Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsVardenafil vs. ViagraHow They WorkIn One More Efective?Side EffectsHow to TakeVardenafil vs. Viagra vs. Cialis
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Vardenafil vs. Viagra
How They Work
In One More Efective?
Side Effects
How to Take
Vardenafil vs. Viagra vs. Cialis
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (also known asPDE5 inhibitors) are a class of drugs commonly used to treat ED. Two drugs in this class are Levitra (vardenafil) and Viagra (sildenafil).
Levitra is no longer available as a brand-name drug in the United States, so it is now prescribed in its generic form, vardenafil (the active ingredient of Levitra).
This article will review important information about both medications.
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Vardenafil vs. Viagra: Key Similarities and Differences
Vardenafil is the active ingredient in Levitra. Levitra is no longer available as a brand-name drug in the United States.Although healthcare providers sometimes refer to the drug as Levitra and write the prescription as Levitra, pharmacies will dispense vardenafil.
Vardenafil is the active ingredient in Levitra. Levitra is no longer available as a brand-name drug in the United States.
Although healthcare providers sometimes refer to the drug as Levitra and write the prescription as Levitra, pharmacies will dispense vardenafil.
The chart below outlines some key similarities and differences between the two Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved prescription medications.
How Do Vardenafil and Viagra Work?
PDE5 inhibitors, including vardenafil and Viagra, work in the same way.
When combined with sexual stimulation, they help increase blood flow to the penis. The increased blood flow can lead to an erection. It is important to note that these medications do not cure ED. They also do not prevent pregnancy orsexually transmitted infections (STIs).
How Long Do They Take to Work?
Both medications reach maximum effect anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours after taking a dose, with a median time of 60 minutes.
How Long Do They Last?
Both medications can last up to about four hours after taking them.
Does Food Affect How ED Drugs Work?
Like vardenafil, Viagra can also be taken with or without food. However, taking Viagra with a high-fat meal can make the medication take about an hour longer to work.
Other Examples of PDE5 InhibitorsIn addition to vardenafil and Viagra, there are several other PDE5 inhibitors. They include Stendra (avanafil) andCialis(tadalafil).Something to note is that the ingredients in some PDE5 inhibitors are also available under the same or different brand names and treat different conditions. For example, Revatio contains sildenafil, the same ingredient as Viagra, but it is used to treatpulmonary arterial hypertension(high blood pressure in the lungs).Healthcare providers also prescribe lower doses of Cialis to treatbenign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).
Other Examples of PDE5 Inhibitors
In addition to vardenafil and Viagra, there are several other PDE5 inhibitors. They include Stendra (avanafil) andCialis(tadalafil).Something to note is that the ingredients in some PDE5 inhibitors are also available under the same or different brand names and treat different conditions. For example, Revatio contains sildenafil, the same ingredient as Viagra, but it is used to treatpulmonary arterial hypertension(high blood pressure in the lungs).Healthcare providers also prescribe lower doses of Cialis to treatbenign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).
In addition to vardenafil and Viagra, there are several other PDE5 inhibitors. They include Stendra (avanafil) andCialis(tadalafil).
Something to note is that the ingredients in some PDE5 inhibitors are also available under the same or different brand names and treat different conditions. For example, Revatio contains sildenafil, the same ingredient as Viagra, but it is used to treatpulmonary arterial hypertension(high blood pressure in the lungs).Healthcare providers also prescribe lower doses of Cialis to treatbenign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).
Which One Is More Effective?
There are few studies directly comparing vardenafil with sildenafil.
One older study compared three ED drugs: vardenafil, sildenafil, and tadalafil. The study found that vardenafil was more potent (strong) than sildenafil. However, both drugs were found to be similarly effective in treating ED.
Notably, tadalafil, the ingredient in Cialis, was preferred, possibly because it lasted longer. However, it was still similarly effective as the other ED medicines.
Another studyfound that both vardenafil and sildenafil were well-tolerated, with vardenafil performing better than sildenafil.
Overall, both medications are generally effective for treating ED. The American Urological Association Guidelines do not recommend any one treatment over another as long as it is appropriate for the individual.
Experts also recommend other aspects of treatment for ED, such as referral to a mental health professional and making lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes that may help include dietary changes and increased exercise.
Side Effects: Which One Is More Tolerable?
Common side effects of vardenafil include:
Common side effects of Viagra include:
A serious eye problem callednonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy(NAION) could occur when taking vardenafil or Viagra.
If you have vision changes or vision loss in one or both eyes, stop taking vardenafil or Viagra and get medical attention right away. People with a history of NAION or who have what is known as a “crowded” optic disc are at higher risk. Some people will experience color vision changes, like seeing blue in certain objects or having trouble differentiating between blue and green.
Also, tell your healthcare provider if you have had any heart problems. Since there are some heart-related risks associated with sex, they may advise you not to use ED medications for sexual activity.
