Over half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70 suffer with erectile dysfunction¹. It’s a common problem but one that is still considered too embarrassing to talk about, which is why many men prefer to buy treatment online rather than face their GP. So, what is the best treatment out there, and which is better – Sildenafil or Tadalafil?
What is Sildenafil (Viagra)?
Sildenafil is an unbranded, generic version of Viagra. When Pfizer’s patent on Viagra expired in 2013, other pharmaceutical companies were allowed to make their own drugs using Viagra’s active ingredient, sildenafil citrate. It’s part of a group of medicines known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
What is Tadalafil (Cialis)?
Tadalafil is also a PDE5 inhibitor and is the active ingredient in the branded medication, Cialis. Just like Viagra, the patent on Cialis has expired, and it is now possible to buy Tadalafil in its generic form. It’s available as a tablet that can be taken when needed (10mg or 20mg) and as a daily tablet (Cialis Daily).
How do PDE5 inhibitors work?
Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors stop the early breakdown of the chemical that your body needs to achieve an erection, thereby making it last longer.
This chemical is known as cGMP (Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate) and it’s what causes the smooth muscle in the penis to relax and the blood vessels to dilate. This increases blood flow to the penis and allows you to maintain a firm, prolonged erection.
Sildenafil and Tadalafil are both PDE5 inhibitors and work in the same way, but there are differences in how quickly they get to work and how long the effects last.
Which one is more effective?
Clinical trials have shown that Sildenafil and Tadalafil tablets are both effective. Though they achieve the desired result, there are some differences in how they perform.
Tadalafil gets to work quicker
Tadalafil works within 30 minutes (though it can take longer in some people). This is much quicker than Sildenafil, which can take between 30 to 60 minutes to work, and needs to be taken at least an hour before sexual activity. Some men prefer Tadalafil because it requires less planning and they can be more spontaneous.
Tadalafil tablets last longer
The effects of Sildenafil last for around four to five hours, whereas Tadalafil can last up to 36 hours. For men who anticipate having sex at least twice a week, Cialis Daily is a low dose that can be taken every day and is triggered to bring about an erection by sexual stimulation.
Tadalafil can be taken with food
Both Sildenafil and Tadalafil work best when they are taken on an empty stomach. A high fat meal, for example, could stop Sildenafil being absorbed properly, and you might not get the results you were expecting. However, Tadalafil is less sensitive and is still effective when taken with food, so a romantic meal is unlikely to derail your plans.
What about side effects?
Most men take erectile dysfunction (ED) tablets without suffering any side effects, but in some people, Sildenafil and Tadalafil can cause unwanted symptoms. The most common side effects are:
- Headache
- Stuffy nose
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Indigestion
- Flushing
Though both treatments have the same side effects, you can expect them to last longer if you choose Tadalafil, because it stays in your system for up to 36 hours.
Sildenafil and Tadalafil can cause other side effects, and, in rare cases, an allergic reaction. Before you start treatment, you should always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your tablets, so you know what to expect.
Is there a difference in price?
Sildenafil and Tadalafil are more affordable than their branded alternatives that contain the same active ingredients – Viagra and Cialis (respectively). Of the two treatments, Sildenafil is slightly cheaper to buy from Post My Meds.
- Sildenafil tablets start from £13.99 for 4 tablets at a 50mg (standard) dose
- Tadalafil tablets start from £16.99 for 4 tablets at a 10mg dose
Tadalafil daily tablets (2.5mg) start at £39.99 for 28 tablets – a month’s supply. This is significantly less than the cost of Cialis Daily, which start at £69.49.
Are ED drugs suitable for everyone?
Not everyone is suitable to take drugs that treat erectile dysfunction, which is why you should always buy them from a registered online pharmacy. Their trained staff will ask you about any medical conditions you have and any other medication you are taking.
In particular, you should tell your pharmacist (or doctor) if you have:
- Chest pains
- Angina or a heart problem
- Severe liver problems
- Low blood pressure
- Recently had a stroke
Occasionally, erectile dysfunction can be a sign of an underlying condition, like diabetes or heart disease. If this is the first time you’ve suffered with ED, it’s a persistent problem that doesn’t respond to treatment, or you are under 40 years old, call your doctor. They can investigate further to rule out the possibility of a serious, undiagnosed problem.
Which is better, Sildenafil or Tadalafil?
With Sildenafil any side effects you experience are likely to be short-lived, and a pack of four is slightly cheaper than Tadalafil. However, Tadalafil tablets get to work quicker, last longer, and don’t need to be taken with food – so, which is better?
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, and the only way of knowing for sure is to try both, if necessary. We recommend starting with one treatment and if you don’t get the results you were expecting, ask your doctor or pharmacist to increase your dose. Then, if you still aren’t satisfied, try the other tablets – you may find they suit you better.
How to buy Sildenafil and Tadalafil
You can buy Sildenafil and Tadalafil tablets online from a registered pharmacy, like Post My Meds. It’s quick and simple to do, and we guarantee that your order will be shipped in discreet, unbranded packaging to protect your privacy.
When placing your order you will be asked to complete a short online consultation so we can check it’s safe for you to take the treatment, then your order will be dispatched by first class post. Rest assured that all the information you give us is kept confidential, so you can buy affordable treatment online discreetly and safely.
