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Sildenafil or Tadalafil - Cheapest UK Price £0.45

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Pricing Disclaimer: Prices on some pages may not be up to date — the live pricing table below and pricing shown during consultation are official current prices and take precedence over any other figures on the site.

Sildenafil - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
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Sildenafil

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Tadalafil - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
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Tadalafil

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Sildenafil Eropid - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
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Sildenafil Eropid

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Tadalafil (Teva) - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
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Tadalafil (Teva)

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Avarante Tablets Tadalafil Tablets 10mg - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
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Avarante Tablets Tadalafil Tablets 10mg

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Viagra Connect 50mg - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
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Sildenafil or Tadalafil: Which Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Is Right for You?

Choosing between sildenafil or tadalafil is one of the most common questions men face when seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction. Both are proven phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors licensed by the MHRA, but they differ significantly in onset time, duration of action, and dosing flexibility. Understanding these differences helps you make an informed choice with your prescriber about which treatment best suits your lifestyle and clinical needs.

How Sildenafil or Tadalafil Work for Erectile Dysfunction

Both sildenafil or tadalafil work by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, which breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the smooth muscle of the penis. By blocking this enzyme, both medications allow cGMP levels to rise during sexual stimulation, promoting relaxation of blood vessels and increased blood flow to achieve and maintain an erection [1]. Neither medication causes spontaneous erections—sexual arousal is required for them to work effectively.

The key difference lies in their pharmacokinetic profiles. Sildenafil has a half-life of approximately 3-5 hours, meaning its effects typically last 4-6 hours after administration. Tadalafil, by contrast, has a half-life of 17.5 hours, providing a window of effectiveness up to 36 hours [2]. This extended duration has earned tadalafil the nickname 'the weekend pill' among patients and clinicians alike. Both medications have demonstrated efficacy in multiple randomised controlled trials, with success rates of 60-85% depending on the underlying cause and severity of erectile dysfunction [3].

Onset Time and Duration: Sildenafil or Tadalafil for Spontaneity

When deciding between sildenafil or tadalafil, timing is often the deciding factor. Sildenafil typically takes effect within 30-60 minutes when taken on an empty stomach, though a high-fat meal can delay absorption by up to an hour. This requires some planning, as most men take it approximately one hour before anticipated sexual activity. The effects peak at around 60 minutes and gradually decline over the next few hours.

Tadalafil offers more flexibility with two distinct dosing approaches. The standard on-demand dose (10mg or 20mg) can be taken 30 minutes to 12 hours before sexual activity, with effects lasting up to 36 hours. For men who prefer not to plan around medication timing, tadalafil is also available as a daily low-dose option (2.5mg or 5mg), which maintains steady blood levels and allows for spontaneous sexual activity at any time [4]. This daily regimen is particularly valued by men in relationships where planning is impractical or undesirable.

Food and Alcohol Interactions

Sildenafil absorption is notably affected by food, particularly high-fat meals, which can reduce peak plasma concentration by up to 29% and delay onset by approximately 60 minutes. Tadalafil is less affected by food, making it more convenient for men who prefer not to time their meals around medication. Both sildenafil or tadalafil can be taken with moderate alcohol consumption, though excessive drinking may impair erectile function and increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and hypotension.

Side Effects: Comparing Sildenafil or Tadalafil Safety Profiles

The side effect profiles of sildenafil or tadalafil are similar, as both are PDE5 inhibitors, but there are subtle differences in frequency and type. The most common side effects include headache, facial flushing, nasal congestion, and dyspepsia. Sildenafil is more frequently associated with visual disturbances—such as a blue tinge to vision or increased light sensitivity—due to mild inhibition of PDE6, an enzyme found in the retina [5]. These visual effects are typically mild and transient.

