Tadalafil vs Cialis: Make the Right Choice

Are you struggling to distinguish between Tadalafil and Cialis?

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

These medicines are used to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men. 

Erectile Dysfunction is one of the most common and rarely-discussed medical disorders affecting men. Several physical and psychological factors contribute to ED.

To treat this sexual dysfunction, non-medical therapies and ED pills are available for treatment.

Tadalafil is currently a less-priced generic alternative to Cialis that is available.

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

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. Cialis is also mentioned as generic Tadalafil.

Eli Lilly, a pharmaceutical corporation, manufactured the well-known Erectile Dysfunction medicine Cialis in 2003. Also, Tadalafil is Cialis’s generic equivalent.

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

After the license of Cialis by Eli Lily expired, it was sold in the market as generic Tadalafil by different pharma companies.

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.

Thus, today Tadalafil is also sold as Tadarise, Tadagra, etc.

What is a Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor?

Insufficient blood flow in the penis is the root cause of Erectile Dysfunction.

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

This PDE5 help 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.

However, this medicine works for as early as 16 minutes. It’s only effective when the person is sexually stimulated.

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 effect might disappear.

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 which 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.

What are the interactions between Cialis and Tadalafil?

Some drugs, diseases, and food might interact with Tadalafil (Cialis) and cause undesired impacts.

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 which 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 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.

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.

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Julian Carter

Julian Carter is a highly accomplished MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, celebrated for his extensive experience and exceptional skills in the pharmaceutical industry. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise, Julian is a valuable contributor to the field and a trusted voice in pharmaceutical management.
As a contributing writer for Goodrxmedicine.com, Julian is committed to educating and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health. His passion for the industry is evident in his work, and his dedication to improving the lives of others through education and empowerment is truly remarkable.
With a reputation for excellence and a track record of success, Julian Carter is a respected and admired figure in pharmaceutical management. His insights and contributions to the field are highly valued, and her expertise has helped shape the direction of the industry for the better.
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