companies and contain the same active ingredient.
How does Viagra and Cialis work?
Both Viagra and Cialis are classified as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5). PDE5 is used to block the decline of cGMP on cyclic GMP within the muscle cells that line the blood vessels, in particular the corpora cavernosa of the penis. This results in an erection when sexual stimulation occurs.
What’s Viagra’s active ingredient?
Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil citrate was invented in 1989 by Pfizer for the treatment of high blood pressure and certain coronary ailments. The discovery of its affects on erections was quite accidental, when in the ninety’s men taking part in clinical trials reported increased erections.
What’s Cialis’s active ingredient?
Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis, the drug was first discovered by Glaxo Smith Kline and developed by ICOS Corporation (later purchased by Eli Lilly). Tadalafils distinction between sildenafil is its longer half life and has been cheekily named ‘the weekend pill’.
What is the difference between Viagra and Cialis?
Both Viagra and Cialis are excellent drugs for treating erectile dysfunction, following details the most frequently asked questions:
What is the half-life of Viagra and Cialis?
Viagra: 2 hours
Cialis: 17.5 hours
How long before Viagra and Cialis start to work?
Viagra: 20 minutes
Cialis: 30 minutes
What do Viagra and Cialis look like?
Viagra: Blue diamond shaped
Cialis: Yellow almond shaped
Do you need a prescription for Viagra and Cialis in Australia?
Viagra: Yes
Cialis: Yes
What are the side effects of Viagra and Cialis (brand name and generic)?
Viagra: headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, impaired and blurred vision. Rare cases of sudden hearing loss, prolonged erections, severe low blood pressure, stroke.
Cialis: headaches, muscle pain, stomach discomfort, indigestion, nasal congestion, impaired vision. Rarer cases of sudden hearing loss, prolonged erections, severe low blood pressure.
Both Viagra and Cialis including their generic counterparts with the same ingredients are known to be tolerated well in most men. Any side effect should be taken seriously, consult your medical practitioner
What is the dosage of Viagra and Cialis?
Both erectile dysfunction medications should be taken:
- Only as directed
- Do not exceed one tablet per day
- Take orally with water
- Taken on an empty stomach
Can I take nitrates with Sildenafil or Tadalafil?
Short answer is NO. The combination of nitrates and ED medications can result in dangerously low blood pressure and should be avoided.
Ask your doctor
If you’re still not sure on Viagra vs Cialis, have the discussion with your doctor. Trial both and see what’s best for you!