Cialis Vs Tadalafil – Comparison and Review

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem faced by many men. A number of treatments exist to help men get and maintain an erection. Two such treatments are Cialis and Tadalafil. In this article, we compare both treatments and take an in-depth look at them.

What is tadalafil?

Tadalafil is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction. Tadalafil is a type of drug called a PDE5 inhibitor. Tadalafil works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis. This increases blood flow into the penis which improves erections when sexually stimulated.

Other ED medicines like Viagra work the same way. 

There are 4 different strengths of tadalafil tablets available:

• 2.5mg
• 5mg
• 10mg
• 20mg

The 10mg or 20mg strengths are taken around an hour before sex. A maximum of one tablet can be taken per day and these strengths should not be used every day continuously.

The lower strengths of 2.5mg or 5mg are taken once daily continuously. This tadalafil dosage is useful for men who regularly have sex twice a week or more and the dose can improve erections at any time of the day.

Tadalafil can also be used to treat two other diseases called pulmonary hypertension (PAH) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The dose for PAH is 40 mg whereas the maximum dose for ED is 20 mg.

What is Cialis?

Cialis is the branded version of tadalafil. Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis, meaning Cialis works in exactly the same way. As of 2017, Cialis no longer has an exclusive patent on this drug, and this means that other companies are able to manufacture ‘generic Cialis’ – tadalafil.

While medically the same, the extra competition means prices for generic medicines are cheaper than the original branded versions. Due to this, tadalafil is significantly cheaper than Cialis. While some men still prefer the branded version, many others have switched to using tadalafil.

What is the difference?

You will notice that their appearances differ in terms of pill type and packaging but when you take the tablet, there should be no difference in effect.

The main difference between both products is their cost. Tadalafil tablets are significantly cheaper than Cialis tablets.

Our Cialis/Tadalafil prices on SimpleOnlinePharmacy:

(Correct as of 15/08/20) 

How effective is Cialis/tadalafil?

Treatment options for ED are generally very effective and can greatly improve erection problems. In medical studies, 81% of patients reported that tadalafil improved their erections. When taking a ‘when required’ dose, tadalafil can improve erections up to 36 hours after the dose. The tablets should start to work within 30-60 minutes of taking a dose.

Unlike most other ED treatments, a lower dose of tadalafil can be taken every day instead of on a ‘when required’ basis. This dose can improve erections at any time of the day and many men find it more convenient and effective to take it this way rather than taking a dose 30-60 minutes before sex. A number of studies have shown that daily dosing of tadalafil is effective in treating ED and has a beneficial effect on the sexual relationship between partners.

Who shouldn’t take Cialis/tadalafil?

There are some instances when tadalafil should not be used. Men with the following conditions should not take tadalafil:

• Serious heart disease or a recent heart attack within the last 90 days
• A stroke within the last 6 months
• Low blood pressure
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• A history of a condition called ‘stroke of the eye’ (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy)

Men who take medicines called ‘nitrates’ must not take tadalafil. Nitrates are medicines used for angina symptoms like chest tightness. Examples of nitrates are:

• Isosorbide mononitrate
• Isosorbide dinitrate
• Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN Spray)

There are other medicines that can interact with tadalafil such as alpha-blockers. When you order online from our doctors or discuss with your GP it is important you disclose every medicine you currently take. Recreational drugs such as ‘poppers’ can be dangerous when taken alongside tadalafil.

Side effects

Some of the common side effects associated with tadalafil are:

• Headaches
• Flushing
• Nasal congestion
• Indigestion
• Back pain
• Muscle pain

A full list of the side effects can be seen in the patient information leaflet.

Some uncommon and rare side effects should be treated immediately by a medical professional:

• Allergic reactions like rashes
• Priapism – a long-lasting erection that can be painful. If the erection lasts for 2 hours or more it is a medical emergency
• Sudden loss of vision
• Chest pains

Tadalafil vs sildenafil (Viagra)

Sildenafil is the active ingredient in the brand Viagra. Sildenafil is the cheaper, generic version of Viagra.

The biggest difference between Viagra and tadalafil is that tadalafil is a longer-acting drug. This means that it is effective for longer than Viagra. For some men, beneficial effects on erections can be seen up to 36 hours after taking a dose of tadalafil. 

Viagra/sildenafil cannot be taken as a continuous daily dose, unlike tadalafil. This means that it has to be taken 30-60minutes before sex. Some men may find this less convenient than daily dosing of tadalafil.

There is little difference between the price of generic sildenafil and generic tadalafil. Sildenafil is available on our website in the 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg strengths.

Summary

Cialis is the branded version of the drug tadalafil. Since the patent expired in 2017, generic tadalafil has become available on the market. Generic tadalafil is significantly cheaper than Cialis as highlighted in our price comparison table:

Our Cialis/Tadalafil prices on SimpleOnlinePharmacy:

(Correct as of 15/08/20) 

Amongst ED treatments, tadalafil is unique because it can be taken every day. Most ED treatments (like Viagra) are taken on an occasional basis and 30-60minutes before sex. Tadalafil can be taken in the same way or lower doses of tadalafil can be taken once daily.

Both dosages are effective treatments for ED, however, the once-daily dose is best for men who have sex twice or more a week. Many men find the once-daily dose more convenient than taking a dose before sex.

Studies on tadalafil have shown that both ways of taking tadalafil are effective for treating men with erection problems.  In medical studies, 81% of patients reported that tadalafil improved their erections. Tadalafil can improve erections up to 36 hours after a dose.

You can order ED treatments including Cialis and generic tadalafil online from our online pharmacy and online doctor service. Some people prefer to order online rather than speak to a doctor face-to-face. 

To order online, you have to fill out an online consultation form which is assessed by our doctors. If deemed safe and suitable, the doctor will pass a prescription on to our pharmacy team, who will fill the prescription. This will then be sent discreetly and securely to your delivery address.