Cialis and Viagra medications are the most popular among all prescription ED medicines. Both these are the branded medicines that are approved by the FDA for use in managing erectile dysfunction symptoms.

When it comes to their popularity, both are equally popular. The reason for their popularity is different though. Viagra is popular among men since it is the first-ever ED medicine that introduced in the market.

Viagra was the first medicine that acquired approval from the FDA. Whereas, Cialis was introduced after Viagra, but it is popular for its long-lasting effectiveness, which is up to 36 hours.

What are Viagra alternatives?   

The FDA has approved four ED medicines, including Viagra (Sildenafil), Cialis (Tadalafil), Levitra (Vardenafil), and Stendra (Avanafil). All four of them contain different ingredients. They also differ in their key ingredient.

All key ingredients come under the category of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These are the active substances that stop PDE5 action and dilate the penile blood vessels.  

As the blood vessels dilate, the blood flow to the penile gets increased. The increase in blood supply relieves erection difficulties and improves erection function.       

Active ingredients of ED medicines   

Viagra medicines contain Sildenafil Citrate as their active ingredient. Cialis has Tadalafil as its active ingredient, whereas Stendra has Avanafil and Levitra has Vardenafil as their respective active component.  

These are all approved by the FDA and their active ingredients are categorized under the class of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.   

How do Viagra and alternatives work?  

The function of PDE5 inhibitor medicines is to suppress the over activity of PDE enzymes, which are found in the inner walls of the penile blood vessels.

When enzymatic activity becomes out of control, the levels of a vasodilator chemical, known as nitric oxide (NO), decline, which leads to erection difficulties.     

As PDE5 inhibitors, the function of ED medicines is to negate the over action of PDE5 enzymes and enhance the levels of nitric oxide in the walls of the blood vessels.

Nitric oxide opens up the narrowed blood vessels and eases the erection function, thereby treating the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.     

Can you use ED medicines interchangeably?

FDA-approved ED medicines are available on prescription and they cannot be used interchangeably. You will be prescribed a particular dose by your healthcare provider.     

A particular dose will be chosen depending on the severity and several other factors like chronic health conditions, medicinal interactions, allergies, medical history, and so on.  

Why do men prefer Cialis over Viagra?       

Viagra medicines remain active in the bloodstream for around 4 to 5 hours. The effects of this medicine might remain active for longer in the case of some individuals. The action time may differ among individuals.  

Cialis pills are well-known for their long-lasting effectiveness. The medicine remains active in the bloodstream for up to 36 hours or even longer. Due to the prolonged action of Cialis, men prefer these medicines over Viagra.  

The effectiveness may differ among individuals. Small doses of Cialis can be taken as regular medicines, that is, it can be taken at the same time every day to continue its effects and keep it active in the body.     

Which one to choose: Viagra or Cialis

The impacts of Viagra pills last for around 4 to 5 hours while the effects of Cialis remain active in the bloodstream for up to 36 hours or even more. The right dose depends on the individual, and which one is suitable for them.   

Men who prefer long-term effectiveness may opt for Cialis, otherwise, Viagra is good for occasional use. The effectiveness of Viagra fades after 6 to 8 hours of intake, and the residue gets removed from the body through excretion.       

This is why, one cannot simply tell which one is better, as the drug must be chosen by the healthcare provider depending on individual needs.   

Generic versions of ED medicines

There are many non-prescription or generic options in ED medicines. These medicines contain the same active ingredients that are there in prescription medicines.

Filagra 100 mg are generic ED medicine, they contain the same active ingredient as Viagra, which is Sildenafil Citrate. The medicine boosts the flow of blood through the penile blood vessels. It helps men to get stronger erections.      

The lowdown  

Both these medicines top the popularity charts in the category of ED medicines. Viagra is famous because it was a first-of-its-kind medicine for improving ED symptoms. Cialis is famous for its prolonged effectiveness that lasts for up to 36 hours.