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

Most common
headache (up to 15%)
dyspepsia (up to 10%)
back pain (up to 9%)
myalgia (up to 4%)

Vardenafil

Most common
headache (up to 16%)
dyspepsia (up to 4%)
flushing (up to 11%)
nasal congestion/rhinitis (up to 9%)

Cialis vs. Vardenafil Dosage

Cialis

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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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