Tadalafil, with its longer half-life, may cause back pain and myalgia (muscle aches) in approximately 5-10% of users, side effects less commonly reported with sildenafil. These symptoms are thought to result from PDE11 inhibition in skeletal muscle and usually resolve within 12-24 hours. Both medications can cause a small, clinically insignificant drop in blood pressure, which is why they are contraindicated in men taking nitrates for angina or those with severe cardiovascular disease [6].

Contraindications and Drug Interactions

When considering sildenafil or tadalafil, it is essential to disclose all current medications to your prescriber. Both are absolutely contraindicated with nitrates (such as glyceryl trinitrate) and riociguat, as the combination can cause life-threatening hypotension. Caution is advised with alpha-blockers used for benign prostatic hyperplasia, as concurrent use may increase the risk of symptomatic low blood pressure. Men with severe hepatic impairment, recent stroke or myocardial infarction, or hereditary retinal disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa require careful assessment before either medication is prescribed.

Feature Sildenafil Tadalafil
Onset of action 30-60 minutes 30 minutes to 12 hours
Duration of effect 4-6 hours Up to 36 hours
Standard starting dose 50mg on-demand 10mg on-demand or 5mg daily
Food interaction Delayed by high-fat meals Minimal food interaction
Common side effects Headache, flushing, visual disturbances Headache, flushing, back pain, myalgia
Licensed for BPH No Yes (daily 5mg)
Starting price at Cured Pharmacy From £0.45 From £9.99

Dosing Flexibility: Sildenafil or Tadalafil for Your Lifestyle

Sildenafil is typically prescribed in 25mg, 50mg, or 100mg doses, with 50mg being the standard starting dose for most men. It is taken on-demand, usually about one hour before sexual activity, and should not be used more than once per day. This dosing schedule works well for men who have infrequent sexual activity or prefer to use medication only when needed.

Tadalafil offers more versatility when choosing between sildenafil or tadalafil. The on-demand doses are 10mg and 20mg, with 10mg as the usual starting dose. For men who engage in sexual activity two or more times per week, the daily tadalafil regimen (2.5mg or 5mg once daily) provides continuous readiness without the need to time doses around sexual activity. This daily option is particularly appealing to men who value spontaneity and want to avoid the psychological burden of 'performance scheduling' [7].

Efficacy in Special Populations: Sildenafil or Tadalafil for Diabetes and Prostate Issues

Men with diabetes-related erectile dysfunction often experience more severe vascular and nerve damage, which can reduce the efficacy of PDE5 inhibitors. Clinical trials show that both sildenafil or tadalafil remain effective in this population, though success rates may be slightly lower (50-60%) compared to men without diabetes [8]. Tadalafil's longer duration may offer an advantage in this group, as it provides a wider window for successful intercourse attempts.

For men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and concurrent erectile dysfunction, tadalafil holds a unique advantage: it is the only PDE5 inhibitor licensed in the UK for the treatment of both conditions simultaneously. Daily tadalafil 5mg has been shown to improve lower urinary tract symptoms while also addressing erectile dysfunction, making it a dual-purpose therapy. Sildenafil is not indicated for BPH and is used solely for erectile dysfunction. This distinction can be decisive when choosing between sildenafil or tadalafil in men over 50 with both conditions.

Post-Prostatectomy Erectile Dysfunction

Nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy often results in temporary or permanent erectile dysfunction due to surgical trauma to the neurovascular bundles. Both sildenafil or tadalafil have been studied in penile rehabilitation protocols, with some evidence suggesting that early, regular use may improve long-term erectile function recovery. Tadalafil's availability as a daily low-dose option makes it particularly suited to this rehabilitation approach, though robust evidence for superiority over on-demand sildenafil remains limited.

Cost and Accessibility: Sildenafil or Tadalafil UK Pricing at Cured Pharmacy

Price is often a practical consideration when deciding between sildenafil or tadalafil. Sildenafil, available as a generic medication since the patent for Viagra expired, is significantly more affordable. At Cured Pharmacy, sildenafil is available from £0.45 per tablet, making it one of the most cost-effective erectile dysfunction treatments in the UK. First-time customers can save an additional 20% off with code Ednew, further reducing the cost of treatment.

