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Tadalafil vs Cialis: Are They the Same?

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Written by- Julian Carter
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Are you struggling to distinguish between Tadalafil and Cialis?

Well, then read this article about Tadalafil vs Cialis to clarify your doubts.

These medicines are used to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED), a common sexual health condition affecting men.

Are Tadalafil and Cialis the same? How do these medicines differ and which one should you buy to treat ED?

So, here’s a comparison on Cialis vs Tadalafil to help you choose between the two medicines.

Tadalafil vs Cialis: Are they even different?

Tadalafil vs Cialis: Are they even different?Source: Getty-images
Tadalafil vs Cialis: Are they even different?

As mentioned, Cialis and Tadalafil treat Erectile Dysfunction in men. Tadalafil is the active component present in Cialis. However, Tadalafil is also available as a generic alternative to Cialis.

Eli Lilly, a pharmaceutical corporation, manufactured the well-known Erectile Dysfunction pill Cialis in 2003.

In 2008, the FDA approved Cialis as a treatment for Erectile Dysfunction.

The generic version of Cialis, Tadalafil, was created by pharmaceutical companies after the patent on the original drug expired in 2017.

As a result, Tadalafil, a generic form of Cialis, came into the market. This is significantly less expensive and just as effective for treating Erectile Dysfunction.

How do Cialis and Tadalafil work

Tadalafil belongs to the group of medicines called Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (abbreviated as PDE 5) inhibitors.

The medicine helps in inhibiting PDE5 enzymes which are responsible for breaking cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) levels.

Hence, the PDE5 inhibitors work by increasing the cGMP levels in the body.

Increased cGMP levels boost the penile blood flow, which is necessary for maintaining an erection. Thus, it helps a man get and keep the desired erection for a fulfilling sexual experience.

This medicine may start working as early as 16 minutes. It’s only effective when the person is sexually stimulated.

Cialis, which contains Tadalafil as its active ingredient, works in the same way. The effects of Cialis and generic Tadalafil pills may slightly vary due to the presence of inactive ingredients

What are the side effects of Tadalafil and Cialis?

side effects of Tadalafil and CialisSource: Getty-images
side effects of Tadalafil and Cialis

Tadalafil might cause some common to rare side effects. However, once the body adjusts to the dosage of Tadalafil, the side effects might disappear.

Cialis, the brand-name version of Tadalafil, produces the same side effects as Tadalafil.

These side effects include:

  • Nausea 
  • Backache
  • Face Flushing
  • Blocked nose
  • Indigestion
  • Nervousness
  • Muscle Pain
  • Disruption in vision
  • Vomiting 
  • Headaches 

Certain rare or uncommon side effects that might result after taking Tadalafil pills are as follows:

  • Priapism (prolonged/painful erection)
  • Bleeding nose
  • Changes in the color of vision

However, if you follow doctors’ recommendations, you might not face these side effects.

Interactions: Cialis and Tadalafil

Some drugs, diseases, and food might interact with Tadalafil (Cialis) and cause undesired impacts. In addition, Cialis and Tadalafil may also interact with each other.

Taking two ED pills on the same day can increase the risk of side effects. Due to this, doctors advise warn not to combine Tadalafil and Cialis.

Drug Interaction

Tadalafil (Cialis) might interact with some medicines, which include:

  • Amyl Nitrite
  • Boceprevir
  • Erythrityl Tetranitrate
  • Isosorbide Dinitrate
  • Isosorbide Mononitrate
  • Nitroglycerin
  • Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate
  • Propatyl Nitrate

Disease Interaction

Cialis or generic Tadalafil might interact with some diseases or disorders. The health-related conditions that might risk the effectiveness of Tadalafil-containing pills are as follows:

  • Leukemia
  • Hypertension
  • Heart problem
  • Diabetes
  • Retinitis Pigmentosa
  • Renal Dysfunction
  • Liver disease

Before taking this medicine, disclose your medical history to your healthcare provider.

Food Interaction

Some food items which might interact with Cialis (Tadalafil) are as follows:

  • Grapefruit
  • Grapefruit juice
Warning
Do not take high-fat meals just before eating Tadalafil pills. This could affect the medicine’s absorption into the body

Do not take these food items as they might reduce the absorption rates of the medicine.

Tadalafil vs Cialis cost

A single unit of Cialis, 20 mg tablets, costs $27.85. Contrastingly, a single unit of generic Tadalafil (Tada 20mg) costs around $ 0.57. 

Thus, there’s a vast difference in price between Cialis and Generic Cialis pills.

A brief comparison

Key FactorsCialisTadalafil (Generic Cialis)
SaltTadalafilTadalafil
Time of action15 minutes15 minutes
Duration36 hours36 hours
PriceAround $27.85Around $0.57

Last word: What is better in Cialis vs Tadalafil?

In Cialis vs Tadalafil, both Cialis and Tadalafil are equally effective.

Eli Lily manufactures Cialis (Tadalafil), and Tadalafil is manufactured under various brand names like Vidalista, Tadagra, etc.

Generic Tadalafil is mainly sold at affordable prices.

However, it is always recommended that you buy medicines from a trusted pharmacy like GoodRX medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tadalafil as good as Cialis?

Tadalafil and Cialis are both effective. They are both used in treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men.

How long does Tadalafil last?

Tadalafil lasts for as long as 36 hours. This is why it is also called a “weekend pill.”

Is Tadalafil cheaper than Cialis?

A single unit of Cialis, 20 mg tablets, costs $27.85. Contrastingly, a single unit of generic Tadalafil (Tada 20mg) costs around $ 0.57. Thus, generic Tadalafil, like Tadagra, Tadarise, etc., is cheaper than Cialis.

Which is stronger, Sildenafil or Tadalafil?

Tadalafil is stronger and preferred over Sildenafil as it lasts in the body for over 36 hours. While, Sildenafil lasts for just 4 to 5 hours.

Citations:
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