Comparisons · FAQ
How do the side effects of sildenafil and tadalafil compare?
Short answer
Sildenafil and tadalafil can both cause headache, flushing, stuffy nose, and indigestion. Sildenafil may cause color or vision changes. Tadalafil may cause back pain or muscle aches. Side effects differ by person. An erection lasting longer than 4 hours or sudden vision or hearing loss needs urgent medical care.
Sildenafil and tadalafil share several common side effects. These include headache, flushing, stuffy nose, and indigestion. Dizziness can also occur, especially when blood pressure drops. Having a side effect with one medicine does not tell you exactly how you will respond to the other.
Sildenafil may cause vision changes, such as a blue tint or greater sensitivity to light. Tadalafil may cause back pain or muscle aches. Because tadalafil stays in the body longer, some side effects may also last longer. Contact your prescriber if symptoms are bothersome or do not go away.
Stop taking the medicine and seek urgent medical care for sudden vision loss or sudden hearing loss. An erection lasting longer than 4 hours is an emergency, even without pain. Call 911 for chest pain, fainting, or signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing.
Do not lower, raise, or repeat doses on your own to manage side effects. Your prescriber can review your dose, other medicines, and whether switching treatment is appropriate.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.
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