A Plain Guide to Generic ED Tablets

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 real question is usually not which one is "better", but which one matches your plans.

Sildenafil is usually taken about an hour before sex and lasts around four to five hours. A heavy meal can delay the effect. Generic tadalafil, on the other hand, can last for up to 36 hours, and food makes little difference. Many men also take a low daily dose of tadalafil so they do not have to plan ahead.

If you want a simple comparison, see this plain-English guide walks through timing, food and side effects.

A few safety points: never take either medicine with nitrate tablets or sprays for chest pain or with "poppers". Let your website doctor know about any alpha-blockers. The usual side effects are headache, flushing, a blocked nose and indigestion. Get urgent help for an erection lasting more than four hours or sudden changes in vision.

Strength matters too. The licensed doses are 25, 50 or 100 mg for sildenafil and 2.5 to 20 mg for tadalafil. Higher-strength tablets do not reliably work better, but they do make side effects more likely. Only take the dose your prescriber has set.

When you buy medicine online, make sure the strength matches your prescription and keep the leaflet. A valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine. You can read more here.

This is general information, not medical advice. Always check with your doctor before starting a new medicine.