Tadalafil vs Sildenafil: Quick Comparison for Real People

If you’ve Googled "best ED pill" you probably saw the names Cialis and Viagra pop up. Those are just brand names – the actual drugs are tadalafil and sildenafil. Let’s break down what makes each one tick, so you can pick the one that fits your life.

How fast does it work and how long does it last?

Tadalafil is famous for its long window. You take a 10 mg or 20 mg tablet and it starts working in about 30‑60 minutes, then stays effective for up to 36 hours. That’s why people call it the "weekend pill" – you can have sex any time that weekend without timing every dose.

Sildenafil kicks in a bit quicker, usually within 15‑30 minutes, but its effect fades after 4‑6 hours. If you prefer a short‑term boost for a planned date night, sildenafil might feel more natural.

Dosage, food and side‑effects

Both drugs come in 5 mg increments, but typical doses differ. Tadalafil is often prescribed at 10 mg (as needed) or 20 mg for a stronger effect; some doctors also put you on a low daily dose of 2.5‑5 mg if you want spontaneity.

Sildenafil is usually taken as 25 mg, 50 mg or 100 mg per use. A key tip: take it on an empty stomach or with light food. Heavy meals can delay the kick‑in time by up to an hour.

Side‑effects overlap – headache, flushing, upset stomach – but tadalafil tends to cause less visual disturbance, while sildenafil may give you a slight blue tint in vision for a few minutes. Both are safe for most men, but if you have heart issues or take nitrates, skip them and talk to your doctor.

Cost and availability

In the US, generic tadalafil costs about $0.70‑$1 per pill, while generic sildenafil is roughly $0.60‑$0.90. Prices vary by pharmacy and insurance coverage, so shop around or use a reputable online pharmacy.

Both are prescription meds in most countries. Some places now offer over‑the‑counter Viagra Connect (low‑dose sildenafil) for men 18+. Tadalafil still requires a script everywhere.

Which one should you try?

If you want flexibility, plan on weekend trips, or dislike planning each dose, tadalafil is the clear winner. If you like a shorter window, don’t mind timing your pill before a specific event, and want a cheaper entry point, sildenafil fits the bill.

Ultimately, talk to a healthcare professional. They’ll check your medical history, suggest the right dose, and help you avoid dangerous drug interactions.

Bottom line: both pills work – they just do it on different schedules. Pick the one that matches how you live, and enjoy confident intimacy without overthinking the timing.