Plan B vs Cialis: side-by-side comparison
Plan B (Hormones and Birth Control) and Cialis (Erectile Dysfunction (ED)) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely interchangeable. This page compares the medications' purposes, mechanisms and the situations where each is used.
| Property | Plan B | Cialis |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Levonorgestrel | Tadalafil |
| Manufacturer | Foundation Consumer Healthcare | Eli Lilly |
| Class | Hormones and Birth Control | Erectile Dysfunction (ED) |
| Strengths | 1.5mg | 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg |
| Forms | tablet | tablet |
What's the same
Plan B and Cialis are used in very different patients, and the points in common are limited. The main shared element is that both meet regulatory standards for efficacy and safety and benefit from pharmacist oversight.
Key differences
Plan B belongs to Hormones and Birth Control while Cialis belongs to Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Indications, mechanisms and target populations differ. The comparison is most useful when a clinician has mentioned both medications and the patient wants to understand where each fits.
Mechanism and action
Plan B: Plan B's primary mechanism is delaying or preventing ovulation when taken before the LH surge. Cialis: During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide is released in the corpus cavernosum and activates an enzyme that produces cyclic GMP.
When Plan B is preferred
Plan B is indicated for emergency contraception after unprotected intercourse or known/suspected contraceptive failure, in women of reproductive age.
When Cialis is preferred
Cialis is indicated in adult men for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Frequently asked questions
Is Plan B or Cialis better? ▾
Plan B and Cialis are not interchangeable — they treat different conditions. Asking which is "better" is meaningful only when a clinician has weighed both for the same specific clinical scenario.
Can I switch from Plan B to Cialis? ▾
Switching between Plan B and Cialis is rarely an appropriate decision since they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. The real question is usually whether the diagnosis calls for one medication or the other — which the prescriber resolves.
Do Plan B and Cialis have the same side effects? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each medication has its own prescribing information.
More Plan B comparisons
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.