ED Medication Comparison Tool
Recommended ED Medication:
Medication Comparison
| Medication | Onset | Duration | Avg. Cost | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cialis Extra Dosage | 30-60 min | 24-36 hrs | AU$1.20-1.80 | Back pain, headache |
| Viagra | 30-60 min | 4-6 hrs | US$1.30 (generic) | Flushing, visual tint |
| Levitra | 15-30 min | 5-7 hrs | AU$2.20 | Nasal congestion |
| Stendra | 15-30 min | 6-12 hrs | US$2.10 (brand) | Headache, nasal stuffiness |
| Generic Tadalafil | 30-60 min | 24-36 hrs | AU$0.80 | Same as brand |
Key Takeaways
- Higher‑dose Cialis (20mg & 40mg) offers a longer window (up to 36hrs) but may increase side‑effects.
- Viagra works fastest (30‑60min) but lasts only 4‑6hrs.
- Levitra and Stendra sit between onset and duration, with fewer visual disturbances.
- Generic Tadalafil matches brand‑name performance at a fraction of the price.
- Natural supplements such as L‑arginine and yohimbine provide modest benefits and carry fewer drug‑drug interactions.
When you’re considering a stronger dose of Cialis Extra Dosage is a high‑dose formulation of tadalafil designed for men who want a longer therapeutic window for spontaneous intimacy. The big question is whether that extra strength is truly worth it compared with other prescription options or even non‑prescription alternatives. Below we break down the main players, look at the numbers that matter, and help you decide which route fits your lifestyle and health profile.
What Is Cialis Extra Dosage?
Cialis Extra Dosage (tadalafil) comes in 20mg and 40mg tablets, double the standard 10mg daily dose. It’s taken on an as‑needed basis, typically 30minutes before sexual activity, and can remain effective for up to 36hours. The higher dose aims to improve the chance of achieving an erection when the normal 10mg dose falls short, especially for men with severe vascular issues or those who need a longer planning window.
Key attributes:
- Onset: 30‑60minutes
- Peak concentration: 2‑3hours
- Duration: 24‑36hours
- Common side‑effects: headache, back pain, muscle aches, indigestion
- Prescription status: prescription‑only in Australia, US, EU
How It Stacks Up Against Prescription Rivals
Viagra (Sildenafil)
Viagra is the first‑generation PDE5 inhibitor that most people think of when they hear “ED pill.” It comes in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets.
- Onset: 30‑60minutes (often faster at 25mg)
- Duration: 4‑6hours
- Typical cost (US 2025): $1.30 per 50mg tablet (generic)
- Side‑effects: visual tint, flushing, mild hypotension
Viagra offers a shorter window but can be slightly more predictable for men who plan sex within a few hours.
Levitra (Vardenafil)
Levitra presents a similar onset to Viagra (15‑30minutes) and lasts 5‑7hours. It’s available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg doses.
- Onset: as fast as 15minutes
- Duration: 5‑7hours
- Typical cost (AU 2025): AU$2.20 per 20mg tablet
- Side‑effects: nasal congestion, dizziness, rare priapism
Men who experience visual side‑effects with Viagra often tolerate Levitra better.
Stendra (Avanafil)
Stendra is the newest FDA‑approved PDE5 inhibitor, marketed for its rapid onset (as little as 15minutes) and a duration of about 6‑12hours.
- Onset: 15‑30minutes
- Duration: 6‑12hours
- Typical cost (US 2025): $2.10 per 100mg tablet (brand)
- Side‑effects: mild headache, nasal stuffiness, rare back pain
For couples who want spontaneity without the 24‑hour commitment of Cialis, Stendra is a strong contender.
Generic Tadalafil
Generic Tadalafil provides the same pharmacokinetic profile as brand‑name Cialis but at a lower price point. It’s sold in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg strengths.
- Onset: 30‑60minutes
- Duration: 24‑36hours
- Typical cost (AU 2025): AU$0.80 per 20mg tablet
- Side‑effects: similar to brand Cialis
If cost is a major factor, generic tadalafil matches the extra‑dose performance without the premium brand markup.
Natural Supplement Alternatives
L‑Arginine
L‑Arginine is an amino acid that boosts nitric oxide production, mildly improving blood flow to the penis.
- Typical dose: 2‑5grams daily
- Onset: weeks of consistent use
- Effectiveness: modest (10‑20% improvement in erection firmness in clinical trials)
- Side‑effects: gastrointestinal upset at high doses
Yohimbine
Yohimbine is an alkaloid derived from the bark of an African tree, traditionally used to treat sexual dysfunction.
