# Sildenafil vs Tadalafil UK Compared | Pick My Pharmacy

URL: https://pickmypharmacy.co.uk/answers/sildenafil-vs-tadalafil-uk/
Description: Generic sildenafil typically costs less per tablet; tadalafil lasts longer and has a daily option. How UK private prices compare, side by side.

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Costs & Charges

# Sildenafil vs tadalafil — which is better value in the UK?

By [Kaiser Khan](/author/kaiser-khan/) · Updated 9 July 2026

In short

Generic sildenafil is usually the cheaper per-tablet ED treatment in the UK at about £1.50–£6, while tadalafil typically costs £2–£7 per on-demand tablet or £15–£45 a month as a daily low dose. Tadalafil lasts much longer (up to around 36 hours vs about 4 hours for sildenafil), so “better value” depends on how often you need treatment — not only the sticker price. Both are prescription-only and need a consultation; Viagra Connect is a separate pharmacy-medicine sildenafil 50mg option.

At a glance

- ·Sildenafil: typically £1.50–£6 per tablet; effects up to around 4 hours
- ·Tadalafil: typically £2–£7 per on-demand tablet, or £15–£45/month daily
- ·Tadalafil can remain effective for up to around 36 hours
- ·Same safety rule: never combine with nitrate medicines
- ·Both need a prescriber consultation except Viagra Connect (sildenafil 50mg P medicine)
- ·Compare per-tablet cost at the pack size you will actually use

## Price comparison

Across GPhC-registered UK online pharmacies, generic sildenafil is usually the lowest per-tablet cost, especially in packs of 8 or 16. Tadalafil costs more per on-demand tablet but may work out similar or better value if you would otherwise take sildenafil more than once in a weekend, because one dose can cover a longer window. Daily tadalafil is priced as a monthly supply — useful if you want spontaneity, but more expensive than occasional sildenafil for infrequent use.

## Duration and practical differences

Sildenafil is typically taken about an hour before sex and lasts up to around four hours. Tadalafil on-demand can last up to around 36 hours; the daily low dose keeps a steady level. Food, alcohol, and other medicines can affect both. Which profile suits you is a clinical and lifestyle question for the consultation — price alone should not decide it.

## Buying safely

ED tablets are heavily counterfeited. Use only GPhC-registered pharmacies, complete the health questionnaire honestly, and prefer generic sildenafil over branded Viagra if cost is the main driver and the prescriber agrees. New erectile dysfunction still warrants a GP review because it can signal cardiovascular disease. This page is general price information, not medical advice.

Next step

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## People Also Ask
Is tadalafil the same as Cialis?+
Cialis is a brand of tadalafil. Generic tadalafil contains the same active ingredient when matched for dose.
Which is cheaper for occasional use?+
Usually generic sildenafil, especially in larger packs. Compare per-tablet prices at the quantity you need.
Can I get either on the NHS?+
GPs can prescribe ED treatment on the NHS in some circumstances. Ask your GP — NHS supply is often cheaper for regular use.

Keep reading

- [How much do ED tablets cost in the UK?](/answers/how-much-do-ed-tablets-cost/)
- [Viagra Connect vs prescription sildenafil — which is cheaper?](/answers/viagra-connect-vs-prescription-sildenafil/)
- [Can you buy Viagra over the counter in the UK?](/answers/can-you-buy-viagra-over-the-counter-in-the-uk/)
- [Compare ED treatment prices](/treatments/erectile-dysfunction/)
- [Sildenafil price comparison](/treatments/erectile-dysfunction/sildenafil/)
- [Tadalafil price comparison](/treatments/erectile-dysfunction/tadalafil/)

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This article is general information for UK patients, not medical advice, and NHS rules and charges change — confirm current rules on [nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk) or speak to a pharmacist or GP before acting. For urgent medical help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency. Price figures are indicative benchmarks from our[methodology](/methodology/).