Viagra vs. Cialis: 7 things you should know


It can be hard to keep up with all of the different ED drug options. Everyone knows Viagra, but after that things get … a little messy. 

There’s brand name Viagra and its generic version, Sildenafil. But there’s also the brand drug Cialis, and its generic, Tadalafil. Generic drugs are often preferred because they work the same as the brand—they just cost a whole lot less. 

Tadalafil and Sildenafil are both generic ED drugs. However, there are still some key differences. 

The low down: Tadalafil users have reported less side effects, including headaches and flushing. Even better, users report it lasted longer than Sildenafil. One dose of Tadalafil can last up to 48 hours, whereas Sildenafil only lasts 4 hours. 

Tadalafil also has an approval from the FDA for daily use which allows the patient to “get it on” without missing a beat when his partner is ready.

Here are 7 other things to keep in mind regarding Tadalafil

1. Tadalafil comes in 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg tablets.

2. Tadalafil is approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in addition to an enlarged prostate (aka benign prostatic hyperplasia).  

3. Once taken, Tadalafil 2.5mg and 5mg has lasting effects of up to 48 hours. That means taking Tadalafil requires less precise planning for potential sex because of its longer lasting effects.

4. Tadalafil can be taken with or without food.

5. Tadalafil is contraindicated if you are currently taking a drug in a class called nitrates to treat certain heart conditions.

6. The most common side effects of Tadalafil include headache, flushing, heartburn, joint pain, back pain, and temporary vision changes.

7. Tadalafil will not protect a man or his partner from STDs including HIV.

I get it. It’s a little awkward discussing ED even with your physician. One thing you want to remember is that ED could be a symptom associated with a more serious underlying health condition involving your circulatory system or heart.

Don’t blow it off. Get yourself checked out at the first sign of ED and try to identify if a more serious health condition exists.

Please also keep in mind that about 80% of all online purchases of ED medications can be counterfeit. So do your due diligence on your source, better yet, purchase from a licensed pharmacy purchasing drugs from a wholesaler based here in the U.S, like Honeybee.

Last, but not least, be sure to take your Cialis with a glass of water. Otherwise, you’ll get a stiff neck instead of a stiff … something else. 

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Dr. James Kim
Dr. James Kim

Dr. James is the most popular choice for pharmacy consultations because of his ability to make patients laugh. Sometimes, he laughs so loudly, the other pharmacists have to shush him.

Dr. Jessica Nouhavandi