CialisvsViagra
Both are PDE5 inhibitor • Side-by-side comparison
Cialis vs Viagra: Overview
Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) are both PDE5 inhibitors prescribed for erectile dysfunction (ED) and are the two most widely recognized ED medications in the world. Both work by relaxing smooth muscle and increasing blood flow to the penis, enabling an erection in response to sexual stimulation. The key practical difference is duration: Viagra typically works for 4-6 hours and should be taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity, while Cialis lasts up to 36 hours — earning it the nickname "the weekend pill" — and is also available as a once-daily low-dose option. Both have affordable generic versions. Tadalafil (generic Cialis) is also FDA-approved for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Key Facts at a Glance
- ✓Cialis lasts up to 36 hours; Viagra lasts 4-6 hours
- ✓Cialis available as daily low-dose (2.5-5 mg) for spontaneous use
- ✓Viagra typically taken 30-60 min before; Cialis 30 min to 2 hrs before
- ✓Both have affordable generics: sildenafil and tadalafil
- ✓Tadalafil (Cialis) also treats enlarged prostate (BPH)
- ✓Food does not significantly affect Cialis; high-fat meals can reduce Viagra effectiveness
Cialis
Drug AUsed For
- ✓ Erectile dysfunction
- ✓ Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Viagra
Drug BUsed For
- ✓ Erectile dysfunction
Key Differences
Which Should You Choose?
Cialis is often preferred for its flexibility — the 36-hour window allows for spontaneity without timing a pill precisely. The daily low-dose option is popular for men who have sex more than twice weekly or want to avoid planning around a dose. Viagra works faster and may be preferred by men who want a shorter duration. Both are highly effective. The choice often comes down to personal preference, lifestyle, and how the medication fits into your routine. Generics for both are now available at very low cost.