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Compare Adcirca vs. Cialis

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Tadalafil (Adcirca) and tadalafil (Cialis) are both medications that belong to the PDE-5 inhibitor class and share the active ingredient tadalafil. They are used to treat different conditions. Tadalafil (Adcirca) is FDA-approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), while tadalafil (Cialis) is approved for erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Tadalafil (Adcirca) is taken once daily, with a typical dose of 40 mg. Tadalafil (Cialis) can be taken as needed or daily for ED, with doses ranging from 2.5 mg to 20 mg. Tadalafil is availiable is available as tablets and an oral suspension. Common side effects for both include headache and muscle pain, but tadalafil (Adcirca) may also cause respiratory infections, while tadalafil (Cialis) can cause indigestion. Both medications can interact with nitrates and blood pressure medications, leading to dangerously low blood pressure. Both medications are available in a lower-cost generic form.

  • Tadalafil (Adcirca)
    Tadalafil (Cialis)
  • Tadalafil (Adcirca)
    Tadalafil (Cialis)

  • Summary of Adcirca vs. Cialis

    Summary for PDE-5 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Tadalafil (Adcirca) is a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) blocker. It's used to improve exercise ability in adults who have high blood pressure in the lungs, also known as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It's taken by mouth once daily. Tadalafil for PAH is available as tablets (Adcirca, Alyq) and an oral suspension (Tadliq). Side effects of tadalafil (Adcirca) are typically mild and temporary, and can include headache and muscle pain.

    Summary for PDE-5 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Tadalafil (Cialis) is used for erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in adults. It belongs to the drug class called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. Tadalafil (Cialis) is a tablet you take by mouth. For ED, you can take a dose either just before sex or once every day. And for BPH, it's taken once a day. Side effects include headache and indigestion. Tadalafil (Cialis) can interact with many medications, including blood pressure medications. Some drug interactions can lead to very low blood pressure and dizziness. Tadalafil (Cialis) is available as a brand-name and generic version.

  • Indications of Adcirca vs. Cialis

    Indications for
    •Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
    Indications for
    •Erectile dysfunction (ED)
    •Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

  • Pros and Cons of Adcirca vs. Cialis

    Pros and Const for PDE-5 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Helps improve your ability to exercise or do physical activity
    •Only taken once daily - less often than other PDE-5 inhibitors for PAH, such as sildenafil (Revatio)
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Can take several months for you to notice benefit from this medication
    •Interacts with several common medications, including blood pressure and prostate medications
    •Can't take with certain ED medications like sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis)
    Pros and Const for PDE-5 inhibitor
    Pros
    •A first-choice medication for ED
    •For ED only, can take either as needed or once daily
    •Lasts longer than other ED medications
    •Can treat ED and BPH at the same time
    Cons
    •Can take up to 2 hours to get its full effect for ED
    •Can cause side effects like headache, stomach upset, and back pain
    •Not recommended if you've had a heart attack in the past 3 months, or a stroke or heart failure in the past 6 months
    •Can't take if you've recently taken nitrates like isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) or nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)

  • Common Side Effects of Adcirca vs. Cialis

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (42%)
    •Muscle pain (14%)
    •Runny nose or sore throat (13%)
    •Flushing (13%)
    •Cold, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections (13%)
    •Pain in hands and feet (11%)
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Back pain (10%)
    •Upset stomach (10%)
    •Stuffy nose (9%)
    Common Side Effects for

    When taken as needed for ED:

    •Headache (11-15%)
    •Indigestion (4-10%)
    •Back pain (3-6%)

    When taken once daily for ED:

    •Headache (3-6%)
    •Indigestion (4-5%)
    •Common cold symptoms (3-4%)
    •Back pain (3%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (3%)

    When taken once daily for BPH:

    •Headache (2-4%)
    •Indigestion (up to 2%)
    •Common cold symptoms (2%)
    •Back pain (1-2%)

  • Warnings of Adcirca vs. Cialis

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Prolonged or painful erection (priapism)
    •Vision changes
    •Hearing loss
    •Avoid use with other PDE-5 inhibitors
    •Risks with certain heart problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of heart problems in people with heart disease
    •Low blood pressure
    •Prolonged or painful erection (priapism)
    •Vision changes
    •Hearing loss
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Adcirca vs. Cialis

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