Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common health concerns for men, and today it's both highly treatable and easier to access than ever. In Ireland, several effective ED medicines can now be bought without a doctor's prescription, after a short assessment reviewed by a pharmacist. But with two different active ingredients available over the counter — and a few brands to choose from — it isn't always obvious which option is the right fit.
This guide compares the two main over-the-counter ED treatments: Cialis for Men (which contains tadalafil) and the sildenafil options Viagra Connect, Sidena and Viaredin. We'll look at how they work, how they differ, and how to decide which might suit you.
The two active ingredients: sildenafil vs tadalafil
Both sildenafil and tadalafil belong to the same family of medicines, called PDE5 inhibitors. They work in a similar way — by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis so that blood can flow in more easily when you're sexually aroused, helping you get and keep an erection. Neither is an aphrodisiac, and both only work with sexual stimulation.
The practical difference between them comes down to how quickly they work and how long they last — and that's what usually decides which one suits a particular person.
Sildenafil: Viagra Connect, Sidena and Viaredin
Sildenafil was the first ED treatment to become available over the counter in Ireland. It comes as a 50mg tablet, typically starts working within about 30 to 60 minutes, and remains effective for roughly four to six hours — making it a reliable "on-demand" option for a planned occasion.
You'll see sildenafil sold under a few different names:
- Viagra Connect — the original branded over-the-counter sildenafil, made by Viatris (formerly Pfizer.)
- Sidena and Viaredin — generic versions of sildenafil.
Here's the key point about the generics: Sidena and Viaredin contain exactly the same active ingredient at the same 50mg strength as Viagra Connect, and work in the same way. They're held to the same regulatory and quality standards. The main difference is the brand name on the box — and the price, as generics are usually more affordable. (Note that only one ED treatment should be used at a time.)
Tadalafil: Cialis for Men
Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis for Men, supplied as a 10mg tablet. It typically starts working in around 30 minutes, but its standout feature is duration: a single dose can stay effective for up to 36 hours. That long window is why tadalafil is sometimes nicknamed the "weekend pill" — it offers more flexibility and removes the need to time a dose closely around a specific moment.
One important distinction: only the branded Cialis for Men is available over the counter. Unlike sildenafil, generic tadalafil — and the other tadalafil strengths (5mg and 20mg) — remain prescription-only in Ireland. If those are what you're after, you can request an assessment through our Online Doctor Service.
At a glance
| Sildenafil — Viagra Connect, Sidena, Viaredin | Tadalafil — Cialis for Men | |
| Active Ingredient | Sildenafil 50mg | Tadalafil 10mg |
| Starts Working | ~30-60 minutes | ~30 minutes |
| Lasts | ~4-6 hours | Up to 36 hours |
| Best for | A planned, single occasion | Flexibility / spontaneity over a longer window |
| Branded option | Viagra Connect | Cialis for Men |
| Generic option | Sidena, Viaredin | Prescription-only |
| Available without prescription? | Yes | Yes |
Which one is right for you?
There's no single "best" treatment — it depends on how you plan to use it:
For a planned occasion a sildenafil tablet taken half an hour to an hour beforehand does the job well. If you'd like the same medicine for less, a generic such as Sidena or Viaredin is a sensible choice.
- If you'd rather not plan around the clock — for example, across a weekend, or when timing is hard to predict — the longer 36-hour window of Cialis for Men (tadalafil) offers more freedom.
- If cost is your main concern generic sildenafil is typically the most economical over-the-counter option.
Many men try one and adjust based on how it suits them. You should only use one ED treatment at a time, and never combine sildenafil and tadalafil.
Branded vs generic — does it really matter?
It's a common worry, but for sildenafil the answer is reassuring. Generic sildenafil (Sidena, Viaredin) contains the same active ingredient, at the same strength, as branded Viagra Connect, and is manufactured to the same standards. The choice between them usually comes down to brand familiarity and price rather than how well they work.
Is it safe? Who should be cautious
These medicines are effective for many men, but they aren't suitable for everyone. You should not take them if you use nitrates (often prescribed for chest pain or angina), and they may not be appropriate if you have certain heart conditions, very low or high blood pressure, or take particular other medicines. They're intended for men aged 18 and over.
That's exactly why a pharmacist reviews every order before it's approved — to check the treatment is safe and appropriate for you. Always read the patient information leaflet before use, and speak to your pharmacist or GP if you're unsure, if treatment isn't working, or if ED is persistent, as it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health condition worth investigating.
How to buy ED treatment without a prescription in Ireland
At Inish Pharmacy, you can buy all of these treatments online without a GP prescription. You complete a short, confidential online assessment, one of our Irish-registered pharmacists reviews it, and approved orders are sent out in discreet, plain, unbranded packaging.
If you've decided Cialis is right for you, you can buy the Cialis for Men 8-pack — our best-value option — or compare the full Cialis range to choose the pack size that suits you.
Browse our full range of erectile dysfunction treatments , including Viagra Connect, Sidena and Viaredin
- For prescription-strength tadalafil or other options, see our Online Doctor Service.
This article is for general information only and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet, and speak to a pharmacist or doctor about what's right for you.