Cialis vs. Vardenafil
See how Cialis and Vardenafil compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Cialis lasts up to 36 hours, far longer than vardenafil's typical window, giving couples more flexibility in timing.
Cialis is FDA-approved for both erectile dysfunction and BPH symptoms, while vardenafil is approved for ED only.
Vardenafil is taken only as needed before sexual activity, while Cialis can be used daily at a low dose or as needed at a higher dose.
Cialis vs. Vardenafil Drug Summary
Cialis
Cialis (tadalafil) is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction and the urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It can be taken as a low-dose tablet once daily or as a higher dose only when needed before sexual activity. Its effects can last up to 36 hours, the longest of any PDE5 inhibitor.
Vardenafil
Vardenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor approved only for erectile dysfunction, taken as a single dose before sexual activity. It comes as a standard tablet or an orally disintegrating tablet that dissolves without water. Its effects typically last several hours, a shorter window than tadalafil's.
Cialis vs. Vardenafil Side Effects
Cialis
Vardenafil
Cialis vs. Vardenafil Dosage
Cialis
Vardenafil
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Cialis
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Vardenafil
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Cialis vs. Vardenafil Indications
Cialis
Cialis is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction, the urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, and both conditions together in men who have them at the same time. It is also used off-label, under a different brand name, for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Erectile dysfunction
Signs and symptoms of BPH
ED and BPH symptoms together
Vardenafil
Vardenafil's only FDA-approved use is treating erectile dysfunction in adult men. Unlike some other PDE5 inhibitors, it does not carry approval for BPH symptoms or pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is not approved for use in women or children.
Erectile dysfunction only
Not approved for BPH
Not approved for women or children
Cialis vs. Vardenafil Pros and Cons
Cialis
Cialis stands out for its long half-life, which gives couples a wider window for spontaneity, and for its unique daily-dose option that treats both ED and BPH together. Coverage and cash price vary widely depending on the dose and pharmacy.
Pros
Lasts up to 36 hours, the longest of any PDE5 inhibitor, allowing more spontaneity
Only PDE5 inhibitor approved for once-daily dosing in both ED and BPH
Absorption is not significantly affected by food
Cons
Long duration means side effects can linger longer than shorter-acting options
Only available as a standard oral tablet, no orally disintegrating form
Daily-dosing regimen requires consistent use, which some find less convenient
Vardenafil
Vardenafil works like other PDE5 inhibitors but is only approved for ED, without Cialis's added BPH indication. It offers an orally disintegrating tablet for patients who have trouble swallowing pills, though its absorption is reduced by high-fat meals.
Pros
Only PDE5 inhibitor available as an orally disintegrating tablet
Shorter duration of action may suit those who prefer effects not lingering
As-needed-only dosing keeps the regimen simple with no daily titration
Cons
Not approved for BPH or any use besides ED
High-fat meals delay absorption and can reduce effectiveness
Contains phenylalanine, a concern for patients with PKU
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