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
Tadalafil
Levitra vs. Tadalafil Dosage
Levitra
Tadalafil
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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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