Key Difference: Cialis and Viagra work the same way and are used to primarily treat erectile dysfunction; however they differ in dosage, price, how long it takes to start its effects and how long it lasts. While, Viagra has become a more popular brand, Cialis has been gaining popularity as “The Weekend Pill” because of its 36-hour lasting effect, compared to the 4 hour effect by Viagra.

Erectile dysfunction has started taking center stage due to modernization and openness with regards to sex. With sex becoming an important part in today’s society, men facing erectile dysfunction have started to become more open regarding their condition. Erectile dysfunction is when a man fails to achieve an erection during sexual intercourse. It is known to disrupt love life and leave their sexual partners unsatisfied. With the turn of the century, many pills have become available today in order to treat erectile dysfunction, with the most popular being Viagra. Both, Cialis and Viagra are used for the same purpose but have significant differences among them.

In order to understand the properties of both the Cialis and Viagra, let’s first look at how the penis functions during an erection. When a man is sexually aroused, blood fills up in his penis causing the penis to become erect. In a non-erect state, the arteries that supply blood to the corpus cavernosum, a tissue responsible for erection, are constricted, while the veins that drain blood are open. Now, when the man becomes aroused, the arteries that leads blood into the corpus cavernosum open up allowing pressurized blood to enter, while the veins that drain blood constrict. The pressurized blood trapped in the corpus cavernosum causes the penis to stiffen and gives the man an erection. The most common type of erectile dysfunction is when the arteries, which allow the blood into the penis, do not relax and allow blood in to the corpus cavernosum. The ED pills basically help those muscles to relax and allow blood flow.

Cialis, generic name Tadalafil, is a PDE5 inhibitor and is the most popular rival to Viagra. This pill is most popularly used in order to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). The pill blocks the degradative action of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) on cyclic GMP in the smooth muscle cells lining the blood vessels supplying the corpus cavernosum of the penis. The pill increases the cGMP allowing the muscle in the penis to relax and let in blood to the smooth muscle allowing erection. It was originally developed by ICOS but was redeveloped under Lilly ICOS, when Eli Lilly and Company bought ICOS. Cialis, sold under the name of Adcirca is also used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as well as a combination of BPH and erectile dysfunction. Cialis is also produced under the name of Tadacip by Cipla for the Indian market.

Viagra, generic name Sildenafil citrate, is also a PDE5 inhibitor, similar to Cialis and also works in the same way. It protects cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) from degradation by cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) in the corpus cavernosum. It is popularly known as the little blue pill and also sold under the name of Revatio. Though, primarily used for erectile dysfunction, Viagra is also used to include pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and altitude sickness. Viagra is produced by the US-based pharmaceutical company Pfizer.

Though, both work the same way and are used to primarily treat the same thing they differ in dosage, price, how long it takes to start its effects and how long it lasts. While, Viagra has become a more popular brand, Cialis has been gaining popularity as “The Weekend Pill” because of its 36-hour lasting effect. The half-life of Cialis is 17.5 hours and it also takes 15 minutes to start showing effects. Viagra on the other hand lasts 4-5 hours, with a similar half-life of 4 hours and it also takes 30 minutes to start showing effects. Even in terms of price, Cialis beats its contender, as it costs $1.5 per pill compared to Viagra’s $4 per pill.

The side effects of Cialis include headache, upset stomach or heartburn, flushing, nasal congestion and back pain. Viagra has shown similar side-effects such as headache, upset stomach or heartburn, flushing, nasal congestion, dyspepsia, nasal congestion and impaired vision, including photophobia and blurred vision.

Due to the popularity of these pills, they have started being used in recreational uses. Rumors surrounding the ED pills suggesting that they can help increase libido or sexual performance; however none of this has been proven by research. In contrary, research suggests that a 20 gm dosage shows no effect on a person without ED. Prior to using such pills; one should visit and consult with the doctor regarding the severity of their condition, the dosage required and which brand is best for them.

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