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

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

Vardenafil

Most common
headache (up to 16%)
dyspepsia (up to 4%)
flushing (up to 11%)
dizziness (up to 2%)

Tadalafil vs. Vardenafil Dosage

Tadalafil

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

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

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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