Levitra vs. Tadalafil

See how Levitra and Tadalafil compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Levitra and Tadalafil are both PDE5 inhibitors that work by increasing blood flow to treat erectile dysfunction.

  • Tadalafil lasts far longer in the body, up to 36 hours, which allows once-daily dosing instead of only as-needed use.

  • Tadalafil also carries FDA approval for BPH and pulmonary arterial hypertension, while Levitra is approved only for ED.

Levitra vs. Tadalafil Drug Summary

Levitra

Levitra (vardenafil) is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction. It comes as an oral tablet taken as needed, roughly 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity, at doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg.

Tadalafil

Tadalafil is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction, and it is also FDA-approved for BPH and pulmonary arterial hypertension. It can be taken as a low daily dose or as a higher as-needed dose, since its effects last up to 36 hours.

Levitra vs. Tadalafil Side Effects

Levitra

Most common
headache (up to 15%)
dyspepsia (up to 4%)
flushing (up to 11%)
rhinitis (up to 9%)

Tadalafil

Most common
headache (up to 15%)
dyspepsia (up to 10%)
back pain (up to 6%)
myalgia (up to 3%)

Levitra vs. Tadalafil Dosage

Levitra

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 10 mg once daily as needed At the start
Maximum dose 10 mg once daily as needed Same as starting
Dose changes None Fixed dose

Tadalafil

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 20 mg once daily Weeks 1-4
Maximum dose 20 mg once daily Same as starting
Dose changes None Fixed dose

Levitra vs. Tadalafil Indications

Levitra

Levitra is FDA-approved for one condition: erectile dysfunction in adult men. It is not approved for use in women or children, and it is not indicated for any prostate or lung condition.

  • Erectile dysfunction

  • Taken as needed before sexual activity

  • Not approved for BPH or pulmonary hypertension

  • Not approved for use in women or pediatric patients

Tadalafil

Tadalafil is FDA-approved for erectile dysfunction, for signs and symptoms of BPH, for the combination of both conditions, and for pulmonary arterial hypertension to improve exercise ability. This broader approval reflects its longer duration of action and its effect on smooth muscle beyond the penis.

  • Erectile dysfunction

  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

  • Combined ED and BPH

  • Pulmonary arterial hypertension (WHO Group 1)

Levitra vs. Tadalafil Pros and Cons

Levitra

Levitra offers a straightforward as-needed dosing structure with three fixed tablet strengths. It is no longer sold under a brand name in the US, so patients use the generic vardenafil, and it is limited to a single approved use.

Pros

  • Simple fixed-dose options: 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg

  • Long track record since FDA approval in 2003

  • No need for daily dosing if used only occasionally

Cons

  • Only approved for ED, not for BPH or lung conditions

  • No longer available as a branded product in the US

  • Not recommended for patients on renal dialysis

  • Shorter window of effectiveness than tadalafil

Tadalafil

Tadalafil's long half-life gives patients the option of a low daily dose instead of timing a pill around sexual activity. It also covers two additional FDA-approved conditions, which matters for men with overlapping BPH or pulmonary hypertension.

Pros

  • Effects last up to 36 hours, more flexible timing

  • Also FDA-approved for BPH and pulmonary hypertension

  • Daily low-dose option removes per-dose planning

Cons

  • Label specifically warns of sudden vision loss (NAION)

  • Label specifically warns of sudden hearing loss

  • Priapism risk is explicitly called out

  • Needs caution when combined with alpha-blockers

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