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Tadalafil vs. Sildenafil

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Tadalafil (Cialis) and sildenafil (Viagra) are both medications used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), but they have some key differences. Tadalafil can also treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), while sildenafil is only approved for ED. Tadalafil can be taken either as needed or daily, offering more flexibility, whereas sildenafil is only taken as needed. Tadalafil lasts up to 36 hours, providing a longer window of effectiveness compared to sildenafil, which lasts up to 4 hours. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Common side effects for both include headaches, flushining, and indigestion. Neither medication should not be taken with nitrates due to the risk of dangerously low blood pressure.

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Viagra Vs. Cialis Vs. Other Popular ED Meds: Which One Is Best?

Tadalafil

(Cialis)

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Sildenafil

(Viagra)

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Summary for Tadalafil

Prescription only

Tadalafil (Cialis) is used for erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in adults. It belongs to the drug class called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. Tadalafil (Cialis) is a tablet you take by mouth. For ED, you can take a dose either just before sex or once every day. And for BPH, it's taken once a day. Side effects include headache and indigestion. Tadalafil (Cialis) can interact with many medications, including blood pressure medications. Some drug interactions can lead to very low blood pressure and dizziness. Tadalafil (Cialis) is available as a brand-name and generic version.

Indications for Tadalafil

Pros and Cons for Tadalafil

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tadalafil

When taken as needed for ED:

  • Headache (11-15%)
  • Indigestion (4-10%)
  • Back pain (3-6%)

When taken once daily for ED:

When taken once daily for BPH:

  • Headache (2-4%)
  • Indigestion (up to 2%)
  • Common cold symptoms (2%)
  • Back pain (1-2%)

Warnings for Tadalafil

  • Risk of heart problems in people with heart disease
  • Low blood pressure
  • Prolonged or painful erection (priapism)
  • Vision changes
  • Hearing loss
  • Interactions with other medications

Summary for Sildenafil

Prescription only

Sildenafil (Viagra) is a tablet that's taken by mouth for erectile dysfunction (ED) in adults. It works as a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor to help people get an erection or keep an erection that lasts for sex. You only take a dosage when you need it (usually about an hour, or anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours, before sex). Take sildenafil (Viagra) no more than once a day. Otherwise, it can put you at risk of serious side effects, such as vision loss or low blood pressure. Other more common side effects include headache and flushing. Sildenafil (Viagra) is a brand-name and generic medication.

Indications for Sildenafil

Pros and Cons for Sildenafil

Pros

  • A first-choice medication for ED
  • Taken only when you need it
  • Can take it 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity
  • Comes in different strengths, so you and your prescriber can find which works best for you

Cons

Common Side Effects for Sildenafil

  • Headache (16-28%)
  • Flushing (10-19%)
  • Indigestion (3-17%)
  • Changes in vision (e.g., color tinge, blurry vision, light sensitivity; 1-11%)
  • Stuffy nose (4-9%)

Warnings for Sildenafil

  • Risk of heart problems in people with heart disease
  • Low blood pressure
  • Prolonged or painful erection (priapism)
  • Vision changes
  • Hearing loss
  • Interactions with other medications

Prices with our coupons for Tadalafil vs. Sildenafil

Price Card Drug Icon
Tadalafil (Cialis)30 tablets / 5mg
$12.18$52.24
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Viagra10 tablets / 100mg
$251.30$974.39
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