Sildenafil vs Tadalafil

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.

To help you find out which of these two is the better option for you, here’s our expert guide to both medicines.

Learn more about PDE5 inhibitors in our detailed blog “PDE5 Inhibitors: How They Work, Types, And More“.

Sildenafil And Tadalafil At A Glance

Let’s have a quick overview of some of the differences between Sildenafil and Tadalafil.

Difference Between Sildenafil Vs. Tadalafil

Some of the notable differences between Sildenafil and Tadalafil are –

• Sildenafil starts showing its effects as early as 12 minutes. In most patients, within 30 minutes after intake, according to a study by Ian Eardley et.al., Tadalafil takes up to 30 minutes to 2 hours to show its effects [1] [2].

• Tadalafil’s duration of action is much longer, lasting up to 36 hours. Sildenafil’s duration of action is 4 hours after a dose.
• Both of these ED medications have similar side effects. According to a study, namely Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Medication and Your Eyes and Vision by Daniel Porter, published in the American Academy of Opthalmology, sildenafil is more prone to temporary vision changes, such as blurred vision, light sensitivity, and decreased ability to tell colors apart.

Explore our in-depth Tadalafil blog and Sildenafil guide if you’re interested in exploring 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 is responsible for breaking down cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate), a chemical messenger involved in smooth muscle relaxation.

During sexual arousal, NO2, or nitric oxide, is released, resulting in increased levels of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum of the penis. This leads to smooth muscle relaxation, allowing increased flow of blood 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. 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 a day for at least 24 hours between each dose [4].

Note – Tadalafil and Sildenafil work only when you’re sexually aroused.

Proper Administration –

• It is crucial to take these medicines as prescribed. It is because your healthcare provider has prescribed you 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 it takes for them to start working.

You can check out the list of all the sildenafil products on our Vigara category page, and you can check out the Cialis category page to learn about all the brand versions of 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. Vidalista is also available in the names and dosage strengths of Vidalista Super Active, Vidalista 20 mg, 60mg, and 40 mg.

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.

Tadalafil And Sildenafil – Side Effects

Both ED medications can cause the following common side effects, according to NCBI [5] [6] –

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 ketokonazole
• 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].

Sildenafil And Tadalafil – Which Is Better?

The right medicine between Tadalafil and Sildenafil will be decided by your doctor 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, then they can go for Sildenafil, but only under the supervision of a doctor.