Tadalafil Vs Sildenafil: Which Is Better?

Tadalafil and sildenafil are two of the most popular treatments for erectile dysfunction, but you may know them better by their brand names. Tadalafil is the generic version of Cialis, and sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra (the 'little blue pill'). To help you find out which is the best option for you, here's our expert guide to both treatments.

Article Summary:

• Tadalafil and sildenafil are both popular treatments for erectile dysfunction. Tadalafil is the generic version of Cialis, and sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra.
• Because tadalafil and sildenafil are both PDE5 inhibitors, they work in the same way to support sexual function. Neither medication affects sexual desire, but they can help you achieve and maintain a stronger, longer-lasting erection once aroused.
• Both medications have high success rates and share similar side effects. The main difference between tadalafil and sildenafil is how they are dosed and how long their effects last.

What is tadalafil?

Tadalafil is the generic name of the drug Cialis. This means they contain the same active ingredient (tadalafil), but are prescribed under different names. The only real difference between tadalafil and Cialis is cost, with branded Cialis often being more expensive than generic tadalafil.

It comes in two forms: daily doses and on-demand pills. Tadalafil Daily is a low-dose tablet taken once a day to help you get an erection whenever you experience sexual stimulation. On-demand doses of tadalafil have the same effect but they help you get erections for up to a 36-hour period, so you don’t need to take them every day.

What is sildenafil?

Sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra, the best-known treatment for erectile dysfunction. Like tadalafil and Cialis, sildenafil and Viagra both contain the same active ingredient (sildenafil citrate) but are prescribed under different names. And, aside from cosmetic differences (Viagra is known for its iconic 'little blue pill' appearance while sildenafil is produced as white tablets), cost is the biggest difference between Viagra and generic sildenafil. So, if sildenafil is an appropriate treatment for you, whether you choose Viagra or the generic version comes down to patient preference.

How do erectile dysfunction treatments work?

Both tadalafil and sildenafil belong to the same class of medications, called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. PDE5 inhibitors help relax the smooth muscle around your blood vessels, increasing blood flow to your penis and helping you get an erection when you're aroused. This is why they can be an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction.

PDE5 inhibitors don't affect your sexual desire, just the physical aspect of erectile dysfunction.

Does tadalafil work faster than sildenafil?

Tadalafil and sildenafil both take roughly 30-60 minutes to reach a steady level in the blood, which is why they should be taken at least 30 minutes before sex. [1] [2]

Does tadalafil last longer than sildenafil?

Tadalafil can remain in your body for up to 36 hours, earning it the nickname ‘the weekend pill.’ This means you don't need to pause any sexual activity to take a pill, you can simply take it in advance for more spontaneous sex.

In contrast, one dose of sildenafil will stay in your body for up to 6 hours.

Is sildenafil more effective than tadalafil?

Both medications have a high success rate, helping the majority of men to regain control over erectile dysfunction. In clinical trials, over 90% of men said sildenafil improved their erections. [3] A study on tadalafil found that 81% of men experienced harder erections after taking it. [4]

Does tadalafil have fewer side effects than sildenafil?

Because these drugs work in the same way, they share many of the same common side effects. These include: headaches, nausea, stuffy nose, dizziness, facial flushing and indigestion. In most cases, these settle after an hour.

Seek urgent medical attention by calling 999 or attending A&E immediately if you experience any of these severe side effects while taking tadalafil or sildenafil:

• Chest pain
• Sudden loss of vision
• You experience a prolonged, painful erection lasting over 4 hours (priapism)
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Signs include difficulty breathing or swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat.

It's always best to monitor any side effects, and speak to your clinical team if you have any concerns.

Choosing a treatment

Both of these treatments are equally effective at improving your blood flow to help you get harder erections during sexual activity. They also have very similar common side effects.

Tadalafil is also available in both daily and on-demand form, which could make it easier for you to find a dose that suits your lifestyle. Remember that erectile dysfunction treatments always need to be prescribed by a medical professional, and used in line with guidance from your clinical team.

Find out what treatment is suitable for you with MedExpress.

References

1. Common questions about tadalafil [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/tadalafil/common-questions-about-tadalafil/
2. NHS. About Sildenafil (Viagra) [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil-viagra/about-sildenafil-viagra/
3. Steers W, Guay A, Leriche A, Gingell C, Hargreave T, Wright P, et al. Assessment of the efficacy and safety of Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) in men with erectile dysfunction during long-term treatment. International Journal of Impotence Research. 2001 Oct 1;13(5):261–7.
4. Coward R, Carson C. Tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management. 2008 Dec;Volume 4(6):1315–29.