Vardenafil and tadalafil are among the most widely prescribed ED medications. While both belong to the same class of medications and have similar mechanisms of action, they differ in onset, duration, adverse effects, and overall suitability for people with different lifestyles. So, which is better, vardenafil or tadalafil? This article will help you understand the key differences between these medications, so you can develop a better understanding of how each medicine works and which may be appropriate for you.
Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED or impotence, is a common sexual health problem affecting men, particularly those aged 40. When it happens, you either can’t achieve an erection on sexual arousal or can’t maintain it long enough to complete intercourse. There may be physical and psychological issues behind it, which may include tiredness, stress, diabetes, depression, or high blood pressure. The good news is that there are different types of ED medicines available to restore erectile function effectively. Among them, Vardenafil and Tadalafil are the most used after Sildenafil. Let’s analyse the difference between vardenafil and tadalafil below:
An overview of tadalafil
Tadalafil is sold under the brand name Cialis, a popular ED medication. It requires a prescription from a healthcare specialist and works similarly to Cialis, but at a lower price. Tadalafil is classified as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It works by causing the smooth muscles in the penis to relax and promote adequate blood flow, leading to a firm erection satisfactory enough for sexual intercourse. This medication only works when a man is sexually aroused.
An overview of vardenafil
Vardenafil is sold under the brand name Levitra. It is also classified as a PDE5 inhibitor in the dry category and is useful in treating E in adult men. When sexually stimulated, vardenafil promotes blood flow to the penis, leading to an erection. Vardenafil also requires a prescription from a healthcare professional.
Vardenafil vs Tadalafil: Key Differences
What is the difference between vardenafil and tadalafil? Both are PDE inhibitors but work differently. Let’s find out how:
-
- Duration of time-
One of the most important differences between vardenafil and tadalafil is how long they remain effective. Vardenafil is believed to last 4 to 6 hours, which is similar to Sildenafil. It is meant to be taken about 30 to 60 minutes before intercourse. Tadalafil is called a weekend pill because it lasts 36 hours. This extended duration is especially helpful for those who prefer more spontaneity, as users do not need to time the medication as precisely.
-
- Onset of time-
Both ED medications begin to work faster, but there are subtle differences. Tadalafil may begin to act in as little as 20 to 30 minutes, while vardenafil usually starts working within 30 to 60 minutes. The difference is often minimal in real use. Sometimes food intake can also affect the onset of time. A high-fat or high-protein meal can slow the action of vardenafil, whereas tadalafil is less affected by food.
-
- Potency, dosage and usage recommendations-
Another key difference between vardenafil and tadalafil concerns usage recommendations. Tadalafil is usually supplied in four doses: 5 mg, 10 mg, 2.5 mg, and 20 mg. Your healthcare specialist will recommend the appropriate dose and advise on how often you should take it. Don’t take grapefruit juice when taking tadalafil, as it can increase the medicine’s concentration in your body and increase the risk of side effects. Generally, it should not be taken more than once a day. The lower strength of tadalafil is generally recommended for daily use, whereas the 10mg and 20 mg doses are taken before indulging in sexual intercourse.
Vardenafil is widely available in doses of 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg. The treatment usually starts with a 10mg dose; however, your healthcare specialist will advise you on the dose that best suits you. The dose of vardenafil should not be consumed more than once in 24 hours.
-
- Vardenafil vs tadalafil side effects:
There are known side effects for both ED medications. To lower the risk of severe side effects, it is best to take these medications as advised by the healthcare specialist.
Common side effects of tadalafil include headache, nausea, indigestion, facial flushing, muscle aches, and nasal congestion. Severe side effects include chest pain, diarrhoea, lightheadedness/dizziness, an erection lasting 4 hours or more, sudden loss of hearing or ringing in the ears.
Common side effects of vardenafil include indigestion, headache, facial flushing, dizziness, and a runny or blocked nose. The severe side effects include a fast heartbeat, rash, back or muscle pain, sudden loss of vision or hearing, or an erection lasting 4 hours or more.
Seek immediate medical help if you develop a serious allergic reaction. Speak to your healthcare professional about any persistent common side effects that do not resolve even after taking tadalafil or vardenafil a couple of times. If you wish to know more about the associated side effects of either medication, talk to your healthcare provider.
-
- Interactions with other medicines:
Both vardenafil and tadalafil interact with certain other medications, which include nitrates, antifungal medications, some antibiotics, alpha blockers, protease inhibitors, other blood pressure medicines, and other PDE5 inhibitors.
Tadalafil may interact with grapefruit juice, as this can increase the levels of the active component in the body, which ultimately increases the risk of side effects. You must tell your healthcare professional about any vitamins, other prescription-strength medicines, supplements, or herbal medicines that you use.
Vardenafil vs Tadalafil: When comparing tadalafil and vardenafil, both are safe and well-tolerated in men with ED. Vardenafil is as effective as tadalafil, and both have similar side effects. The main difference is the duration of each medicine’s effectiveness in the body.
Research studies reveal that tadalafil has a longer duration of effectiveness than vardenafil. Tadalafil lasts up to 36 hours, while vardenafil lasts 4 to 5 hours. Therefore, the best choice always depends on your personal preferences, your reaction to each medication, and the required duration of effectiveness. You can contact a healthcare specialist to learn about different types of ED medicines.
