How much cialis to take

Cialis vs. Viagra: Which Is More Effective?
Oral medications are a simple and effective way to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). The most common erectile dysfunction pill is Viagra, and the next most common is Cialis. Both medications are phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors that work by increasing blood flow to the penis. The major difference is that Cialis lasts longer and can be taken daily, giving you erections on demand. Viagra is always taken a few hours before it’s needed and offers less spontaneity.
Continue reading to learn more about Cialis vs. Viagra, including the side effects of each and the differences between them.
What Is Cialis?
Cialis (tadalafil) is a type of PDE5 inhibitor that the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2003. Like other PDE5 inhibitors, it increases blood flow to the penis.
There are two different ways to take Cialis: as needed or daily. If you take the pill daily, the medication stays in your system constantly. This makes it easier to get an erection anytime you need one. This is a good option for people who frequently have sex and like flexibility and spontaneity in their sex lives.
The other option is to take Cialis at least 30 minutes before starting sexual activity. If you take the pill once, the effects of the pill last for about 36 hours. That means you’ll likely find it easier to get an erection during that time.
Cialis is primarily for treating ED but can also treat an enlarged prostate. In addition, under the brand name Adcirca, tadalafil can also treat pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Side Effects.
The common side effects of Cialis include:
Headache Heartburn and indigestion Nausea and diarrhea Cough Muscle pain Drop in blood pressure Flushing.
Some side effects of Cialis are an emergency. If you experience these you should speak with your healthcare provider immediately:
An erection lasting longer than four hours Sudden vision changes, including blurred vision Sudden hearing changes, including ringing in the ears Dizziness Chest pain Hives, rash, or blistering Difficulty breathing or swallowing Swelling of the face or mouth.
What Is Viagra?
Viagra (sildenafil) was the first erectile dysfunction pill the FDA approved, back in 1998. Like Cialis, it’s a PDE5 inhibitor that increases blood flow to the penis. The difference is that the effects of Viagra don’t last very long (only about four to six hours). Viagra is always taken before an anticipated sexual activity.
Viagra can only be taken once every 24 hours. So, even if you take it daily there are times when the medication is not in your system, making it difficult to have an erection. Because of that, Viagra is most often used by people who occasionally have sex. The upside to Viagra is that you only take it when you need it.
Side Effects.
Headache Heartburn Diarrhea Flushing Nosebleed Sleep troubles Numbness, burning or tingling in the arm, hands and feet Muscle aches Changes to vision, including sensitivity to light, seeing a blue tinge, or losing the ability to tell the difference between blue and green.
If you experience other, more serious side effects, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately, including:
Loss of vision or blurred vision Changes to hearing or ringing in the ears Dizziness and lightheadedness Fainting Chest pain Shortness of breath An erection that lasts longer than four hours or is painful Itching or boring while urinating Rash.
How ED Drugs Work.
PDE5 inhibitors work by blocking the breakdown of a substance known as cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This, in turn, leads to more nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a substance that causes blood vessels to relax. This leads to more blood flow to the penis, leading to stronger erections. Both Cialis and Viagra work in this way.
Cialis vs. Viagra.
Choosing the right ED pill can be intimidating. Talk with your healthcare provider about your sex life and desired use. In addition, consider the information below. Both medications are generic now and can be found at discounted rates, making them more accessible to the public than ever before.
Which Works Faster?
Both Cialis and Viagra work quickly. If you’re taking Cialis as needed, you take the pill about 30 minutes before sex. Viagra can be taken as long as four hours or as little as 30 minutes before sex. It works best when taken one hour before sex.
Which Lasts Longer?
Cialis lasts longer. Cialis stays in your system for up to 36 hours and may provide support for erections during that entire time. Viagra generally only stays in your system for four to six hours.
Which Is More Effective?
Cialis and Viagra are equally effective. All PDE5 inhibitors are about 70% effective at helping people have better erections. That means seven out of 10 people who take these drugs as prescribed will have more frequent or longer-lasting erections.
However, eating food, particularly high-fat food, can reduce the effectiveness of Viagra.
Dosage.
The dose of Cialis you need will depend on whether you’re taking it daily or as needed. Daily doses are often between 2.5 and 5 milligrams (mg). The as-needed dose is usually 10 mg but can range from 5–20 mg.
The typicaldose of Viagra is 50 mg. However, the dosage can range from 25–100 mg. Your healthcare provider will discuss which dose is right for you.
Safety.
Because Cialis and Viagra are both PDE5 inhibitors, they have similar side effects and safety concerns. Talk with your healthcare provider about which might be best for you.
Main Differences Between Cialis and Viagra.
The main difference between Cialis and Viagra is how long each lasts. Cialis stays in your system for up to 36 hours, and you can take it daily. That means you can have erections whenever you want or need them. It’s also possible to take Cialis as needed, about 30 minutes before sex.
Viagra is always taken as needed, usually about an hour before sex. You can take Viagra daily, but because the medication stays in your system for four to six hours, it will not be effective all day.
Talking to Your Healthcare Provider About ED.
Talking to your healthcare provider about ED can be intimidating. However, it’s important to remember that sexual health is part of overall health. In addition, ED is extremely common. Healthcare providers have experience talking about ED and providing treatment options without any judgment or shame. However, if you’d feel more comfortable talking with a healthcare provider virtually rather than in person, you can consider requesting an online ED prescription instead.
Summary.
Cialis and Viagra are both pills for treating erectile dysfunction. They are PDE5 inhibitors that allow for increased blood flow to the penis, leading to more frequent and harder erections. Because they are the same class of medications, they have similar side effects and effectiveness. Cialis can be taken daily, providing constant treatment for ED for people who have sex frequently. There is also the option to take Cialis as needed. Viagra is always taken as needed, usually an hour before having sex.
Frequently Asked Questions.
There’s no research available on whether Cialis or Viagra will give you harder erections. Because they work in the same mechanisms, they’re likely similar. Both are about 70% effective at treating ED.
Cialis reaches its maximum effectiveness two hours after you take it. However, it stays in your body for up to 36 hours and can be taken every 24 hours, so it can work for you constantly.
Both Cialis and Viagra are effective at these doses. Your healthcare provider can help you determine the right dosage for you.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Urology Care Foundation. Erectile dysfunction (ED). Emling S. Viagra vs. Cialis: Is one right for you? American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). MedlinePlus. Tadalafil. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. Sildenafil. National Library of Medicine. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. In LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury . National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. 2017.
By Kelly Burch Kelly Burch is has written about health topics for more than a decade. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and more.