Cialis vs Viagra – Which is best?

There is a lot of debate about which is more effective Viagra or Cialis. However, the answer to this question is not that simple. We’ve explored both of these two popular ED treatment options in the article below. Both Viagra and Cialis have their respective strengths and advantages. Both Viagra and Cialis are drugs used to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED), they do this by inhibiting an enzyme known as phosphodiesterase-5 and increasing blood flow to the penis. Cialis has a longer onset of action than Viagra and stays active in the body for 36 hours, allowing spontaneous erections during that time period. Viagra stays active in the body for 4-6 hours after ingestion and needs to be planned around sexual activity. Both medicines take a similar time to start working after ingestion, however Viagra can start to work slightly faster than Cialis does. Both medication for Erectile Dysfunction have similar side effects, common to all ED drugs, however there are some side effects that are specific to either one such as muscle aches or back pains for Cialis, and visual disturbances for Viagra. We hope that this article helps to answer some of your questions along the lines of: Does cialis work better than viagra? or Is Cialis more effective than Viagra? or What are the side effects of Cialis compared to those of Viagra. You can safely, privately and reliably purchase Cialis or Viagra online from Meds For Less for next day home delivery.

What’s the difference between Viagra and Cialis?

Cialis (using the active ingredient Tadalafil) and Viagra (using the active ingredient Sildenafil) are both medications that are used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), however they differ in key aspects such as how long they last, how they should be taken and a breakdown of the main differences.

• •  Cialis typically starts to work within 30 minutes of taking it and its active ingredient (tadalafil) stays active in the body for 36 hours after taking it.

• • Viagra typically starts to work for an hour after taking it and it’s active ingredient (sildenafil) stays active in the body for 4 hours after taking it.

• • Neither of these drugs cause erections to last for the full time period, instead they allow spontaneous erections whenever sexually aroused, erections should last a normal amount of time to complete sexual activity.

• • Cialis and Viagra both have dosages of 10mg and 20mg that can be taken prior to planned sexual activity to treat erectile dysfunction.

• • Cialis has a lower dose (2.5mg or 5mg) which can be taken every day of the week to allow spontaneous sexual activity whenever required. The higher doses of Cialis or any dose of Viagra should not be taken more than once a day or daily, they should be taken 2-3 time a week.

Both medications have similar side effects common to all ED medications such as headaches, flushing of the hands and face, indigestion and nasal congestion.

• •  Cialis is more likely to cause muscle pains or bache pains than Viagra

• • Viagra is more likely to cause visual disturbances than Cialis

These common and mild side effects should gradually disappear with continued use, however if you find that they persist, please speak to your healthcare provider. Cialis is less affected by food and can be taken with or without food. It is minimally affected by high fat meals. Viagra’s effectiveness can be reduced if taken with or after a heavy or high-fat meal. The price of each medication varies depending on the dosage and whether you are purchasing the generic forms, i.e: Sildenafil and Tadalafil, or the branded forms, i.e Viagra or Cialis, respectively. Please see our website page at Meds For Less, for each branded drug and the respective pages for the generic forms to compare prices.

Cialis and Viagra Specifications Comparison

Please read below in order to compare Viagra and Cialis based on their specifications:

• • Active ingredient: The active ingredient in Viagra is Sildenafil whereas the active ingredient in Cialis is Tadalafil.

• • Onset: Cialis typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours to begin working after ingestion, Viagra typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to begin working after ingestion.

• • Duration of action: Cialis lasts in the body for up to 36 hours, allowing a much wider window for sexual activity, whereas Viagra only lasts in the body for 4 hours, hence creating a requirement of planning around sexual activity.

• • Dosage forms: Cialis is typically available in 10mg or 20mg doses and can be taken on as needed basis. These tablets remain active In the body for 36 hours, allowing spontaneous erections during that time period.

Viagra comes in 25, 50 and 100mg tablets and is taken as needed, at least 1 hour before sex. There is a daily dose of Cialis (2.5 mg or 5mg) which is meant to be taken every day and maintains a steady stream of Tadalafil (the active ingredient) in the bloodstream throughout the whole week. This increases spontaneity and allows you to be ready for sex whenever sexually aroused.

• • Food interactions: Cialis can be taken with or without food, however if Viagra is taken after or with a heavy meal or a high fat meal, it can impair its effectiveness. 

• • Side effects: Common side effects of both Cialis and Viagra include headaches, flushing, nasal congestion and indigestion.

Specific side effects of Cialis include back aches or muscle pains which come on 12 hours after using it and disappear within 48 hours, these should disappear with continued use. Please see a healthcare practitioner if these side effects persist Specific side effects of Viagra include visual disturbances such as sensitivity to bright lights or colour disturbances. These disturbances typically wear off in 4-6 hours alongside the effects of Viagra. Typically, these disturbances decrease with continued use. If these disturbances are bothersome or persist longer than anticipated, please see a healthcare practitioner for advice.

Side Effects of Erectile Dysfunction Medications

Erectile dysfunction drugs such as Spedra, Levita, Cialis or Viagra all have side effects, however not everyone taking these drugs experiences them. Common side effects include:

• • Headaches

• • Flushing: Warmth in the hands , face or neck

• • Indigestion or upset stomach

• • Nasal congestion or having a blocked nose

• • Dizziness

• • Mild hearing loss

The comparison of Cialis Vs Viagra side effects leads to a result that shows that Cialis is more prone to causing muscle aches or back pains whereas Blurred vision is more common with Viagra or Levitra (another ED drug). Muscle aches or back pains associated with Cialis typically start 12 hours after use and last for 48 hours. They start to disappear with continued use of the drug. These common and mild side effects should disappear with continued use, however if they persist, please speak to your healthcare provider.