Tadalafil, while more expensive due to its longer duration and dosing flexibility, starts from £0.45 at Cured Pharmacy. Both medications require an online clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber, which is provided free of charge and typically takes under three minutes to complete. All treatments are dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy (9012511) under the supervision of superintendent pharmacist Tarun Kumar (GPhC 2233073), ensuring you receive genuine, UK-licensed medicines with discreet next-day delivery. Transparent pricing is displayed upfront, so you know the exact cost before completing your consultation.

Scientific References

  1. Corbin, J. D., & Francis, S. H. (1999). Cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase-5: target of sildenafil. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 274(20), 13729-13732.
  2. Carson, C. C., & Lue, T. F. (2005). Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction. BJU International, 96(3), 257-280.
  3. Hatzimouratidis, K., et al. (2010). Guidelines on male sexual dysfunction: erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. European Urology, 57(5), 804-814.
  4. Porst, H., et al. (2006). The efficacy and tolerability of vardenafil, a new, oral, selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, in patients with erectile dysfunction: the first at-home clinical trial. International Journal of Impotence Research, 13(4), 192-199.
  5. Laties, A., & Zrenner, E. (2002). Viagra (sildenafil citrate) and ophthalmology. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, 21(5), 485-506.
  6. Jackson, G., et al. (2006). Cardiovascular aspects of sexual medicine. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 3(2), 200-209.
  7. Porst, H., et al. (2003). Efficacy of tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction at 24 and 36 hours after dosing: a randomized controlled trial. Urology, 62(1), 121-126.
  8. Rendell, M. S., et al. (1999). Sildenafil for treatment of erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes. JAMA, 281(5), 421-426.

Information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. All prescription treatments require clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication.

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Faq

Which is better for spontaneous sex, sildenafil or tadalafil?
Tadalafil is generally better for spontaneous sex due to its 36-hour window of effectiveness, whereas sildenafil requires more precise timing around sexual activity. Daily tadalafil offers the most spontaneity, as it maintains steady levels in your system.
Can I switch between sildenafil or tadalafil if one doesn't work?
Yes, it is safe to switch between sildenafil or tadalafil under prescriber guidance. Some men respond better to one medication than the other, and trying both can help identify the most effective option for your individual needs.
Is sildenafil or tadalafil safer for men with heart conditions?
Both have similar cardiovascular safety profiles and are contraindicated with nitrates. Your prescriber will assess your cardiovascular health during consultation to determine if either sildenafil or tadalafil is appropriate for you.
How long should I try sildenafil or tadalafil before deciding it's not working?
Most clinicians recommend at least 4-6 attempts with correct dosing and timing before concluding a medication is ineffective. Many men find success improves with repeated use as anxiety decreases.
Can I take sildenafil or tadalafil with alcohol?
Moderate alcohol consumption is generally safe with both medications, but excessive drinking can impair erectile function and increase side effects such as dizziness and low blood pressure.
Does tadalafil work faster than sildenafil?
Both sildenafil or tadalafil can start working within 30 minutes, though sildenafil's peak effect occurs around 60 minutes. Tadalafil's advantage is its prolonged duration, not necessarily faster onset.
Can I use sildenafil or tadalafil if I have diabetes?
Yes, both are effective in men with diabetes-related erectile dysfunction, though success rates may be slightly lower. Your prescriber will assess your overall health and diabetes control during consultation.
Are generic versions of sildenafil or tadalafil as effective as branded?
Yes, generic sildenafil and tadalafil contain the same active ingredient and are bioequivalent to branded versions. All generics dispensed by Cured Pharmacy are MHRA-licensed and meet strict UK quality standards.
Tarun Kumar, Prescribing Pharmacist

Medically reviewed by

Tarun Kumar, Prescribing Pharmacist (GPhC 2233073)

Last reviewed: 2 August 2026