If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED), there is a range of ED medications you can choose from, that helps treat your condition. There is a problem of plenty when it comes to ED medications and treatments in the form of devices and therapies. But out of all the treatment options for ED, two stand out from the crowd on account of their popularity – Viagra and Cialis. It would be difficult to say whether one scores over the other as they both offer the same results but with some differences.

Active ingredient

The active ingredient of Cialis is tadalafil, while the active ingredient of Viagra is sildenafil. The names of both active ingredients may be different, but they both are PDE5 inhibitors. Their action remains the same. They both act by inhibiting the action of PDE5 and by increasing the levels of cGMP in the smooth muscles. This helps dilate the blood vessels, relax the corpus cavernosum and improve the erection.

Dosages

Viagra is available in doses of 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets. Cialis on the other hand is available in dosages of 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. Typically, the lower dosage of the medication is prescribed in the beginning. The response to this dosage dictates whether the dose needs to be increased or not.

Time taken to take effect

Viagra needs to be taken an hour before sexual activity. Its effect lasts for 4 hours. Cialis is the only prescription ED medication that can be prescribed for daily use. Cialis for daily use is available in doses of 2.5mg and 5mg. The second type of Cialis is the 36 hour Cialis, which can be used as a weekend pill. As the name suggests, the effect of 36 hour Cialis lasts for around 36 hours. Owing to its long lasting effect, it is also known as the weekend pill.

Side effects

Some of the common side effects of taking Viagra are facial flushing, stomach upset, and headache. Other side effects that are less common are sensitivity to light, bluish or a blurry vision. Such side effects don’t last for a long time. Common side effects of Cialis include runny nose, flushing, back pain, headache, muscle aches, and indigestion. Some uncommon side effects include a sudden loss of vision. At times, this is accompanied by a ringing in the ears or a feeling of dizziness.

Spontaneity and Cialis

For men suffering from ED, planning sexual activity was the norm. They needed to work within the time frame provided by the drug’s action. Things changed when Cialis made its appearance in the market. It gave men the option of not planning their sexual activity. Both Cialis for daily use and 36 hour Cialis give you the added advantage of spontaneous sexual activity. It doesn’t matter if you don’t plan your sexual intercourse. You are in readiness all the time. Having said that, it is advisable that you let your doctor decide which of these two drugs is better for you as he can judge the situation the best based on your medical history and condition.