Tadalafil vs Sildenafil – Which ED Pill Reigns Supreme

Published On
Updated On
Written By Julie Ingram
Tadalafil vs Sildenafil

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability of men to get or maintain an erection.

Around 30 million men in the US experience erection problems. 

Various ED treatment options are available, including prescription-based ED pills.

Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, and Avanafil are considered the first-line treatment of ED.

The two most popular ED pills that doctors frequently prescribe are Tadalafil and Sildenafil. 

Both medicines are PDE5 inhibitors. Although they work similarly, there are comparable differences between them. 

In this article on Tadalafil vs Sildenafil, we will compare these two comprehensively.

Basics of Sildenafil and Tadalafil

Sildenafil and Tadalafil are FDA-approved medications for treating Erectile Dysfunction.

The FDA gave its approval to Sildenafil in 1998 to treat ED.

Initially, Sildenafil was formulated to treat Hypertension and Angina Pectoris. 

However, during clinical trials, Sildenafil was found to have favorable effects on improving erections.

Thus, Sildenafil became the first medicine to get FDA approval for ED treatment.

Pfizer produced and marketed Sildenafil under the brand name Viagra. 

Various ED medications containing Sildenafil are now available in the market. They are the economic alternatives of Viagra with the same efficacy. 

Alternatives of Viagra include Cenforce, Kamagra, Suhagra, etc.

On the other hand, Tadalafil got its FDA approval in 2003. 

Eli Lilly marketed Tadalafil under the brand name Cialis. 

Tadarise Pro and Tadarise, containing Tadalafil, are the economic alternatives of Cialis. 

Explore the differences between the brand-name medications for these drugs in this article– The Great ED Debate: Cialis vs Viagra

Check Out :
Unleash your full potential in the bedroom with top ED pills available at ForDailyMedicine.

Tadalafil vs Sildenafil: Quick overview

Tadalafil and Sildenafil work similarly. 

However, there are some notable differences between the two. 

Basis TadalafilSildenafil
Brand nameCialis Viagra
Availability of GenericsYesYes
Onset of action It takes 30 minutes to 2 hours to become effective It takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to become effective 
Duration of effects36 hours 4 hours
Dosage 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg 25mg, 50mg, 100mg.The generic forms also come in 20mg, 120mg, 150mg, and 200mg
Other medical uses Used for treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Used for treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
Food interactionCan be taken with or without food. However, high-fat meals can affect the working of the medicineAbsorption may be affected by high-fat meals
Temperature required for storage Room temperature (25°C)Room temperature (20–25°C)

Which is better: Tadalafil vs Sildenafil

Better between Tadalafil and SildenafilSource: Elnur
Couple showing Pills

Deciding the better between Tadalafil and Sildenafil is a tough call. 

This is because the working of both components is the same. 

Both of these components are Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors.

They block the action of PDE5 enzymes that restrict blood flow. 

This inhibition restores the cGMP levels, which widens the penile blood vessels.

The widening of blood vessels boosts the blood flow to the penis. 

Thus, helping individuals get and maintain an erection. 

Although they have the same working process, there are still grounds for comparing these two. 

We have listed some differences that can help you choose which is better, Sildenafil or Tadalafil.

For a comprehensive understanding of the working mechanism of PDE5 inhibitors, read this article– Science Behind the Magic Pill: How Does Viagra Work

Which starts working quickly: Tadalafil or Sildenafil

As per Healthline, Tadalafil takes 30 minutes to start working. It can also take up to 2 hours for some individuals. 

On the other hand, Sildenafil takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to be effective.

Therefore, Sildenafil is a clear winner when compared on this ground. 

However, it’s important to note that Tadalafil and Sildenafil may not work in the same time for everyone. 

Whose effects last for longer: Sildenafil or Tadalafil

When it comes to the duration of effects in the Tadalafil vs Sildenafil comparison, Tadalafil is a clear winner.

This is because the effects of Tadalafil last up to 36 hours in the body. Some cases have even shown 72 hours of effects in the body. 

It is commonly known as the “Weekend pill” due to its last longing effects.

In contrast, Sildenafil’s effects last up to only 4 hours in the body. 

Sildenafil is a short-acting medicine for treating ED.

On this ground, Tadalafil has shown superiority over Sildenafil. 

However, It’s advisable to consult with your doctor. The duration of medicine depends on many factors. 

Depending on your body weight, overall health, and certain medical conditions, it may differ.

Tadalafil vs Sildenafil dosage

Tadalafil comes in 4 doses i.e. 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg. 

Generic tablets containing Tadalafil also come in 60mg doses. 

