Tadalafil 5mg

Erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence, is the inability to achieve or sustain a firm erection long enough to enjoy sexual activity.

The condition becomes more common with older age, but young men can also experience ED: One study from 2013 found that around 25 percent of erectile dysfunction patients were 40 or younger.

It’s estimated that 30 million American men suffer from ED, and previous surveys found that 70 percent of men over age 70 suffered from the condition. ED doesn’t have to be a “normal” part of aging. Leaving the condition untreated can lead to more than just sexual frustration.

It can also negatively impact your relationships, mental health, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, several prescription drugs can address your symptoms and improve your erections.

Some underlying medical conditions like diabetes and heart disease can cause ED, so it is important to see your primary care provider for an evaluation before starting any ED treatment.

  • Two brand-name medications, Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil), have been successfully used for decades to treat patients who have been diagnosed with ED.
  • They are both a type of medication called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, or PDE5 inhibitors.
  • These relax the smooth muscle in the penis and dilate the blood vessels to improve blood flow.
  • When combined with sexual stimulation, these ED treatments help patients achieve and maintain an erection.

Although Cialis and Viagra are in the same class of medications and work in similar ways, there are key differences between them. They each have unique benefits, active ingredients, side effects, and drug interactions. For that reason, patients may find that, when it comes to improving their personal experience, one medication is a better fit than the other. In this article, I’ll explain the differences between Cialis and Viagra, including how they work, the dosage of each drug, their effectiveness, costs, side effects, and interactions with other medications. I’ll also outline how you can get a prescription for Cialis or Viagra, and when to talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional.

What are Cialis and Viagra?

Cialis and Viagra are two brand-name prescription medications that treat erectile dysfunction (impotence; ED), a medical condition that inhibits individuals from achieving or maintaining an erection long enough or firm enough for enjoyable intercourse.

  • ED is one of the most common sexual dysfunctions, particularly among patients over age 40.
  • Both Cialis and Viagra are PDE-5 inhibitors, a type of medication that helps increase blood flow to the penis.
  • Both Cialis and Viagra are also available as generic medications.
  • These generic versions contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name version, are equally effective, and are usually sold at a lower cost.
  • The generic version of Cialis is called tadalafil, and generic Viagra is called sildenafil.
  • Cialis and Viagra are both oral medications that are considered first-line therapies in the treatment of ED.
  • They are both effective in helping patients achieve sexual satisfaction, and usually have fewer side effects than older, more invasive treatment options.
  • The active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis are also used to treat other health conditions.
  • Sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra, is also marketed as Revatio when used to treat pulmonary hypertension.
  • Cialis is FDA-approved to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition that leads to enlarged prostate glands.

How Each Works

  • Both Cialis and Viagra are medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors).
  • They work by widening the blood vessels in the penis and relaxing penile muscles to allow enough blood flow to achieve an erection.
  • While the basic mechanisms are the same, there are some important differences between the two medications.

Cialis lasts much longer in the body than Viagra.

  • Cialis begins to work roughly 30 minutes after people take the medication and can last up to 36 hours in your system.
  • That means you can take your dose once per day and achieve an erection anytime you’d like, day or night.

Viagra stays active in your system for about 4 hours after taking it.

  • It is typically taken 30-60 minutes before a sexual encounter.
  • It also has slightly different chances for side effects than Cialis.


Cialis and Viagra are oral medications that doctors or licensed healthcare providers can prescribe at various dosages depending on patient needs. Cialis comes in a yellow, oval tablet. Viagra is a small, blue, diamond-shaped tablet. The generic forms of these medications look different, but are usually equally effective.

Cialis is available as a pill in four different dosage strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg. You can take Cialis once per day, or on an as-needed basis 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. For those taking one one daily pill, providers will usually prescribe 2.5 or 5 mg per day. For patients who are prescribed Cialis on an as-needed basis, 10 mg is the usual starting dose. If you have taken Cialis and do not believe your dose is enough for you, talk to your prescriber before increasing your dose. Taking more than the recommended dose can cause serious side effects.

Viagra is available as a pill in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg doses. Your dosage will depend on your age and overall health, the severity of your condition, how well you respond to the drug, as well as any other medications you take. Patients can take Viagra on an as-needed basis, but should never take more than one pill in 24 hours. A “normal” Viagra dose is 50 mg, which resulted in improved erections for 74 percent of men in clinical trials. A 25 mg pill is an adequate dose for many patients, though. On average, Viagra stays in your system for 4-8 hours, and it is most effective within the first 1-4 hours after taking it. Depending on the patient’s experience, the dose may be adjusted higher or lower.

Several clinical trials suggest that Cialis is highly effective at enhancing erections and improving patient sexual experience. In one study of 348 patients, nearly 60% of participants who took tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, completed sexual intercourse. Only 28.3% of the control group completed intercourse in the study.

Viagra’s effectiveness has been well-documented for more than two decades. In one study, researchers asked participants who had taken sildenafil (Viagra’s active ingredient) for 1-3 years if they were satisfied with the effect of the medication on their erections. More than 95% answered yes.

Cost Comparison

ED medication can be expensive. If you have been diagnosed with ED and have a prescription for either Viagra or Cialis, you can purchase your medication through a reputable online pharmacy or your local pharmacy. Costs will vary depending on your dosage, insurance coverage, type of pharmacy, and your location.

Depending on the strength you have been prescribed, Cialis can cost as little as $29, or more than $100 per tablet.

Many patients rely on insurance coverage or pharmacy coupons to reduce the price of their prescriptions. If you are concerned about price, the average retail cost of generic tadalafil is much lower. It provides the same benefits as Cialis.