Erectile dysfunction is far more common than most men imagine. It affects around half of men at some stage, and it becomes more likely with age, stress, and conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. The reassuring part is that it is very treatable, and the tablets that treat it are among the most studied medicines in the world.
This guide, written by our pharmacy team, walks through the options in plain English. What they are, how they differ, who each one tends to suit, and the safety points that genuinely matter. It is here to help you have a better conversation with our pharmacist, not to replace it.
The key points, in ten seconds
- There are four main tablets, and they all work in a similar way.
- The real differences are how fast they work, how long they last, and whether food matters.
- All of them are prescription only in Ireland.
- If you take nitrates for your heart, you must not take any of them.
- Our pharmacist can help you find the one that fits your life.
How the tablets actually work
Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Spedra all belong to the same family, known as PDE5 inhibitors. In simple terms, they relax the blood vessels in the penis so more blood can flow in when you are aroused. That last word matters. None of these tablets create desire or produce an erection on their own. You still need to feel turned on for them to work. Think of them as opening the door, not pushing you through it.
The four treatments, reviewed
Viagra (sildenafil) The original
The most recognised name of the lot, and still a workhorse. Sildenafil usually starts working in about 30 to 60 minutes and lasts around 4 to 5 hours. It works best on an empty stomach, because a heavy or fatty meal slows it down and makes it less reliable. Viagra Connect and the generic version, sold here as Sidena, contain the very same active ingredient for less money.
Best for a planned occasion on an empty stomach. Watch for weaker results after a big meal.
Cialis (tadalafil) The weekend pill
The one people call the weekend pill, and with good reason. Tadalafil can last up to 36 hours, which takes the pressure off timing almost entirely. It works with or without food, and it can be taken either on demand or as a small daily dose that keeps a steady level in your system. In head to head studies it performs very strongly, often edging ahead of sildenafil, and the daily version can also ease the anxiety that often travels with ED.
Best for spontaneity, or anyone who would rather not plan around a tablet. Watch for back or muscle aches, which are a little more common than with the others.
Levitra (vardenafil) A gentler Viagra
Similar to Viagra in how long it lasts, about 4 to 5 hours, but it tends to kick in slightly faster, often within 25 to 60 minutes. Some men who find sildenafil gives them too much of a headache or a stuffy nose get on more comfortably with vardenafil. Like Viagra, it prefers an empty stomach.
Best for a Viagra style option that some men tolerate better. Watch for the same slowdown after fatty food.
Spedra (avanafil) The fastest
The newest and the quickest of the group. Avanafil can begin working in as little as 15 to 30 minutes, with a window of roughly 6 hours. It is designed to be more targeted, which for some men means fewer side effects such as flushing and visual changes. Food affects it less than it affects sildenafil.
Best for the quickest onset. Watch for a shorter window than tadalafil.
Side by side
| Tablet | Starts working | Lasts | Food matters? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra (sildenafil) | 30 to 60 min | 4 to 5 hrs | Yes, empty stomach | A planned occasion |
| Cialis (tadalafil) | 30 to 60 min | Up to 36 hrs | No | Spontaneity |
| Levitra (vardenafil) | 25 to 60 min | 4 to 5 hrs | Yes, empty stomach | A gentler alternative |
| Spedra (avanafil) | 15 to 30 min | About 6 hrs | Less so | The fastest start |
Which might suit you?
Tap what matters most to you. This is a general pointer, our pharmacist will confirm what is safe and right for you.
Take it each time, or every day?
Most men use these tablets on demand, taking one when they need it. Tadalafil is the exception, because it can also be taken as a small daily dose. After about five days it reaches a steady level, so you are ready whenever the moment arrives, with no planning at all. Many men find this quietly removes the pressure and the clock watching. It is a good option to raise with your pharmacist or GP.
The usual side effects
For most men these tablets are well tolerated, and side effects tend to be mild and short lived. The common ones are headache, facial flushing, a stuffy nose, and indigestion. Sildenafil can occasionally give a temporary blue tinge to your vision, while tadalafil is a little more likely to cause back or muscle aches. A painful erection lasting more than a few hours is rare, but it needs urgent medical attention.
How to get treatment in Ireland
All of these medicines are prescription only in Ireland, so they are not something you can pick off a shelf. The process with us is quick and completely confidential. You complete a short health questionnaire, our pharmacist checks it is safe and suitable for you, and if it is, we sort your treatment and answer any questions. You can collect discreetly in Portlaoise or have it delivered.
Sildenafil options (Viagra Connect and generic)
Viagra Connect 4 Pack€25.00View product
Viagra Connect 8 Pack€45.00View product
Sidena 50MG Tablets 4S€23.25View product
Sidena 50MG Tablets 8S€41.65View productTadalafil option (Cialis)
Cialis for Men 10mg Tadalafil Tablets – 4 Pack€19.95View product
Cialis for Men 10mg Tadalafil Tablets – 8 Pack€37.95View productTalk to our pharmacist, in confidence
Not sure which option fits you? Start the short, private consultation or ask us anything. No judgement, no waiting room.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best ED tablet?
There is no single best. Tadalafil often edges ahead in studies and suits spontaneity, but the right choice depends on how fast and how long you want it to work, side effects, and your health. Our pharmacist will help you decide.
How fast does Viagra work?
Usually within 30 to 60 minutes, and it works best on an empty stomach. Avanafil (Spedra) is faster, often 15 to 30 minutes.
Which one lasts the longest?
Tadalafil (Cialis), which can work for up to 36 hours. That is why it is called the weekend pill.
Are the generic versions as good?
Yes. Generic sildenafil, sold here as Sidena, contains the same active ingredient as Viagra at a lower price.
Do I need a prescription in Ireland?
Yes. All of these are prescription only in Ireland. Our pharmacist can carry out a short assessment to see if treatment is suitable for you.
Sources
- PDE5 Inhibitors, mechanism, effects and dosing. StatPearls, National Library of Medicine.
- Princeton IV consensus guidelines, PDE5 inhibitors and cardiac health. Journal of Sexual Medicine.
- Comparative efficacy of on demand sildenafil, tadalafil and daily tadalafil. National Library of Medicine.
In Ireland, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil and avanafil are prescription only medicines. This article is general information from our pharmacy team and does not replace advice from your GP, prescriber or pharmacist. Never take an ED medicine alongside nitrates, and always have a suitability check before you start.
