Tadalafil vs Sildenafil Citrate: side-by-side comparison
Tadalafil and Sildenafil Citrate belong to the same class (PDE5 inhibitor). They share therapeutic approach but differ in mechanism nuances, half-life, side-effect profile and available formulations. This comparison summarises what is common and where they diverge.
| Property | Tadalafil | Sildenafil Citrate |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | PDE5 inhibitor | PDE5 inhibitor |
| CAS | 171596-29-5 | 171599-83-0 |
| ATC | G04BE08 | G04BE03 |
| Molecular weight | 389.4 g/mol | 666.7 g/mol |
| Brands with this active ingredient | 7 | 10 |
What they share
Both are in the PDE5 inhibitor class, giving them a common pharmacological architecture and many shared safety and management points. Choice within the class comes down to mechanism nuances, half-life, side-effect profile and individual response.
Key differences
Differences within the PDE5 inhibitor class are what matter in practice: half-life, route of administration, equivalent doses, specific interactions, predominant side-effect profile and accumulated clinical experience. This page frames them; the prescribing information gives quantitative detail.
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. Sildenafil Citrate: Sildenafil citrate selectively inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), an enzyme that breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate in the corpus cavernosum.
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. Sildenafil Citrate: Sildenafil citrate is approved in adult men for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Safety profile
Tadalafil: Common adverse effects in clinical trials include headache, dyspepsia, back pain, myalgia, nasal congestion and facial flushing. Sildenafil Citrate: Common adverse effects reported in clinical trials include headache, facial flushing, nasal congestion, dyspepsia and transient visual disturbances.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tadalafil better than Sildenafil Citrate? ▾
Neither is universally better. Tadalafil and Sildenafil Citrate share the PDE5 inhibitor class but differ in half-life, mechanism nuances and side-effect profile. The choice depends on the patient and the prescriber.
Can Tadalafil and Sildenafil Citrate be combined? ▾
Combining two ingredients from the same PDE5 inhibitor class is uncommon and, in most cases, adds no benefit over one at an appropriate dose. The decision is always the prescriber's.
Do they have the same side-effect profile? ▾
Partly yes — they share many PDE5 inhibitor class effects, with nuances by mechanism and dose. The prescribing information lists differences.
Products with Tadalafil
Products with Sildenafil Citrate
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.