Generic Viagra vs Cialis: Which ED Generic Fits You?

If you want straight answers: the key difference is duration. Generic Viagra (sildenafil) usually works within 30–60 minutes and lasts about 4–6 hours. Generic Cialis (tadalafil) starts similarly fast for many men but can keep you ready for up to 36 hours. That changes how you plan sex and how often you take pills.

How they work

Both drugs block the same enzyme (PDE5) to increase blood flow to the penis, but the chemical and the time they stay in your body differ. Sildenafil is a good choice when you want a shorter window. Tadalafil is better when you prefer a longer, more spontaneous window or when you want a low daily dose.

Dosing and daily use

Sildenafil common doses are 25, 50, and 100 mg taken as needed. Tadalafil comes as 5, 10, and 20 mg for use as needed, plus 2.5 and 5 mg for daily use. If you have frequent sexual activity, a daily low-dose tadalafil gives flexibility without planning. If you have occasional sex, an as-needed sildenafil or tadalafil dose works fine.

Side effects and interactions

Expect mild side effects: headache, flushing, nasal congestion, upset stomach, back pain with tadalafil may happen. Sildenafil sometimes affects color vision; tadalafil can cause muscle or back aches. Never mix either with nitrates (often in heart meds) — that can dangerously lower blood pressure. Tell your doctor about alpha-blockers, blood pressure meds, and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like certain antifungals or HIV drugs; dose changes might be needed.

Who should pick which

Pick sildenafil if you prefer planning, want a shorter effect, or respond well to lower doses. Pick tadalafil if you want a long window, occasional dosing flexibility, or daily low-dose convenience. Older age, liver or kidney issues, and heart disease affect dosing choices — a doctor should guide this.

Buying generics safely

Generics are much cheaper and contain the same active drugs. Buy from licensed pharmacies or verified online pharmacies that ask for a prescription. Avoid no-prescription sites, unfamiliar foreign sellers, or prices that seem too good. Counterfeit meds are common and risky.

Practical tips

Try the lowest recommended dose first. Take sildenafil on an emptier stomach for faster action; high-fat meals can delay it. Tadalafil timing is less affected by food. Avoid heavy drinking before either pill. If an erection lasts over four hours, get medical help.

Talk to your doctor

Before starting, get a quick heart check if you have cardiovascular risk. Your doctor can help pick dose, check interactions, and suggest alternatives if PDE5 inhibitors aren’t safe for you.

Common starter doses many doctors try are sildenafil 50 mg as needed or tadalafil 10 mg as needed. If you take nitrates or have severe heart disease, neither is safe. Prices for legitimate generics vary: typical U.S. retail per pill ranges $1–5 depending on dose and source, with online licensed pharmacies often cheaper. Keep a list of your meds to show your provider before starting. Ask questions freely.