Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual condition that affects men of all ages. It is usually linked to age-related factors, stress, or other medical issues. The good news is that ED is treatable, with effective medicines helping several men maintain a healthy sexual life.
Among all available treatment options, oral ED medications are highly recommended as a first-line treatment. This is because they are reliable, show quick results, and are easy to take. Among these medications, Sildenafil and Tadalafil stand out due to their proven effectiveness. While similar in function, they differ in many aspects, including duration of effectiveness. Tadalafil offers a significantly longer effectiveness window, whereas Sildenafil is a cheaper option.
This article on Tadalafil vs Sildenafil will cover all major differences you should know before purchasing the medication. These will include FDA approval, manufacturing information, food interactions, affordability, and much more. We will also discuss which medication can be more suitable, helping you make an informed purchase with a doctor’s suggestion.
Tadalafil vs Sildenafil: Main differences at a glance
Both of these ED medications, Sildenafil and Tadalafil, are prescription-only and fall under the medicine class Phosphodiesterase Type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor. Both pills need sexual stimulation to show their effects. However, despite having similar working, they vary significantly in numerous parameters. Given below is a table to clearly understand these differences:
| Parameter | Tadalafil | Sildenafil |
| Original manufacturer | Eli Lily | Pfizer |
| Brand name | Cialis | Viagra |
| Regulatory approval | FDA-approved in 2003 | FDA-approved in 1998 |
| Onset of action | 30 -60 minutes | 30-60 minutes |
| Duration of effectiveness | 36 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Dose range | 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg | 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg |
| Uses | ED, PAH, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) | ED, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) |
| Starting dose | 10 mg (on-demand)2.5-5mg (daily use) | 50 mg |
| Common side effects | Headache, vision changes, nasal congestion, flushing, muscle ache | Muscle ache, headache, flushing, vision changes, nasal congestion |
| Formulations | Tablet, oral jelly | Tablet, oral jelly, chewable tablet |
| Affordability | Generic versions are cheaper than the brand version Cialis | Generic versions are cheaper than the brand version Viagra |
| Food and drug interaction | Very mild food interactions Known interactions with nitrates | Heavy meals, particularly high-fat, delay absorption Known to interact with nitrates |
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Manufacturing and regulatory approval
Sildenafil Citrate was originally manufactured by Pfizer under the brand name Viagra. This branded medication is also known as the blue pill, which was the first oral ED treatment to receive approval by the FDA in 1998. Since its patent has expired, allowing other companies to use the same active ingredient, it is now available in multiple generic versions, making it far more accessible.
On the other hand, Tadalafil received FDA approval in 2003. It was originally manufactured as the brand Cialis by Eli Lilly. Tadalfil is also widely available in generic formulations after the patent expiration.
Approved uses
Both of these PDE-5 inhibitors are primarily known for treating ED. They can effectively improve a man’s natural erection function by widening the blood vessels and boosting the blood flow into the penis. Apart from this, they have some other approved uses as follows:
Other uses of Tadalafil:
- BPH: Tadalafil-containing medicine relaxes smooth muscles in the bladder neck and prostate to enhance urine flow and control the BPH symptoms.
- PAH: This medication widens the pulmonary (lung-related) arteries and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.
Other uses of Sildenafil:
- PAH: This medication lowers the pressure in the lungs by inhibiting the PDE-5 enzyme and relaxing the blood vessels.
Onset of action and effectiveness
Sildenafil usually begins working 30-60 minutes after intake, making it a dependable short-acting option. Tadalafil also takes 30-60 minutes to show effects, which is why both medications are taken around an hour before intimacy. Sildenafil’s effectiveness lasts for around 4-6 hours. In contrast, Tadalafil is known as the weekend pill due to its long effectiveness window of 36 hours.
Sildenafil is more preferable for a planned sexual activity for a shorter duration. On the other hand, for men preferring a quick onset with a long window for intimacy, Tadalfil is the better option.
Dosage
Sildenafil Citrate is generally available in strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. Its standard starting dose is 50 mg. It is important to note that this pill is not supposed to be taken more than once within 24 hours, regardless of dosage strength.
The weekend pill, in contrast, provides more dosing flexibility. Its dosage line includes strengths of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. The 10 mg dose is the usual starting dose for on-demand use. For daily dosing, 1 tablet of 2.5-5 mg strength is recommended.
