Both medicines work identically — they relax the blood vessels in the penis so that arousal produces an erection more easily. Neither creates desire and neither works without stimulation. The choice is about timing.
Sildenafil takes about an hour to work, lasts four to five hours, and is slowed by a heavy meal. It suits people who plan ahead. Tadalafil works in about thirty minutes and lasts up to 36 hours, so the timing of sex matters far less; it also isn’t affected by food. Both are supplied privately by our pharmacists after a confidential consultation — see the ED service page and our overview of ED and where to get help.
The safety checks are the same for both: no nitrates or riociguat, no recent heart attack or stroke, blood pressure neither very low nor uncontrolled, and a look at your other medicines. We take your blood pressure at the consultation because ED is often the first sign of circulation problems.
Side effects are usually mild — flushing, headache, a blocked nose, indigestion. Tadalafil is more likely to cause back or muscle ache; sildenafil a bluish tint to vision. If you also have premature ejaculation, ask about dapoxetine — the two can sometimes be used together after a check.
15-minute pharmacist consultation, supplied under a Patient Group Direction. Book a time at any of our six branches or walk in.
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