Adcirca Vs. Cialis: Drug Comparison

Adcirca^®, also known by its generic name tadalafil, is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor that is primarily used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), or high blood pressure in the lungs. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which improves blood flow in the lungs and helps reduce strain on the heart. 

Unlike Cialis^®, another brand name for tadalafil that’s used at lower doses for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, Adcirca is prescribed as a once-daily 40-milligram dose. Clinical studies have shown that Adcirca can help improve exercise tolerance, reduce breathlessness, and enhance overall quality of life in folks with PAH. 

Common side effects include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, and muscle pain, while more serious effects may include hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure), vision or hearing loss, and priapism (a painful erection that lasts for more than four hours without sexual stimulation).

Cialis^® (tadalafil) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It works by relaxing the muscles of blood vessels and increasing blood flow to particular areas of the body, notably the penis. Cialis is known for its long-lasting effects, allowing for more spontaneity, as it can remain effective for up to 36 hours. It is typically taken as needed, but a lower daily dose option is also available for continuous treatment. Common side effects of Cialis include headaches, indigestion, back pain, and muscle aches, which typically resolve within a few days. It is important to use Cialis with caution, especially for individuals with cardiovascular conditions, and to avoid combining it with nitrates or certain other medications due to the risk of serious interactions.

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor

Adcirca (tadalafil) is indicated for the treatment of:

• Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group 1) to improve exercise ability

Cialis (tadalafil) is indicated to treat:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)

• The signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

• ED and the signs and symptoms of BPH (ED/BPH)

• Typically taken orally once daily

• Comes in 20 mg tablets

• Typically taken orally as needed prior to sexual activity, up to once daily (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg doses) OR taken orally once daily (2.5 mg and 5 mg doses)

• Comes in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets

The most common adverse reaction is:

• Headache

Most common adverse reactions (≥2%) include:

• Headache

• Indigestion

• Back pain

• Muscle pain

• Nasal congestion

• Flushing

• Pain in limb

• Concomitant organic nitrates

• Concomitant guanylate cyclase (GC) stimulators

• History of known serious hypersensitivity reaction to Adcirca or Cialis

• Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, alcohol, CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers

• Administration of Cialis to patients using any form of organic nitrate is contraindicated

• History of known serious hypersensitivity reaction to Cialis or Adcirca

• Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, alcohol, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir), CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin)

• Low blood pressure

• Effects on the eye: Sudden loss of vision could be a sign of non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and may be permanent

• Hearing impairment: Cases of sudden decrease or loss of hearing have been reported with Cialis

• Concomitant PDE5 inhibitors: Avoid use with Cialis or other PDE5 inhibitors

• Prolonged erection: Seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours

• Patients should not use Cialis if sex is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status

• Use of Cialis with alpha blockers, antihypertensives or substantial amounts of alcohol (≥5 units) may lead to low blood pressure

• Cialis is not recommended in combination with alpha blockers for the treatment of BPH, because efficacy of the combination has not been adequately studied and because of the risk of blood pressure lowering

• If taking potent inhibitors of CYP3A4, dose should be adjusted

• Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours

• Patients should stop Cialis and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)

• Patients should stop Cialis and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing

• Prior to initiating treatment with Cialis for BPH, consideration should be given to other urological conditions that may cause similar symptoms

*This information is from the label for brand name Adcirca^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Adcirca, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient tadalafil.

*This information is from the label for brand name Cialis^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient tadalafil.