Generic ED Medicines Explained Simply

Tadalafil and sildenafil are the two most common treatments for erectile dysfunction. Both have a long track record, and both are now available as affordable generics. The question that matters is often not which one is "better", but which one suits the way you live.

Sildenafil is usually taken about an hour before sex and lasts around four to five hours. A high-fat meal can slow it down. Tadalafil, on the other hand, can work for up to 36 hours, and food has little effect. Plenty of men also take a low daily dose of tadalafil so they do not have to plan ahead.

To compare the two in more detail, see this plain-English guide explains the differences step by step.

Before you start: never take either medicine with nitrate tablets or sprays for chest pain or with "poppers". Let your doctor know about any other medicines website you take. The usual side effects are headache, flushing, a blocked nose and indigestion. Get urgent help for an erection lasting more than four hours or any sudden loss of sight or hearing.

Strength matters too. The licensed doses are 25, 50 or 100 mg for sildenafil and 2.5 to 20 mg for tadalafil. Bigger doses do not reliably work better, but they do raise the risk of side effects. Stick to the dose on your prescription.

If you choose to buy generic sildenafil or tadalafil online, make sure the strength matches your prescription and read the patient leaflet. A valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine. There is more detail on this page.

This article is for general information only. Always check with your doctor before starting a new medicine.