
Sildenafil and tadalafil are the two most effective ED medications. They work similarly because they belong to the same drug class.
Even though they share a few similarities, they also differ in certain factors, such as duration of actions, onset of action, price, etc.
Sildenafil and Tadalafil are two of the most potent treatments for impotence. This condition is also known as erectile dysfunction. Both these medications fall under a group of drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors. You may know them better by their brand names, Viagra and Cialis.
Here’s our expert guide to both medicines to help you decide which is the better option for you.
Gain an understanding about PDE5 inhibitors in our detailed blog “PDE5 Inhibitors: How They Work, Types, and More.”.
Sildenafil And Tadalafil At A Glance
Let’s quickly overview some of the differences between Sildenafil and Tadalafil.
Factors | Sildenafil | Tadalafil |
Onset of action | 30 minutes | 30 minutes-2hours |
Duration of effect | 4-6 hours | Up to 36 hours |
Flexibility for use | Suited for immediate use | Suited for planned or spontaneous encounters |
Suitability | Ideal for short-term treatment | Better for longer-lasting effects. |
Erection hardness | Slightly firmer peak hardness in some cases | Longer-lasting erection capability over 36 hours. |
FDA Approval | 1998 | 2003 |
Prescription | Prescribed by a doctor | Prescribed by a doctor. |
Differences and Similarities Between Sildenafil Vs. Tadalafil
Some of the notable differences and similarities between Sildenafil and Tadalafil are
Onset Of Action
Sildenafil starts showing its effects as early as 12 minutes. According to a study by Ian Eardley et al., Tadalafil takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours to start working in most patients after intake [1] [2].
Duration Of Action
Tadalafil’s duration of action is much longer, lasting up to 36 hours, while sildenafil’s is 4 hours after a dose.
Side Effects
Both of these ED medications have similar side effects. A study called Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Medication and Your Eyes and Vision by Daniel Porter, which was published in the American Academy of Ophthalmology, says that sildenafil can cause temporary changes in your vision, such as blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and less ability to tell colors apart.
Explore our in-depth Tadalafil blog and Sildenafil guide to explore more about these drugs.
Tadalafil And Sildenafil: Mechanism Of Action
Tadalafil and sildenafil citrate have similar mechanisms of action because they belong to the same class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Their working mechanism of action involves their ability to inhibit the enzyme PDE5. This enzyme breaks down cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate), a chemical messenger that helps smooth muscles relax.
During sexual arousal, NO₂, or nitric oxide, is released, resulting in increased levels of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum of the penis. This process leads to smooth muscle relaxation, allowing increased blood flow into the penile tissues, leading to an erection. By inhibiting the action of PDE5, Tadalafil and Sildenafil enhance the effects of cGMP. This, in turn, improves blood flow to the penis [3].
Tadalafil Vs. Sildenafil: Dosage Guidelines
Tadalafil can be taken regularly each day or as needed before sex to improve sexual wellness among men. The starting dose of this medication is 10 mg, taken at least 30 minutes before sexual intercourse. This dose may be increased to 20 mg or adjusted between 10–20 mg. The maximum dose of this medication is 20 mg.
First-time users of Sildenafil should begin at a dose of 50 mg taken approximately an hour before anticipated sexual activity. The dose of Sildenafil may be adjusted between 25 and 100 mg as needed, but no single dose should surpass 100 mg. Moreover, this PDE5 inhibitor should not be taken more than once daily for at least 24 hours between doses [4].
Note – Tadalafil and Sildenafil work only when you’re sexually aroused.
Proper Administration –
- It is crucial to take these medicines as prescribed. Your healthcare provider has prescribed the specific dosage of the medication based on your medical history, age, and weight to get the most benefits.
- Take Sildenafil and Tadalafil with or without food. If taken with food, avoid heavy or fatty meals, as they can slow the time for them to start working.
Note – In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe higher dosages of these medications. Therefore, it is always advised to consult a doctor before taking Sildenafil and Tadalafil. |
Available Brands Of Tadalafil And Sildenafil
Tadalafil and Sildenafil are also available under various brand names. The popular brand names of Tadalafil are Cialis, Vidalista, and Tadalista Super Active.
Some of the most common brand versions of sildenafil are Viagra, Cenforce Professional, Aurogra 100 mg, Malegra 100 mg, Cenforce 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg.
Visit our Viagra page to see all Sildenafil products and our Cialis page to see all Tadalafil brands.
Tadalafil And Sildenafil – Side Effects
Both ED medications can cause the following common side effects, according to NCBI [5] [6] –
Tadalafil | Sildenafil |
Dyspepsia | Flushing |
Headache | Headaches |
Back pain | Nasal congestion (stuffy nose) |
Myalgia | Back pain |
Flushing | Nausea |
Nasal congestion | Dyspepsia (indigestion) |
Nasopharyngitis (common cold) | Dizziness |
Pain in limb | Rash |
Myalgia (muscle pain) |
These side effects are usually resolved on their own within a few hours.
In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur, like a painful or prolonged erection, also known as priapism, or sudden hearing loss. In the event of such adverse events, seek immediate medical help.
Sildenafil Citrate And Tadalafil Drug Interactions
Before taking Sildenafil or Tadalafil, inform your doctor if you use other medicines like –
- Other erectile dysfunction treatments
- Ritonavir for HIV treatment
- Antifungal medicines, such as itraconazole or ketoconazole
- Antibiotics such as erythromycin, rifampicin, or clarithromycin
- Tamsulosin or another benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment
- Phenobarbital, phenytoin, or carbamazepine for epilepsy
- High blood pressure medications
- Nitrates such as isosorbide mononitrate are used for chest pain.
- Bosentan or riociguat
- Any over-the-counter medication [7].
When To See A Pain Doctor?
People should see a pain doctor in the following scenarios [8].
Persistent pain
Consult with a healthcare provider specializing in pain management if you experience pain that persists beyond the typical time to heal for a specific injury or illness. Constant pain that lasts for several weeks or months, even at a low level, may indicate an underlying health condition needing medical attention.
Unexplained pain
A certified pain doctor should evaluate pain that arises without any apparent cause or injury. Unexplained pain may indicate an underlying medical condition requiring diagnosis and proper treatment.
Pain interferes with everyday activities
A doctor should promptly address pain that interferes with the ability to perform everyday tasks such as household chores or social interactions. Pain that limits movement, disrupts sleep, or negatively impacts emotional wellness requires medical attention.
Sildenafil and Tadalafil – Which Is Better?
Your doctor will decide the right medicine between Tadalafil and Sildenafil based on factors like age, preexisting health conditions, and severity of your condition. If a man wants a long-lasting effect of the drug, then they can opt for Tadalafil. If they want the effects of this medication to be shorter, they can go for Sildenafil, but only under the supervision of a doctor.
FAQs
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References
- Onset and duration of action of sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, NCBI
- Tips to Get the Most Out of Tadalafil (Cialis), Healthline
- Sildenafil: mechanism of action, clinical applications and safety, chemicalbook
- Comparison of Sildenafil vs Tadalafil, The Independent Pharmacy
- Sildenafil, NCBI
- Tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, NCBI
- Tadalafil vs Sildenafil: Which is better? Asda