Ready to combat ED but confused about which type of PDE-5 inhibitor to take? You’re not the only one. Of the 3 FDA approved PDE-5 inhibitors, Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is definitely the most popular, but popularity alone shouldn’t be a determining factor. The more recently approved Cialis (tadalafil) is also highly effective and very safe alternative, although it may not be as popular yet. For starters, both the drugs are PDE-5 inhibitors so they help relax compromised or hardened penile arteries thus allowing more blood to flow into the penis and subsequently cause an erection.

The question is, "Since both of these drugs have the same effect, why should I choose one over another?"

Let’s compare both the PDE-5 inhibitors side by side to determine their differences:

Generic Name:
Viagra: Sildenafil Citrate
Cialis: tadalafil

Dosages: Available and Recommended:
Viagra: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets. Most patients begin using the 50 mg pill and either increase or decrease the dosage based on drug tolerance and / or effectiveness. Most healthcare practitioners recommend taking Viagra 1 hour prior to sexual activity but studies have shown that Viagra can actually be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before having sex

Cialis: 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets. It is recommended that you start out using 10 mg tablets and either increase or decrease the dosage depending on the results achieved. Traditionally, Cialis tablets can be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours prior to sexual activity.

How long does the effect last?
Viagra: approximately 4 hours

Cialis: approximately 17 to 36 hours (This is why they call Cialis the weekend pill.)

Year approved by the FDA:
Viagra:: March 27, 1998

Cialis: November 1, 2003

Success Rate
All three drugs work for approximately 70 percent of all men. Unfortunately, PDE-5 inhibitors won’t work for everyone. Certain men may need to use alternative treatments such as vacuum pump devices or even penile implants.

Side Effects
Both the drugs share most of the same side effects. Some men may experience headaches, flushing, back pain, runny noses, stomach aches, or even changes in vision (example: some Viagra studies have revealed that on rare occasions a man may begin seeing a bluish tinge but that should go away after the drug has been eliminated from the body). These are all common side effects and should not be reason to worry excessively.

None of the three PDE-5 inhibitors should be taken in combination with low blood pressure medication as this can potentially cause a person to have a heart attack. People with high blood pressure should also take PDE-5 inhibitors only after consulting with their doctor. In fact you should never self-prescribe yourself with any of the 3 PDE-5 inhibitors or any other prescription drug for that matter. Even if you are purchasing your PDE-5 inhibitors online you must still open up and tell the pharmacist everything he/she needs to know in order to properly formulate the correct treatment for you.

Notable Differences
Viagra has the proven track record and has been trusted by over 30 million men. On the other end, Cialis is long lasting. Cost wise both are almost in same range. In the end though, the real choice is up to you.