When to Seek Medical AttentionSeek medical help immediately if:You have anerection lasting more than four hours.You have symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.You have vision changes or vision loss in one or both eyes.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical help immediately if:You have anerection lasting more than four hours.You have symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.You have vision changes or vision loss in one or both eyes.
Seek medical help immediately if:
Drug Interactions
Vardenafil or Viagra interact with various drugs, so be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, and supplements.
Vardenafil or Viagra should never be taken with nitrate drugs such as isosorbide mononitrate or nitroglycerin.
Vardenafil or Viagra can also interact with other medications, such as:
How to Take Vardenafil vs. Viagra
To get the best results, follow the instructions on your medication’s label for taking it. Generally, Viagra and vardenafil have similar recommendations for how to take them, which are:
Dosage recommendations for vardenafil include:
Dosage recommendations for Viagra include:
If your results with either medication are not as expected, consult your healthcare provider for professional medical advice. You may need a higher or lower dose or a different medication.
Cialis is a commonly prescribed medication for ED. Its active ingredient is tadalafil.
Like vardenafil and Viagra, Cialis takes about 60 minutes to work and must be used in combination with sexual stimulation.
However, Cialis can last much longer. One dose of Cialis may last up to 36 hours. There are two ways to take Cialis. The first way is similar to vardenafil or Viagra, which is to take it about an hour before sexual activity.
Cialis can also be taken at a low dose once a day regularly, without regard to sexual activity. Then, sexual activity can occur at any time in combination with stimulation.
Coping With Erectile Dysfunction
Summary
Vardenafil and Viagra are commonly prescribed drugs used to treat ED. In combination with sexual stimulation, they can help with achieving and maintaining an erection.
Overall, there is no “best” treatment for ED since all PDE5 inhibitors are generally effective options. You can also try other methods, such as lifestyle changes. Consult your healthcare provider for more information and medical advice on what might work for you.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for erectile dysfunction. July 2017.MedlinePlus.Sildenafil. August 15, 2023.MedlinePlus.Vardenafil. January 15, 2022.National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.Viagra label.National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.Vardenafil label.Merck Manual.Oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction.PDR.Viagra.National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.Revatio label.PDR.Cialis.Doggrell SA.Comparison of clinical trials with sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil in erectile dysfunction.Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2005;6(1):75-84. doi:10.1517/14656566.6.1.75Rubio-Aurioles E, Porst H, Eardley I, et al.Comparing vardenafil and sildenafil in the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction and risk factors for cardiovascular disease: a randomized, double-blind, pooled crossover study.J Sex Med. 2006;3(6):1037-1049. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2006.00310.xBurnett AL, Nehra A, Breau RH, et al.Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline.J Urol2018;200:633. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2018.05.004National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.Cialis label.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for erectile dysfunction. July 2017.MedlinePlus.Sildenafil. August 15, 2023.MedlinePlus.Vardenafil. January 15, 2022.National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.Viagra label.National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.Vardenafil label.Merck Manual.Oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction.PDR.Viagra.National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.Revatio label.PDR.Cialis.Doggrell SA.Comparison of clinical trials with sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil in erectile dysfunction.Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2005;6(1):75-84. doi:10.1517/14656566.6.1.75Rubio-Aurioles E, Porst H, Eardley I, et al.Comparing vardenafil and sildenafil in the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction and risk factors for cardiovascular disease: a randomized, double-blind, pooled crossover study.J Sex Med. 2006;3(6):1037-1049. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2006.00310.xBurnett AL, Nehra A, Breau RH, et al.Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline.J Urol2018;200:633. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2018.05.004National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.Cialis label.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for erectile dysfunction. July 2017.MedlinePlus.Sildenafil. August 15, 2023.MedlinePlus.Vardenafil. January 15, 2022.National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.Viagra label.National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.Vardenafil label.Merck Manual.Oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction.PDR.Viagra.National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.Revatio label.PDR.Cialis.Doggrell SA.Comparison of clinical trials with sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil in erectile dysfunction.Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2005;6(1):75-84. doi:10.1517/14656566.6.1.75Rubio-Aurioles E, Porst H, Eardley I, et al.Comparing vardenafil and sildenafil in the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction and risk factors for cardiovascular disease: a randomized, double-blind, pooled crossover study.J Sex Med. 2006;3(6):1037-1049. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2006.00310.xBurnett AL, Nehra A, Breau RH, et al.Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline.J Urol2018;200:633. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2018.05.004National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.Cialis label.
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Rubio-Aurioles E, Porst H, Eardley I, et al.Comparing vardenafil and sildenafil in the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction and risk factors for cardiovascular disease: a randomized, double-blind, pooled crossover study.J Sex Med. 2006;3(6):1037-1049. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2006.00310.x
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National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.Cialis label.
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