What's the best erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment? : sildenafil or tadalafil

Posted 24 August 2018

A man holding a blue pill for erectile dysfunctionThere are a number of things to consider when deciding on a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) - how long will the effect last, how often do I need to take it, how much does it cost? But did you know that tadalafil, once only available as the Cialis brand, is now available to buy online as a generic (unbranded) version?

What is Generic Cialis (Tadalafil)?

Generic forms of any medication are medically identical to the branded originals and are quality controlled to the same standards as the brand name versions; they are just as safe and effective but generally cost much less.

Generic tadalafil contains exactly the same active ingredient as Cialis, but at a fraction of the price. This may be of benefit if you’ve thought about trying Cialis in the past but were put off by the cost. However, cost isn’t the only factor to take into account, and the information below aims to help you decide on the best erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment for you.

Which erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment should I choose: Sildenafil or Tadalafil?

Sildenafil and tadalafil are the two most popular treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED), with sildenafil, brand name Viagra, being the oldest and most well known of the two. But which is better?

Sildenafil is taken an hour before sexual activity, and it will help you get an erection up to at least four hours after taking it, sometimes up to six hours (this doesn’t mean you’ll have an erection that lasts for this length of time - just that you’ll have the potential to have an erection if sexually aroused within the four to six hours after taking). Tadalafil, on the other hand, can be taken 30 minutes before sexual activity and will help you to get an erection up to 36 hours later, so it allows for more sexual spontaneity and has been dubbed “The weekend pill”. Both sildenafil and tadalafil should not be taken more frequently than once a day.

The effect of sildenafil can be impaired if taken with or after food, but tadalafil works just as well taken after a meal as it does on an empty stomach.

Which erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment is best for lactose intolerant people?

If you are lactose intolerant, sildenafil may be the best option as it is available as a lactose free formulation. You can buy the Mylan brand of sildenafil at Webmed, which is lactose free.

Tadalafil can also be taken as a daily dose if you are sexually active at least twice a week. This means you don’t need to worry at all about waiting for the effects to kick in - you’ll be ready for sexual activity at any time.

Other erectile dysfunction (ED) medicines are available besides sildenafil and tadalafil - avanafil, available only as the brand Spedra, is the fastest acting, taking effect in just 15 minutes. Vardenafil, marketed as Levitra, may work more quickly and last slightly longer than sildenafil and tadalafil and may be the most suitable ED medication for people with diabetes.

What’s the best erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment?

Overall, it appears that tadalafil comes out on top when compared with sildenafil, with the notably longer duration of action, slightly faster onset of effectiveness, compatibility with food and the option to take it as a once daily dose. But everyone has different needs, and what works for one person may not work for the next. Hopefully, this information will have helped you to decide on which erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment will be best for you.

To see the full list of erectile disfunction (ED) medication available from Webmed, click here.

Author: Gabby Gallagher MPharm

Medically reviewed by: Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons)MRPharmS 24/08/18

Posted in Erectile Dysfunction, Men's Health, Sexual Health