Viagra works faster but lasts for a shorter time (about 4 hours), while Cialis takes effect in a similar timeframe but lasts much longer (up to 36 hours). Other ED medications like Levitra are similar to Viagra, and Stendra (avanafil) is faster-acting with fewer side effects.
When you’re choosing between Viagra and other ED treatments, here’s what you should know:
Viagra (Sildenafil)
Onset: 30–60 minutes
Duration: ~4 hours
Best for you if: You want a proven, widely used option for planned intimacy.
Notes: May cause temporary vision changes because it also affects PDE6 in the eyes.
Cialis (Tadalafil)
Onset: 30–45 minutes
Duration: Up to 36 hours (“weekend pill”)
Best for you if: You prefer spontaneity and less planning.
Notes: Can be taken as a low-dose daily option for ongoing readiness. Less likely to cause vision changes than the Viagra tablet.
Levitra (Vardenafil)
Onset: 30–60 minutes
Duration: 4–5 hours
Best for you if: You want an option similar to Viagra but slightly more selective (fewer eye-related side effects).
Notes: Works well even in men with diabetes.
Stendra (Avanafil)
Onset: 15–30 minutes (fastest in class)
Duration: 6–8 hours
Best for you if: You want the quickest onset with fewer side effects.
Notes: Newer option, often more expensive and less widely available.
Summary for You:
Choose Viagra if you want reliability and decades of proven results.
Choose Cialis if you want longer-lasting effects and flexibility.
Choose Levitra if you want something similar to Viagra but possibly better tolerated.
Choose Stendra if speed and fewer side effects matter most.
How Do Side Effect Profiles Differ Between Viagra and Cialis?
Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) share many side effects, but they differ in frequency and type: Viagra more often causes flushing, headaches, and vision changes, while Cialis is more likely to cause muscle aches, back pain, and indigestion because of how long it stays in your system.
Detailed Explanation:
When you use either Viagra or Cialis, both increase blood flow by blocking the PDE5 enzyme, so common side effects like headaches, nasal congestion, flushing, and dizziness can occur with both. But their profiles differ due to how they act in the body:
Viagra (Sildenafil)
Shorter action (~4 hours) → side effects usually fade quickly.
More likely to cause:
Flushing (face warmth, redness)
Headache
Vision changes (blue/green tint, blurred vision, light sensitivity) because Viagra also inhibits PDE6 in the retina.
Occasional nasal congestion.
Longer action (up to 36 hours) → side effects can linger longer.
More likely to cause:
Muscle aches (myalgia)
Back pain (due to PDE11 inhibition in muscle tissue)
Indigestion/acid reflux
Headache (but often milder than with Viagra).
Shared but rare risks
Sudden hearing loss
Priapism (erection lasting more than 4 hours – requires emergency care)
Low blood pressure if mixed with nitrates or certain heart meds.
Summary for You:
If you’re sensitive to visual side effects or headaches, Cialis may be better.
If you often get muscle or back pain, Viagra may be easier on you.
Both are generally safe under medical supervision, but Cialis’s long duration means side effects can last longer.