If someone like you and me actually had erectile dysfunction, the first instinctive question would be, Wow, how can I cure this embarrassing condition? And assuming that both of us knew something about ED medication, “Which Drug is better, Viagra or Cialis?” would be the second question that would immediately follow the first.
Our case would be an hypothetical one, but in real life, the two questions are not far off from the truth because in fact the two most popular treatments for ED include Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) all known under a class of medications called PDE-5)
A Variety of Effective Treatments for ED
Initial treatment for erectile dysfunction can include medical, psychological and lifestyle therapies involving experts on these healing techniques. Nevertheless, the most popular and effective ED medical treatments include prescriptions of the drugs Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) by a qualified medical practitioner or doctor.
The two drug medications are collectively known under the title PDE5 or inhibitors that generate high blood flow to the penis. The help any man to get and maintain an election over a period of time that can vary from 4 to 36 hours at a time.
Levitra (vardenafil) and Stendra (avanafil) are two other popular drugs that work in the same way as the first two drugs.
Major Similarities and Differences between Cialis and Viagra
Similarities
Cialis and Viagra:
- Belong to thesame drug class PDE5 (Phosphodiesterase type 5)
- Are inhibitors that prevent certain functions in blood vessels from taking place
- Have generic versions are available as ED medication
- Are in tablet form for oral ingestion
- Can be used in ED treatment as long as needed
- Can be used by adult men of 18 years and above
Differences
Cialis and Viagra:
- Have different active ingredients Tadalafil in Cialis and Sildenafil in Viagra
- Have different dosages for “daily” oral tablet and “on demand” oral tablet
- For Cialis, dosages for ED: 2.5mg oral tablet taken daily; 5mg oral tablet taken daily at the same time; 10mg or 20mg oral tablet before having sex;
- For Viagra, dosages for ED: 50mg oral tablet before sexual activity
Treating Other Conditions with Cialis and Viagra
Cialis
The two medication drugs Cialis and Viagra are used for the treatment of different conditions. Cialis in particular has been used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction as well as other conditions such as signs and symptoms arising from an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BHP.
The active ingredient Tadalafil in Cialis can be used in its Adcirca brand name to treat PAH or pulmonary arterial hypertension also known as high pressure inside the lungs. Without FDA approval, Cialis has also been used as an “off-label” medication for a rare disorder in blood vessels called Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Viagra
The FDA has approved the use of Viagra only as a prescribed treatment of erectile dysfunction. The active ingredient in Viagra called Sildenafil is made into Revatio for treating and sometimes like Ciara can also be used “off-label” to treat Raynaud’s phenomenon, a very uncommon condition found in blood vessels.
The same “off-label” use of Viagra has taken place in treating sexual arousal disorder in women
Both
Both Cialis and Viagra have been used for the treatment of a variety of ED related conditions. For instance, Viagra can be used to treat early ejaculation in men so they have better control in timing their ejaculation.
Cialis on the on the other hand has been used to assist men who experience ED related issues such as the proper functioning of their ejaculation and orgasm mechanisms.
But which of the Two Drugs are More Effective?
When we consider situations where placebo is used or when no medication is applied at all, one tends to conclude that Cialis and Viagra would be the best options.
Basically, the two drugs work in a similar fashion with their differences accentuated by only by:
- How long the effects of each drug lasts
- The way in which the medication is taken and
- The medical history of the individual taking the treatment
Both of them have proved effective with Cialis slightly favored for its once-daily dose and in treating BPH patients or people who suffer from pulmonary arterial hypertension. Viagra has been preferred by those who use it sparingly as and when needed.
During a large scale analysis of 5000 patients both Cialis and Viagra both came out equal winners for effectiveness, safety and even had similar side effects. The deciding factor was highlighted by the testimonials from those who were taking Cialis for addressing their ED condition.
Those involved said they experienced and upgrade of their sexual prowess and confidence and indicated their preference for Ciara over Viagra. Why? They felt they were under less pressure to plan their sexual activity and also because Cialis had a much longer active effects.
Even so, never forget that if an when you get ED, you should immediately consult a doctor so that you may be given the best medical treatment available depending on the nature of your condition.
Comparing Insurance Coverage and Costs of Cialis and Viagra
The most important thing to know here is that both Cialis and Viagra have never enjoyed the luxury of coverage by either government sponsored Medicare or insurance companies. This means of course that the ability to charge low prices for tadalafil (Cialis) and sildenafil (Viagra) is absent.
Nevertheless, active ingredients of Cialis and Viagra can be sold under generic form but the prices are high. The average retail price of a generic tadalafil (Cialis) 30 2.5mg generic tablets is close to $300 or $275 to be exact. The price may decrease with coupons to around $90 to $180 for the same number of tablets.
The same case applies to Viagra in terms of Medicare and other insurance cover so the situation on price is practically identical of around $140 to nearly $400. Depending on the pharmacy and availability of coupons, this price may be downgraded to $75 to $140 for generic sildenafil.
Conclusion
Under the above realities it would be very difficult the give a satisfactory answer to the question “Which Drug is better, Cialis or Viagra?” precisely because both ED medications work in the same way despite differences in certain areas that do not impinge on their effectiveness in treating erectile dysfunction. In this sense it would be better if the question was reworded to ask why doesn’t the government select the best ED treatment drugs and list them under Medicare or insurance companies?