{"id":2896,"date":"2019-12-18T08:55:36","date_gmt":"2019-12-18T13:55:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=2896"},"modified":"2026-03-10T15:28:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T19:28:15","slug":"cialis-vs-viagra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cialis-vs-viagra\/","title":{"rendered":"Cialis vs. Viagra: Which ED medication is right for you?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If erectile dysfunction (<\/span>ED<\/span><\/a>) is putting a damper on your sex life, your healthcare provider might prescribe Viagra (sildenafil) or Cialis (tadalafil). Both of these ED medications belong to a class of drugs called <\/span>phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme (PDE-5) inhibitors<\/span><\/a>, which promote blood flow to the penis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Below, we unpack the similarities and differences between Cialis versus Viagra, two of the most popular ED medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Cialis?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Cialis is a brand-name prescription medication that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ED and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate. It is sometimes used off-label to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to BPH, Raynaud\u2019s phenomenon, and to prevent High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).<\/span><\/p>\n

The active ingredient in Cialis is a PDE5 inhibitor called tadalafil. Cialis <\/span>lasts up to 36 hours<\/span><\/a>, so it can be prescribed as a <\/span>daily dose or on demand<\/span><\/a>. The longer duration of action is the biggest difference between Cialis and Viagra, according to <\/span>Anthea Nwandu<\/span><\/a>, MD, FACP, a board-certified internist and lifestyle medicine physician in Baltimore, Maryland. She explains: \u201cFor men who feel anxious about performance, or who want intimacy to feel more spontaneous, Cialis often leads to a more natural experience.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Viagra?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Viagra is a brand-name prescription medication that is <\/span>FDA approved<\/span><\/a> to treat ED. Off-label prescriptions for Viagra are not common, but it is occasionally <\/span>used off-label for<\/span><\/a> secondary Raynaud phenomenon, female sexual arousal disorder, and as an adjunct therapy for altitude-induced hypoxemia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Viagra\u2019s active ingredient, sildenafil, is a PDE5 inhibitor that widens blood vessels in the penis to improve erectile function. Viagra is taken <\/span>on demand<\/span><\/a>, anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours before sexual activity. It works quickly but <\/span>tapers off after four hours<\/span><\/a>. Dr. Nwandu says this makes Viagra an excellent option for men who want an ED medication with a shorter duration that can be taken \u201conly when needed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\u00a0 \u00a0Cialis vs. Viagra key differences<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug details<\/strong><\/td>\nCialis<\/b><\/td>\nViagra<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nPDE5 inhibitor<\/span><\/td>\nPDE5 inhibitor<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand<\/span><\/td>\nBrand<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/td>\nTadalafil<\/span><\/td>\nSildenafil<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nTablet<\/span><\/td>\nTablet<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\n2.5-5 mg once per day or 5-20 mg as needed<\/span><\/td>\n25\u2013100 mg taken as needed<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nLong-term<\/span><\/td>\nLong-term<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdult males with ED or BPH<\/span><\/td>\nAdult males with ED<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both Cialis and Viagra are approved to treat ED. But as mentioned above, Cialis is also approved to treat an enlarged prostate. Both medications also have a few <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> uses.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\u00a0 \u00a0Compare Cialis vs. Viagra conditions treated<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Condition<\/b><\/td>\nCialis<\/b><\/td>\nViagra<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Erectile dysfunction<\/strong><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Enlarged prostate (BPH)<\/strong><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS)<\/strong><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reynaud\u2019s syndrome<\/strong><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) prevention<\/strong><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Female sexual arousal disorder<\/strong><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Altitude-induced hypoxemia\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Which is better, Viagra or Cialis?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Both Viagra and Cialis are first-line treatments for ED. People taking these medications still require sexual stimulation, as the drugs do not trigger spontaneous erections. Cialis and Viagra are not treatment options for low libido or premature ejaculation. Which is better for you may depend on your lifestyle and preferences, as well as your individual tolerance to the medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>systematic review and meta-analysis<\/span><\/a> comparing Viagra and Cialis found that both drugs had similar rates of effectiveness and adverse events. However, individuals on Cialis experienced more improvements in sexual confidence compared to individuals on Viagra. <\/span>\u201cWhen patients tell me they feel more confident on Cialis compared to Viagra, it usually comes down to <\/span>psychological freedom<\/b>,\u201d Dr. Nwandu says. \u201cViagra\u2019s shorter effect can make men feel rushed. Cialis removes that ticking clock.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, Viagra is better for spontaneity because it kicks in more quickly than Cialis. Most men can feel the benefits <\/span>less than 30 minutes<\/span><\/a> after they take Viagra. By contrast, <\/span>studies<\/span><\/a> show that the effects of Cialis peak about two hours after taking it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ultimately, the best medication for a patient should be determined only by a healthcare provider familiar with the person\u2019s medical condition, history, and any medications they may already be taking that could interact with Cialis or Viagra, as well as the patient\u2019s response to treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf my patient asked me, \u2018Doc, which one should I start with?\u201d I\u2019d say, \u2018Let\u2019s try Viagra first. It\u2019s short-acting, so you\u2019ll get a feel for how your body responds. If you like the effect but want more flexibility, we can switch to Cialis later.\u2019\u201d – Anthea Nwandu<\/span>, MD<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Cialis vs. Viagra: Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/span><\/h2>\n

Both Cialis and Viagra are brand-name drugs that are available in generic form. The generic form of Cialis is tadalafil, while the <\/span>generic form of Viagra<\/span><\/a> is sildenafil.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cED medications are very rarely covered by insurance, regardless of which one is prescribed,\u201d says <\/span>Blair Gingerich<\/span><\/a>, Pharm.D., an ambulatory care pharmacist in northern Indiana. However, <\/span>some plans may cover generic ED medications<\/span><\/a> when an underlying health condition causes erectile dysfunction, or when the medication is taken for a different condition, such as BPH or an enlarged prostate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Without insurance<\/span><\/a>, the retail costs for Cialis and Viagra can vary by pharmacy and location. The average retail price of Cialis is $437 for 30, 5 mg tablets, whereas the average Viagra cost is about $1,064 for 10, 100 mg tablets. The good news is that you can save on prescription drugs by using SingleCare coupons or your free <\/span>SingleCare prescription discount card<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\u00a0 Compare Cialis vs. Viagra cost & coverage<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Cost and coverage<\/strong><\/td>\nCialis\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nViagra<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nPossibly for BPH<\/span><\/td>\nUnlikely<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nPossibly for BPH<\/span><\/td>\nUnlikely<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicaid?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries by state, but often not<\/span><\/td>\nVaries by state, but often not<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$17 for 90, 5 mg tablets<\/span> at Kroger\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n$13 for 30, 100 mg tablets at Walgreens<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How to save<\/b><\/td>\nGet SingleCare coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nGet SingleCare coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Feb. 13, 2026. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.<\/span><\/i><\/small><\/small><\/p>\n

Sexual Health Resources & Coupons<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Cialis vs. Viagra side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

Cialis and Viagra are both PDE5 inhibitors, so they cause similar side effects. \u201cThe <\/span>most common side effects<\/span><\/a> have to do with the vasodilation properties associated with PDE5 inhibitors,\u201d Dr. Gingerich says. \u201cPeople taking these medications may experience flushing, headaches, or indigestion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Common side effects of both <\/span>Viagra<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Cialis<\/span><\/a> include:<\/span><\/p>\n