Sildenafil vs Tadalafil: ED Medication Guide and Where to Buy in Europe
Erectile dysfunction affects over 150 million men in Europe. Sildenafil (Viagra) and Tadalafil (Cialis) are the most effective treatments. This guide compares both and covers dosing, onset, and how to source them in the EU.
How PDE5 Inhibitors Work
Sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil all work by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), the enzyme that breaks down cGMP in smooth muscle cells of the corpus cavernosum. Elevated cGMP causes relaxation of smooth muscle, increased blood flow, and erection. Critically: PDE5 inhibitors do not cause erections independently — sexual stimulation is required. They simply facilitate the physiological response to arousal by prolonging the nitric oxide/cGMP signal.
Sildenafil (Viagra): Fast Acting, Short Duration
Onset: 30–60 minutes. Duration: 4–6 hours. Standard doses: 25 mg, 50 mg (most common), 100 mg. Take on an empty stomach — fatty foods delay absorption by 60+ minutes and reduce peak concentration by 29%. Efficacy: 70–80% of men achieve satisfactory erections. Side effects: flushing (11%), headache (16%), nasal congestion (4%), visual disturbances (3% — blue-tinge, blurred vision). Contraindicated with nitrates (severe hypotension risk). Generic sildenafil is now widely available in Europe at a fraction of brand Viagra cost.
Tadalafil (Cialis): The "Weekend Pill"
Onset: 30 minutes to 2 hours. Duration: up to 36 hours. Standard doses: 10 mg (as-needed), 20 mg (as-needed), 2.5–5 mg (daily). Daily low-dose tadalafil (5 mg) normalises erectile function continuously and is particularly effective for men who have sex more than twice weekly. Less affected by food. Side effects similar to sildenafil but with less flushing and visual effects; more back pain and muscle aches (1–10%). Also approved for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) at 5 mg daily — unique among PDE5 inhibitors.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose sildenafil if: spontaneity is less important, cost is a primary concern, you prefer a shorter window of effect. Choose tadalafil if: you want a longer window of opportunity, you have sex more than 2× weekly (consider daily dosing), food timing is difficult to control. Note: a significant proportion of men who do not respond to one PDE5 inhibitor respond to another — switching is always worth trying before considering other interventions.
Where to Buy ED Medications Online in Europe
PharmaForce stocks branded and generic sildenafil and tadalafil tablets for delivery across Europe. Products include Viagra (sildenafil 50/100 mg), Cialis (tadalafil 20 mg), and generic equivalents at significantly lower prices. Delivery available to Germany, France, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Czech Republic and 25+ EU countries. Discreet packaging — no product names or logos on the outside of parcels. 3–8 business day delivery. Free shipping on orders over €150.
Geschrieben von
Dr. Marco Rossi
Urologist, MD