Tadalafil vs Diclofenac: side-by-side comparison
Tadalafil (PDE5 inhibitor) and Diclofenac (NSAID (phenylacetic acid)) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely substitutes for each other. The comparison is useful when a single patient is weighing both options for adjacent or overlapping needs.
| Property | Tadalafil | Diclofenac |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | PDE5 inhibitor | NSAID (phenylacetic acid) |
| CAS | 171596-29-5 | 15307-86-5 |
| ATC | G04BE08 | M01AB05 |
| Molecular weight | 389.4 g/mol | 296.15 g/mol |
| Brands with this active ingredient | 7 | 1 |
What they share
Tadalafil and Diclofenac share the common regulatory framework for prescription active ingredients, bioequivalence standards for generics, and pharmacist oversight. Beyond that, points in common are limited.
Key differences
Tadalafil acts by a different mechanism than Diclofenac, with indications that barely overlap. Comparing the two is useful when a clinician has mentioned both in the same context or the patient wants to understand why one was prescribed instead of the other.
Mechanisms compared
Tadalafil: Tadalafil selectively inhibits PDE5, the enzyme responsible for breaking down cyclic guanosine monophosphate in the corpus cavernosum and other vascular smooth muscle. Diclofenac: Diclofenac reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, with somewhat greater selectivity for COX-2 than ibuprofen and naproxen.
Indications compared
Tadalafil: Tadalafil is approved for three indications: erectile dysfunction in adult men, lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Diclofenac: Diclofenac is approved in adults for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute musculoskeletal pain, post-surgical pain, primary dysmenorrhoea, acute migraine and ureteric colic…
Safety profile
Tadalafil: Common adverse effects in clinical trials include headache, dyspepsia, back pain, myalgia, nasal congestion and facial flushing. Diclofenac: Common adverse effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, dizziness and elevated liver enzymes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tadalafil better than Diclofenac? ▾
Tadalafil and Diclofenac are not "better or worse" — they treat different things. The sensible question is which fits your specific need.
Can Tadalafil and Diclofenac be combined? ▾
Whether they can be combined depends on the indications and the interaction profile of each. If both are in a single prescription, the prescriber has weighed it; in self-medication they should never be combined.
Do they have the same side-effect profile? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each has its own prescribing information.
Products with Tadalafil
Products with Diclofenac
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.