More serious side effects:

Some more serious side effects of Erectile Dysfunction medications include:

• •  A priapism: Prolonged erection lasting for more than 4 hours. Please seek medical attention immediately if this occurs as this is an emergency and can cause permanent damage to the penis.

• • Sudden vision loss

• • Sudden hearing loss

• • Severe low blood pressure

• • Heart attack or stroke

 If any of these occur, seek medical attention or call 999 immediately.

Cost of ED treatment

Please see the table below for the different costs of ED treatment at Meds for Less, specifically the Cialis vs Viagra price comparison

Medication	4 doses	8 doses	12 doses	16 doses	28 doses
Viagra 25mg	£19.99	£29.99	£44.99	£54.99	£89.99
Viagra 50mg	£29.99	£49.99	£69.99	£84.99	£124.99
Viagra 100mg	£33.99	£59.99	£79.99	£93.99	£154.99
Cialis 2.5mg	–	–	–	–	£69.95
Cialis 5mg	–	–	–	–	£69.95
Cialis 10mg	£35.99	£71.99	£107.99	£143.99	–
Cialis 20mg	£35.99	£71.99	£107.99	£143.99	–

Cialis and Viagra are both prescription drugs but they both have OTC alternatives: Cialis Together and Viagra connect respectively. The pricing for both these drugs can be found on our website at Meds for Less. There are other ED drugs such as Levitra or Spedra, you can find our prices for those drugs on our website: Meds For Less There are also generic forms of Viagra (Sildenafil) and Cialis (Tadalafil) which are cheaper in cost but have the same safety profile and medical effectiveness. You can also find the cost of these medicines on the Meds for Less website.

 Interaction with drugs

Erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs can interact with other drugs and cause serious and unwanted side effects. Please give a full and comprehensive list of your medication history to your pharmacist or doctor before purchasing these drugs. Some important medications that ED drugs can interact with include:

• • Nitrates such as Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat), Isosorbide mononitrate or isosorbide dinitrate (Chemydur XL, Isotard, Monomil XL) which are used to treat angina (chest pain) or heart disease can severely interact with ED drugs and significantly increase the chance of having a drop in blood pressure, shock, heart attack or stroke.

• • Alpha-blockers such as tamulosin (Flomax), doxazosin, terazosin or alfuzosin, which are taken to treat High Blood Pressure or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) can also interact with ED drugs and increase the risk of unwanted side effects such as sudden drop in blood pressure. Doctors may prescribe a lower dose of ED drugs if you are on Alpha-blockers.

• • Other Anti-Hypertensives (medicines to reduce blood pressure) can also increase the blood pressure lowering effects of ED drugs leading to dizziness or fainting.

If you are any of the following classes of drugs: ACE inhibitors (ramipril), Angiotensin receptor blockers (losartan), Calcium channel blockers (amlodipine), beta blockers (like metoprolol), or  Diuretics (water pills), please disclose this to your doctor or pharmacist so they can prescribe you ED drugs safely.

When should I talk to a doctor?

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that affects approximately 4 million men in the UK. You should consider speaking to a doctor about ED if you experience any of the following symptoms: Frequently difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection more than 50% of the time. If you are occasionally having difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, that can be normal, however if this problem persists, it could indicate an underlying health issue. If you feel that ED is affecting your mental health, relationship or self-esteem, you should speak to a doctor about the impact on your quality of life. If the ED you experience is accompanied by other symptoms such as reduced sexual desire, pain or changes in penile shape, its important to seek medical advice.

Cialis Together vs Viagra Connect – Which OTC ED Option Suits You?

If you’re looking for over-the-counter erectile dysfunction treatment in the UK, you might consider Cialis Together or Viagra Connect. These pharmacy versions of Tadalafil and Sildenafil are available without a prescription, following a short consultation. Here’s how they differ:

• Cialis Together contains low-dose tadalafil for all-day readiness
• Viagra Connect uses sildenafil and is taken 30–60 minutes before sex
• Cialis has a longer duration, while Viagra is short-acting and more event-based

Both are clinically approved and safe when used correctly. You can buy ED pills online in the UK through Meds for Less and have them delivered discreetly the next day.

Performance & Lifestyle: Cialis or Viagra for Your Needs?

Choosing between Cialis or Viagra for performance depends on your lifestyle. If you’re seeking spontaneity, Cialis offers up to 36 hours of readiness—ideal for those with less predictable schedules. Viagra may suit those who prefer planned intimacy with a shorter effect window. Ask yourself:

• Do you want a tablet you can take once daily to be ready anytime? → Cialis Daily
• Prefer taking something only when needed? → Viagra may be better
• Want to avoid food-related delays? → Cialis has fewer dietary restrictions

Our pharmacy team can help you decide based on your routine and ED treatment goals.

Comparing Prices: Cialis vs Viagra Cost Breakdown

Wondering whether to go with Viagra or Cialis based on price? At Meds for Less, we offer both branded and generic ED medications to suit every budget. Here’s a quick overview of value for money:

• Generic Tadalafil vs Sildenafil in the UK costs significantly less than branded
• Cialis 10mg and 20mg are available in multipacks for planned use
• Cialis Daily 2.5mg or 5mg offers convenience—but comes at a premium
• Viagra offers flexible strength options (25mg to 100mg), which can lower costs per dose

Browse our product pages to compare Cialis and Viagra prices easily, and choose the option that aligns with your treatment plan.

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