Common side effects
Since both the blue and weekend pills belong to the same medication class, their side effects are similar. However, Tadalafil is more likely to trigger back pain or muscle aches due to its longer action, whereas Sildenafil is more commonly associated with vision changes.
Common side effects include:
- Digestive issues
- Muscle ache
- Vision changes
- Headache
- Flushing
- Nasal congestion
Formulations and affordability
Generic Sildenafil Citrate is available in various formulations, including tablets, oral jelly, and chewable tablets, under brand names such as Kamagra Chewable Tablet. On the other hand, Tadalafil is available in only two forms, oral jelly and tablet, with the tablet being the dominant form.
While generic versions of both medicines are cheaper than their brand version, Tadalafil is slightly more expensive than the Sildenafil tablets. The cost varies significantly depending on the formulation and dosage.
For men who dislike taking tablets or prefer a flavorful or chewable medicine, Sildenafil can be a better choice, considering it offers a broader range of formulations.
Drug and food interaction
Both the pills, being PDE-5 inhibitors, are known to have interactions with medications like nitrates, High Blood Pressure, and heart medications. These interactions can lead to a severe drop in blood pressure.
The Sildenafil-containing pill is known to be more sensitive to food. A heavy or high-fat meal can reduce its effectiveness by delaying the absorption. In contrast, Tadalafil has minimal food interaction, meaning it can be taken with or without a meal. Moreover, both medicines interact significantly with grapefruit juice, which can increase their levels in the blood and raise the risk of side effects.
Choosing the right ED medication
Choosing between two ED pills depends on a doctor’s recommendation, ED severity, body tolerance, and overall health. Both medicines are effective, but each will offer benefits suitable for different situations. Here’s how one can decide which one could be a better fit:
Choose Tadalafil if the preference is:
- A daily-use medicine for more spontaneity.
- A pill that is least affected by food.
- A long window of duration of effectiveness (36 hours).
- A medicine that can treat BPH and ED simultaneously.
Choose Sildenafil if one wants:
- A cheap medication with a variety of formulations for easy administration.
- Medicine with years of clinical data and successful use.
- A pill that can be taken only when needed for a planned sexual interaction.
Conclusion
When comparing Tadalafil vs Sildenafil, both medications are approved PDE-5 inhibitors, but they offer slightly varying advantages. Sildenafil, or the blue pill, has a strong safety profile, decades of proven effectiveness, and reliable results. Tadalafil, a relatively new medicine, is usually known as the weekend pill for its notably long duration of effectiveness, up to 36 hours, providing better flexibility for sexual activities.
Moreover, Sildenafil is comparatively more affordable, with a broader range of formulations, and is widely recommended for on-demand use. On the other hand, the weekend pill lasts much longer, can be used daily, and has milder interactions with food. It also offers dual benefits for men dealing with ED and BPH.
Always consult a doctor before choosing between ED pills to ensure safety. With the right guidance and complete information on the medicines, you can select the treatment that best caters to your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 20 mg Tadalafil equal to 100 mg Viagra?
No, 20 mg Tadalafil is not equal to 100 mg Viagra. Viagra 100 mg contains Sildenafil, a different active ingredient from Tadalafil, and is a stronger, short-acting dose that works for about 4–6 hours to treat Erectile Dysfunction. Tadalafil 20 mg is milder but lasts much longer, up to 36 hours.
Can I take 2 tablets of Tadalafil 20 mg?
No, you can not take 2 tablets of Tadalafil 20 mg unless your doctor specifically prescribes it. The general starting dosage is 10 mg, and changing the dose without medical supervision can cause an increased risk of side effects, such as headache or dizziness.
Why does the doctor say don’t take Viagra with Cialis?
Doctors advised against taking Viagra with Cialis because both of them are PDE-5 inhibitors that can interact and lead to adverse effects like a dangerous drop in blood pressure, a heart attack, or even a stroke.
Why can’t my husband get hard even with Viagra?
Your husband can’t get hard with Viagra due to numerous reasons, including underlying health issues like Diabetes, incorrect dosage, or low testosterone levels. Moreover, lack of sexual stimulation or excessive intake of alcohol also impacts effectiveness. Your husband must consult a doctor if ED medications are not working for him anymore.
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