When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction, Tadarise Pro (Tadalafil) is one of the most commonly prescribed options. But it’s not the only one. Many men wonder if there’s something better, faster, or cheaper out there. The truth? Not all ED medications are the same. Each has its own timing, side effects, and how long it lasts. Knowing the differences can save you time, money, and frustration.

What Is Tadarise Pro (Tadalafil)?

Tadarise Pro contains the active ingredient tadalafil, which is also sold under the brand name Cialis. It works by relaxing blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to flow in during sexual stimulation. Unlike some other ED pills, tadalafil doesn’t just kick in right away-it can last up to 36 hours. That’s why some people call it the "weekend pill." You don’t need to time it exactly before sex. Just take it once a day or as needed, and it’s ready when you are.

It’s usually taken in doses of 10 mg or 20 mg, though lower doses (2.5 mg or 5 mg) are used for daily use. It starts working in about 30 to 45 minutes, but food doesn’t slow it down much, unlike some other pills. That’s a big plus for people who don’t want to plan meals around their medication.

How Does Tadalafil Compare to Sildenafil (Viagra)?

Sildenafil, sold as Viagra, has been around longer and is still one of the most popular ED treatments. But here’s how it stacks up against Tadarise Pro:

• Onset time: Sildenafil takes 30-60 minutes to work; tadalafil takes 30-45. Not a huge difference, but tadalafil is a bit more consistent.
• Duration: This is where tadalafil wins. Sildenafil lasts about 4-5 hours. Tadalafil lasts up to 36 hours.
• Food effects: High-fat meals can delay or reduce sildenafil’s effectiveness. Tadalafil? Not really affected.
• Side effects: Both can cause headaches, flushing, or upset stomach. But sildenafil is more likely to cause temporary vision changes, like blue-tinted vision or light sensitivity.

If you want flexibility-maybe you’re planning a spontaneous evening or don’t want to plan ahead-tadalafil gives you breathing room. Sildenafil works fine if you know when you’ll be active and prefer a shorter window.

Tadalafil vs. Vardenafil (Levitra)

Vardenafil, sold as Levitra or Staxyn, is another option. It’s similar to sildenafil in many ways, but with a few tweaks.

• Duration: Vardenafil lasts about 4-5 hours-same as sildenafil, much less than tadalafil.
• Onset: Around 25-60 minutes. Slightly faster than sildenafil in some users.
• Food: Like sildenafil, high-fat meals can slow it down.
• Dosing: Available as a tablet or dissolvable strip (Staxyn). The strip can be useful if you have trouble swallowing pills.
• Side effects: Similar to sildenafil, but less likely to cause vision issues. More likely to cause nasal congestion.

Vardenafil is a solid choice if you’ve had bad reactions to sildenafil or need a dissolvable option. But if you want something that works for days, not hours, tadalafil still leads.

Avanafil (Stendra): The Fastest Option

Avanafil, sold as Stendra, is the newest of the major ED drugs. It’s designed to work faster than the others.

• Onset: As fast as 15 minutes. That’s quicker than any other oral ED pill.
• Duration: About 6 hours-longer than sildenafil, but still far short of tadalafil.
• Food: Minimal impact. You can take it with or without food.
• Side effects: Generally milder. Less headache, less flushing, less nasal stuffiness than the others.

Avanafil is great if you need speed and don’t mind re-dosing more often. It’s also a good pick for men who are sensitive to side effects. But if you want to take one pill and be covered for two days, it doesn’t compete with tadalafil.

What About Natural Alternatives?

Some men look for herbal or supplement-based alternatives-things like L-arginine, ginseng, or horny goat weed. These are marketed as "natural ED cures," but here’s the reality:

• None of them are FDA-approved for treating erectile dysfunction.
• There’s no strong clinical evidence they work as well as tadalafil or sildenafil.
• They can interact with other medications or cause unexpected side effects.
• Quality control is poor-some products contain hidden pharmaceuticals, including sildenafil or tadalafil, without listing them.

One 2023 review in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that 1 in 4 herbal ED supplements tested contained undeclared prescription drugs. That’s dangerous. You might think you’re taking something safe, but you could be getting a full-strength pill without knowing the dose or risks.

If you’re considering supplements, talk to your doctor first. Don’t risk your health for unproven claims.

Which One Is Right for You?

There’s no single "best" ED medication. It depends on your lifestyle, health, and preferences.

Choose tadalafil if:

• You want long-lasting effectiveness (up to 36 hours)
• You don’t want to plan sex around your pill
• You eat high-fat meals regularly
• You prefer taking it as needed or daily

Choose sildenafil (Viagra) if:

• You want the cheapest option (lots of generics available)
• You’re okay with timing sex around a 4-5 hour window
• You’ve used it before and it worked well

Choose avanafil (Stendra) if:

• You need fast action (15-30 minutes)
• You’re sensitive to side effects
• You want a reliable option with fewer stomach issues

Choose vardenafil (Levitra) if:

• You can’t tolerate sildenafil
• You prefer a dissolvable tablet
• You need something with a slightly different side effect profile

What About Cost and Insurance?

Brand-name Cialis can be expensive-over $400 for a 30-day supply without insurance. But generic tadalafil (like Tadarise Pro) is much cheaper. In 2025, a 30-pill pack of 20 mg generic tadalafil costs around $30-$50 online from reputable pharmacies.

Sildenafil (Viagra) is even cheaper in generic form-often under $20 for 30 pills. Avanafil and vardenafil are pricier, with fewer generic options. Insurance often covers these medications, but copays vary. Always check with your provider.

Be careful with websites selling "discount" ED pills. Many are scams or sell counterfeit drugs. Stick to licensed U.S. pharmacies or verified international ones with proper licensing. Look for the VIPPS seal (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) if buying online.

Side Effects and Risks

All these medications are generally safe for healthy men. But they aren’t risk-free.

Common side effects across all include:

• Headache
• Flushing
• Nasal congestion
• Indigestion
• Back pain (more common with tadalafil)

Serious risks are rare but possible:

• Low blood pressure, especially if you take nitrates (like nitroglycerin for heart issues)
• Sudden vision loss (NAION)-very rare, but more reported with sildenafil
• Sudden hearing loss
• Prolonged erection (priapism)-if it lasts more than 4 hours, seek help immediately

If you have heart disease, liver or kidney problems, or take other medications, talk to your doctor before starting any ED pill. Never mix these with recreational drugs like poppers (amyl nitrite)-it can cause a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.

Can You Switch Between Them?

Yes. Many men try one and switch if it doesn’t fit their needs. If tadalafil doesn’t work well for you, try sildenafil. If you need faster action, try avanafil. If side effects bother you, vardenafil might be gentler.

There’s no rule that says you’re locked in. But don’t switch on your own. Talk to your doctor. They can help you adjust the dose or try a different option safely.

Final Thoughts

Tadarise Pro (tadalafil) is a powerful, long-lasting option for erectile dysfunction. But it’s not the only one-and it’s not always the best. Sildenafil is cheaper and well-tested. Avanafil is the fastest. Vardenafil offers flexibility in dosing. And none of them replace a healthy lifestyle.

Exercise, sleep, stress management, and quitting smoking can improve ED as much as any pill. Medications help, but they work best when paired with real health changes.

Choose based on your life, not just the price tag or an ad. What matters most is finding something that works reliably, safely, and fits into your routine without making you feel like you’re on a schedule.