Erectile Dysfunction (ED) medications can help penile muscles relax so you can get and maintain an erection.
Cialis is one of the four approved oral medication approved for treating ED. It was approved for treating Erectile Dysfunction in 2008.
Oral medications like Cialis are one of the safest and most effective ways to treat ED. However, before starting treatment, it is essential to understand its alternative and how they compare.
So, in this article, while discussing Cialis vs other Erectile Dysfunction medicines, we will compare all approved oral ED medicine.
We will look at all the ED medication’s effectiveness, safety, timing, and cost.
All medicines for treating ED
Cialis with active ingredient Tadalafil is one of the four medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
The other three ED medications approved for ED are
- Viagra contains Sildenafil Citrate
- Levitra contains Vardenafil
- Stendra contains Avanafil
All these medications work similarly. They all relax the blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow easily to the penis when you become sexually aroused. The improved blood flow helps to get and maintain an erection.
Although they are quite similar, they also differ in many ways. These include dosage, timing, side effects, and cost.
Read on to see how they compare to each other.
Comparison of ED medicines
There are differences among all four oral ED medications. Some work faster than others, others have fewer side effects, and some remain effective much longer.
It is essential to be aware of the alternatives and differences to be safe while using ED medicines.
Here we will compare some of the deciding factors of Cialis, and other approved ED medications.
Fastest-acting ED medicine
For those seeking a faster onset of action, Stendra (Avanafil) is the best choice. Avanafil has the quickest action time among all the approved ED medicines.
As per data from clinical studies, Stendra starts working within 15 minutes of swallowing.
Cialis (Tadalafil) starts working within 30-45 minutes.
Viagra (Sildenafil) has an onset of action of around 30-60 minutes.
Levitra (Vardenafil) takes the same time as Viagra, which is around 30 to 60 minutes.
ED pill with the longest effects
If you want a longer duration of effect, Cialis (Tadalafil) is the right choice. It is good for people who prefer more flexibility in their sexual encounters.
Among all ED medicine, Cialis has the longest duration of effect. It can last upto 36 hours.
Cialis got the nickname “The Weekend Pill” due to its longest duration of effects.
Viagra (Sildenafil) and Levitra (Vardenafil) last about 4-5 hours. Stendra (Avanafil) lasts around 6 to 7 hours.
The ED medicine with the least side effects
Stendra containing Avanafil, has the least number of side effects among all the approved oral ED medications.
The least number of side effects of Avanafil is due to it being the newest and second-generation medicine.
Avanafil was approved in 2012 and addressed some drawbacks of older ED medicines.
All ED medications have some common side effects that usually diminish with successive dosages.
Common side effects of taking ED medication are headache, flushing, indigestion, etc.
Most effective ED medicine
As per clinical trials, all ED medications have almost similar efficacy rates.
However, the efficacy rate depends upon various factors and should not be a deciding factor.
Some diseases like Diabetes and liver disease can reduce the efficacy rate of ED medicines.
Alcohol, grapefruit juice, and high-fat meals also reduce ED medicine’s efficacy rate.
Cheapest ED medicine
If you are seeking affordable ED medicine, go for the generic version of Cialis and Viagra.
The generic Viagra, known as Sildenafil, costs around $ 0.72 for a single 50mg pill, while branded Viagra cost around $60 per pill.
Tadalafil, the generic Cialis, costs $0.93 for a single 40mg pill compared to $15 to $83 for the branded one.
The generic version of Levitra (Vardenafil) costs $1.24 per 40mg pill, while branded one costs around $21.
There is no generic version of Stendra available yet. The branded Stendra costs around $68.90 per 50mg tablet.
To reduce the cost of ED treatment, always buy the generic version of the medicine. Generic medicines have the same effectiveness and strength as their branded counterparts at a low price.
Buy generic Cialis (Tadalafil) for a low price and enjoy the pleasure you deserve.
Quick Overview of ED Medicines
A table comparing the key features of Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, and Stendra:
| Drug Name | Viagra | Stendra | Cialis | Levitra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Sildenafil | Avanafil | Tadalafil | Vardenafil |
| Approval Year | 1998 | 2012 | 2003 | 2003 |
| Is Generic version available? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Onset of Action | 30-60 minutes | 15-30 minutes | 30-45 minutes | 25-60 minutes |
| Duration of Effect | 4-5 hours | 6 hours | Up to 36 hours | 4-5 hours |
| Efficacy Rate | 70-80% | Approximately 80% | Approximately 80% | Approximately 80% |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion | Headache, flushing, nasal congestion | Headache, dyspepsia, back pain, myalgia, nasal congestion | Headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion |
| Consideration | A high-fat meal can delay the effect | Rapid onset may provide an advantage for some; less affected by food intake | Can be taken daily; not significantly affected by food | A high-fat meal may delay the effect but that does not affect the overall effectiveness |
| Treats Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Available Doses | 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg | 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg | 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg | 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg |
| Method of Taking | Oral | Oral | Oral | Oral |
| When to use | Taken as needed, around 1 hour before sex | Taken as needed, 15-30 minutes before sex | Can be taken daily or as needed, at least 30 minutes before sex | Taken as needed, around 1 hour before sex |
Conclusion: Which ED medication is the best?
There is no single best Erectile Dysfunction (ED) medicine. The right ED medicine depends on numerous individual factors. These factors include
- Overall health
- Lifestyle
- Specific ED symptoms
- Presence of other medical conditions
- Current medications
Other than these, the right ED medicine also depends on personal preferences like, how fast or long you want it to work.
If you want faster action, Stendra (Avanafil) is best for you. For a longer duration of effects, choose Cialis (Tadalafil).
If price is the deciding factor, choose the generic version of Viagra or Cialis. Generic version of both of the medicine cost almost the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Cialis and Viagra the same?
No, although Viagra and Cialis are both PDE5 inhibitors and work similarly, they are not the same. They have different dosages and side effects. Cialis comes in a lower dose than Viagra.
Do ED medications make you last longer?
ED medications don’t make you last longer. They only help you keep an erection long enough to have sex. Medications like Viagra And Cialis aren’t approved to treat Premature Ejaculation.
Can Viagra and Cialis be taken together?
You shouldn’t; there is no good reason to take Cialis and Viagra together. They both work similarly and help achieve the same goal. If you take them together, it might lead to an overdose.
Can I switch from one ED pill to another?
You can switch from one ED pill to another. But, switching medicine should be done by consulting a doctor first. Each medication differs in dosages, and deciding a dose needs a proper medical history and health conditions assessment.
Are ED medications safe to use in the long term?
When prescribed by a doctor, there is no health issue with using ED medication for the long term. They are completely safe if used as prescribed.
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