In contrast, Sildenafil (Viagra) doses are in three strengths, i.e., 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. 

Generic tablets containing Sildenafil are available in 20mg, 25mg, 50mg, 100mg, 120mg, 150mg, and 200mg doses.

The highest amount of Tadalafil and Sildenafil you can consume daily depends on your doctor.

They will decide the maximum amount you can take in a day. It depends on the severity of your condition and your response to the treatment. 

In general, there are two types of doses, i.e., As-needed and Daily doses.

Tadalafil and Sildenafil can be taken either as needed or in daily doses. 

As-needed doses

As-needed doses are taken only when required. 

As per Healthline, Tadalafil’s starting dose is 10 mg. 

In contrast, the recommended dose of Sildenafil is 50mg. 

As-needed doses can be increased or decreased depending on the efficacy and response to the treatment. 

Daily doses

Tadalafil and Sildenafil can be taken daily, also known as a low-dose option.

A daily dose of Tadalafil is 2.5 mg or 5 mg, which the doctor can adjust.

According to Dr. Irwin Goldstein, the primary researcher on the landmark study of oral Sildenafil, the recommended daily dose of Sildenafil is 20mg. 

It is crucial to understand that these dosing options are general recommendations.

They may vary depending on your health conditions, the medications you are taking, and other factors. 

It is advisable to talk to the doctor to determine the best dosing for your specific needs.

You must be wondering about the safety of long-term daily use of Tadalafil. Explore this article for the answer you need– Can Daily Cialis be considered for Long-Term ED Treatment

Tadalafil vs Sildenafil side effects

Due to the same mode of action, both have similar side effects profiles.

The common side effects of Sildenafil and Tadalafil are dizziness, stomach upset, and Headache.

These side effects require minimal to no medical attention. They are temporary and will wear off once you adjust the dosage. 

However, some adverse effects are not common. For example, 

  • According to a study, back pain and Myalgia rates were higher in Tadalafil than in Sildenafil.
  • In contrast, flushing was lower in Tadalafil than in Sildenafil.

If any side effects of Tadalafil or Sildenafil cause you to worry, consult your doctor immediately. 

Warning
Do not take any ED pills if you are consuming medicines containing Nitrates. 
Erectile Dysfunction pills interact negatively with Nitrates and cause a sharp drop in blood pressure.

Which one to buy: Tadalafil vs Sildenafil

Medications for treating Erectile DysfunctionSource: Africa_images
White and Blue pills

When it comes to Tadalafil vs Sildenafil, there is no better one as they have the same efficacy. 

Some patients may prefer Tadalafil over Sildenafil for the below-mentioned reasons:

  1. Tadalafil’s effects can last up to 36 hours, while Sildenafil’s only lasts up to 4 hours
  1. As per a study, Tadalafil improves psychological outcomes compared to Sildenafil

However, there is no difference between Sildenafil and Tadalafil in terms of effectiveness. 

They are equally effective in improving erections. 

The choice between Tadalafil and Sildenafil depends on what you need.

For instance, Sildenafil is an excellent choice for individuals who want an ED pill with a shorter duration. Individuals may choose Tadalafil, who engage in spontaneous sex without planning doses in advance. 

The best way to decide which one to buy is by consulting a doctor.

The doctor can assist in determining the optimal course of action. 

They recommend the most beneficial treatment suiting your condition.

If you want to compare Tadalafil or Sildenafil with other PDE5 inhibitors available, consider reading these articles.

How Tadalafil Compares to Other ED Pills
Sildenafil and Alternatives: A Detailed Comparison of ED Treatment Options

Check Out :
ForDailyMedicine has a wide range of ED pills. Shop now!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the difference between Sildenafil and Tadalafil?

Sildenafil and Tadalafil are medicines to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED). 
The only significant difference between the two is the duration of the effects.
The effects of Sildenafil last up to 4 hours, whereas, Tadalafil’s effects last up to 36 hours.

Is Tadalafil better than Sildenafil?

When it comes to Tadalafil vs Sildenafil, there is no better one as they have the same efficacy. 
Some patients prefer Tadalafil due to its long-lasting effects and lower risk of adverse effects.
On the other side, some patients prefer Sildenafil due to the trust associated with it, as it is the oldest ED medicine.

Does Sildenafil last longer than Tadalafil?

No, Sildenafil does not last longer than Tadalafil. The effects of Sildenafil last up to 4 hours, whereas, Tadalafil’s effects last up to 36 hours.

Citations:
When quoting information, ForDailyMedicine always provides full citations. Please read our Content Information Policy if you want more details on the methods we take to ensure the continued high quality of our content.

Related Blogs