- Typical dose: 5‑10mg before activity
- Onset: 30‑45minutes
- Effectiveness: mixed results; may help men with mild psychogenic ED
- Side‑effects: anxiety, elevated blood pressure, insomnia
Both supplements are available over‑the‑counter but lack the robust evidence base of prescription PDE5 inhibitors.
Decision Criteria - What Matters Most?
When you line up these options, focus on five practical criteria:
- Onset speed - If you need a rapid response, Stendra or Levitra are top picks.
- Window of opportunity - For spontaneity across a day or night, extra‑dose Cialis or generic tadalafil are unmatched.
- Cost per pill - Generic tadalafil and generic sildenafil dominate the price battle.
- Side‑effect profile - Men prone to back pain may favor Viagra; those sensitive to visual changes may choose Levitra.
- Health considerations - Patients on nitrates, alpha‑blockers, or with severe cardiac disease should avoid PDE5 inhibitors altogether and discuss alternatives with a doctor.
Quick Comparison Table
| Medication | Typical Dose | Onset | Duration | Average Cost (per pill) | Main Side‑effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cialis Extra Dosage | 20mg-40mg | 30‑60min | 24‑36hrs | AU$1.20‑1.80 | Back pain, headache |
| Viagra | 50mg-100mg | 30‑60min | 4‑6hrs | US$1.30 (generic) | Flushing, visual tint |
| Levitra | 10mg-20mg | 15‑30min | 5‑7hrs | AU$2.20 | Nasal congestion |
| Stendra | 100mg | 15‑30min | 6‑12hrs | US$2.10 (brand) | Headache, nasal stuffiness |
| Generic Tadalafil | 20mg-40mg | 30‑60min | 24‑36hrs | AU$0.80 | Same as brand |
Choosing the Right Option for You
Here’s a quick decision tree:
- If you value long‑lasting spontaneity and can tolerate occasional back pain, opt for Cialis extra dosage or its generic counterpart.
- If you need fast action within an hour and plan a single encounter, Stendra or Levitra are optimal.
- If price is the biggest driver, generic sildenafil (Viagra) or generic tadalafil deliver the same efficacy at a lower cost.
- If you have contraindications with nitrates or are on multiple cardiovascular meds, discuss non‑PDE5 options like L‑arginine with your doctor.
Always involve a healthcare professional before starting any prescription medication. They’ll assess heart health, liver function, and potential drug interactions to keep you safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a 40mg Cialis tablet if I’ve never used the 10mg dose?
Doctors usually start with 10mg to gauge tolerance. If that works but you need a stronger effect, they may step up to 20mg or 40mg. Jumping straight to the highest dose without medical guidance increases the risk of side‑effects.
Is generic tadalafil as safe as brand‑name Cialis?
Yes. Generic tadalafil must meet the same FDA or TGA standards for purity, potency, and bio‑equivalence. The only real difference is the price and the inactive fillers, which rarely affect safety.
Do natural supplements work as well as prescription pills?
The evidence is limited. L‑arginine and yohimbine may help men with mild dysfunction, but they don’t consistently achieve the erection quality that PDE5 inhibitors provide. They’re best used as adjuncts, not replacements.
Can I combine Cialis with other ED medications for better results?
Never combine two PDE5 inhibitors. The risk of severe hypotension, fainting, or priapism skyrockets. If one medication isn’t enough, discuss dose adjustments or alternative classes with a doctor.
What should I do if I experience prolonged back pain after taking a high‑dose Cialis?
Mild back pain usually fades within 24‑48hours. Stay hydrated, avoid excessive alcohol, and use over‑the‑counter ibuprofen if needed. If pain persists or worsens, seek medical attention promptly.
Xing yu Tao
October 5, 2025 AT 13:20When one contemplates the pharmacological nuances of high‑dose tadalafil, it becomes evident that the decision transcends mere cost considerations; it is a matter of aligning therapeutic windows with individual life rhythms. The extended duration of 24‑36 hours offered by Cialis Extra Dosage can liberate spontaneity, yet it also introduces a heightened probability of musculoskeletal discomfort such as back pain. A prudent practitioner will therefore evaluate cardiovascular comorbidities, concomitant nitrates, and hepatic function before endorsing the 20 mg or 40 mg formulation. Moreover, the principle of “start low, go slow” remains a cornerstone of responsible prescribing. Ultimately, the clinician must balance efficacy, safety, and the patient’s personal preferences in a shared decision‑making process.