Viagra vs Cialis
Editorial comparison of Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil). Same drug class context, trial-anchored data, no marketing claims.
Side-by-side
| Dimension | Viagra | Cialis |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | sildenafil | tadalafil |
| Manufacturer | Pfizer | Eli Lilly |
| FDA approved | 1998 | 2003 |
| Mechanism | Sildenafil blocks the PDE5 enzyme, which breaks down cGMP in penile tissue. | Same mechanism as sildenafil — PDE5 inhibition. Longer half-life (17.5 hours vs 4 hours for sildenafil) means effect lasts longer per dose. |
| Dosing | 25-100mg as needed, 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. Maximum 1 dose per 24 hours. | As-needed: 10-20mg before sexual activity. Daily: 2.5-5mg every day at the same time. |
| Cost | Branded Viagra ~$70/tablet. | Generic tadalafil $1-8/tablet. Telehealth $30-100/month depending on dose and as-needed vs daily. |
Full Viagra review →
First PDE5 inhibitor for ED. 30-60 min onset, 4-6 hour duration. Now widely available as generic sildenafil.
Full Cialis review →
Long-acting PDE5 inhibitor. 24-36 hour duration. Daily low-dose option for spontaneity.
Frequently asked
How do Viagra and Cialis compare on cost?+
Viagra: Branded Viagra ~$70/tablet. Generic sildenafil $1-5/tablet at most pharmacies with GoodRx-style coupons. Telehealth platforms charge $30-90/month for a typical monthly supply. Cialis: Generic tadalafil $1-8/tablet. Telehealth $30-100/month depending on dose and as-needed vs daily. Real out-of-pocket depends on insurance formulary tier, manufacturer savings programs, and whether a direct-pay channel is available.
Can I switch from Viagra to Cialis?+
Switching between brand-name treatments in the same drug class is common, but the conversion is not always 1:1. Discuss the switch with your prescriber — they'll usually re-titrate dosing rather than substitute equivalent strengths directly.
Are Viagra and Cialis the same drug?+
No. Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) are distinct medications from Pfizer and Eli Lilly respectively. They may share a drug class or mechanism but differ in active ingredient, dosing, and approved use.