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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)

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Tadalafil

(Cialis)

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Summary for Adcirca

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.

Indications for Adcirca

  • Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

Pros and Cons for Adcirca

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)

Common Side Effects for Adcirca

  • 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%)

Warnings for Adcirca

  • Low blood pressure
  • Prolonged or painful erection (priapism)
  • Vision changes
  • Hearing loss
  • Avoid use with other PDE-5 inhibitors
  • Risks with certain heart problems

Summary for Cialis

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 for Cialis

Pros and Cons for Cialis

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Cialis

When taken as needed for ED:

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

When taken once daily for ED:

When taken once daily for BPH:

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

Warnings for Cialis

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Tadalafil (Adcirca)30 tablets / 20mg of
$18.43$2,189.61
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Tadalafil (Cialis)30 tablets / 5mg
$12.18$52.22
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