Tadalafil vs. Vardenafil
See how Tadalafil and Vardenafil compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Tadalafil and vardenafil are both PDE5 inhibitors that treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow, but tadalafil lasts far longer, up to 36 hours versus a few hours for vardenafil.
Tadalafil is also FDA-approved for BPH and pulmonary arterial hypertension, while vardenafil's only approved use is erectile dysfunction.
Vardenafil typically costs less than tadalafil, but it carries an added QT-prolongation warning that tadalafil's label does not include.
Tadalafil vs. Vardenafil Drug Summary
Tadalafil
Tadalafil is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is taken as a tablet either once daily or as needed before sexual activity, and its effects can last up to 36 hours.
Vardenafil
Vardenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor used only to treat erectile dysfunction. It comes as a standard tablet or an orally disintegrating tablet and is taken as needed, about 60 minutes before sexual activity, with effects lasting several hours.
Tadalafil vs. Vardenafil Side Effects
Tadalafil
Vardenafil
Tadalafil vs. Vardenafil Dosage
Tadalafil
Vardenafil
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 40 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 5 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 |
Tadalafil
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 40 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 5 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 |
Tadalafil vs. Vardenafil Indications
Tadalafil
Tadalafil is a PDE5 inhibitor prescribed for erectile dysfunction, for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and for both conditions together. It is also approved to improve exercise capacity in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Tablets are taken either once daily or as needed before sexual activity, depending on the indication.
Treats erectile dysfunction
Treats BPH symptoms
Treats combined ED and BPH
Improves exercise ability in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Vardenafil
Vardenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor approved specifically for erectile dysfunction in adult men. It is taken as needed, roughly 60 minutes before sexual activity, and is not approved for daily dosing or for any other condition. It comes as a standard tablet or an orally disintegrating tablet that dissolves without water.
Treats erectile dysfunction only
Taken on demand before sexual activity
Available as standard or orally disintegrating tablet
Not approved for daily use or other conditions
Tadalafil vs. Vardenafil Pros and Cons
Tadalafil
Tadalafil's long half-life lets it work for up to 36 hours and supports a once-daily option that removes the need to time dosing around sex. It is also FDA-approved for BPH and pulmonary arterial hypertension, giving it uses beyond erectile dysfunction. This broader profile comes with a higher price tag than vardenafil.
Pros
Works for up to 36 hours per dose
Only PDE5 inhibitor also approved for BPH and PAH
Once-daily dosing option removes timing pressure
Cons
Roughly $935 to $1,000 per month without insurance, more than vardenafil
No orally disintegrating tablet option
Longer duration means side effects can linger longer
Vardenafil
Vardenafil works only as an on-demand medication for erectile dysfunction, with no daily-dosing option and no other FDA-approved uses. It carries a QT-prolongation warning not listed for tadalafil, so it is avoided in certain heart-rhythm conditions. Its lower list price makes it a common lower-cost alternative.
Pros
Roughly $390 to $450 per month without insurance, lower than tadalafil
Available as an orally disintegrating tablet
Long track record as an early PDE5 inhibitor alternative
Cons
Not approved for BPH or pulmonary arterial hypertension
No daily-dosing option, only as-needed use
Added QT-prolongation warning limits use in certain heart conditions
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