Cialis Vs Viagra: Drug Comparison

Cialis Vs Viagra: Drug Comparison

Compare indications, common side effects, interactions, warnings and more.

Drug Name Cialis Viagra
Regulation Rx (Prescription required) Rx (Prescription required)
Summary

Cialis (tadalafil), a leading medication available in the Philippines, offers a discreet and effective solution for men experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED) and the bothersome symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This medication works by enhancing blood flow to specific areas, notably the penis, by relaxing blood vessel muscles, which is key for achieving erections and easing urinary difficulties associated with BPH. Renowned for its extended efficacy of up to 36 hours, Cialis provides greater spontaneity, allowing for flexible dosing either as needed or via a low-dose daily regimen for continuous readiness. While generally well tolerated, common side effects like headaches, indigestion, and muscle aches typically subside quickly. However, it is critically important for men with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions to consult their doctor and strictly avoid combining Cialis with nitrates or certain other medications due to the risk of severe, life-threatening interactions.

Viagra (sildenafil citrate), a well-known oral medication for erectile dysfunction (ED), functions as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, working by increasing blood flow to the penis to facilitate an erection. In the Philippines, this medication is strictly taken only as needed, typically about an hour before sexual activity, though its effects can begin anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours prior. It is absolutely crucial not to exceed one dose per day, as doing so significantly increases the risk of severe side effects, including possible vision loss and dangerous drops in blood pressure.

Drug Category Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor
Approved Uses

Cialis (tadalafil) is indicated to treat:

  • Erectile dysfunction (ED)
  • The signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
  • ED and the signs and symptoms of BPH (ED/BPH)

Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is indicated to treat:

  • Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Dosage
  • Typically taken orally as needed prior to sexual activity, up to once daily (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg doses), or taken orally once daily (2.5 mg and 5 mg doses)
  • Comes in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets
  • Typically taken orally as needed approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity, up to once daily
  • Comes in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets
Known Common Side Effects

Most common adverse reactions (≥2%) include:

  • Headache
  • Indigestion
  • Back pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Nasal congestion
  • Flushing
  • Pain in limb

Most common adverse reactions (≥2%) include:

  • Headache
  • Flushing
  • Indigestion
  • Abnormal vision
  • Nasal congestion
  • Back pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Rash
Interactions & Contraindications
  • Administration of Cialis to patients using any form of organic nitrate is contraindicated
  • History of known serious hypersensitivity reaction to Cialis or Adcirca
  • Drug interactions: nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, alcohol, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir), CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin)
  • Administration of Viagra to patients using nitric oxide donors, such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form
  • Known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any component of the tablet
  • Drug interactions: nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, saquinavir, erythromycin)
Warnings & Precautions
  • Patients should not use Cialis if sex is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status
  • Use of Cialis with alpha blockers, antihypertensives, or substantial amounts of alcohol (≥5 units) may lead to low blood pressure
  • Cialis is not recommended in combination with alpha blockers for the treatment of BPH because efficacy of the combination has not been adequately studied and there is a risk of blood pressure lowering
  • If taking potent inhibitors of CYP3A4, dose should be adjusted
  • Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts longer than 4 hours
  • Patients should stop Cialis and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
  • Patients should stop Cialis and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing
  • Prior to initiating treatment with Cialis for BPH, consideration should be given to other urological conditions that may cause similar symptoms
  • Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts longer than 4 hours
  • Patients should stop Viagra and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
  • Patients should stop Viagra and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing
  • Caution is advised when Viagra is co-administered with alpha-blockers or antihypertensives
  • Decreased blood pressure, fainting, and prolonged erection may occur at higher sildenafil exposures
Reference *This information is from the label for brand name Cialis®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include tadalafil. *This information is from the label for brand name Viagra®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include sildenafil.

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