Viagra vs. Vardenafil
See how Viagra and Vardenafil compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Both Viagra and vardenafil are PDE5 inhibitors taken as needed before sexual activity, not daily medications.
Viagra tends to cause headache, flushing, and dyspepsia more often than vardenafil, based on FDA trial data.
Vardenafil generally has a lower typical monthly list price than Viagra, though both vary widely with insurance and pharmacy.
Viagra vs. Vardenafil Drug Summary
Viagra
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It is an oral tablet taken as needed, about 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. It was FDA approved in 1998 as the first oral medication of its kind.
Vardenafil
Vardenafil is also a PDE5 inhibitor approved for erectile dysfunction in adult men, taken as an oral tablet as needed before sexual activity. It is also available as an orally disintegrating tablet. FDA approved in 2003, it works the same way as Viagra but differs in dosing strengths and warnings.
Viagra vs. Vardenafil Side Effects
Viagra
Vardenafil
Viagra vs. Vardenafil Dosage
Viagra
Vardenafil
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 mg as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 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 |
Viagra
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 mg as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 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 |
Viagra vs. Vardenafil Indications
Viagra
Viagra is FDA approved solely for treating erectile dysfunction in adult men. It is not approved for use in women, children, or for any other condition. Off-label use outside this approval is not supported by FDA data.
Treats erectile dysfunction in adult men
Taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity
Not approved for women or children
Available in 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg doses
Vardenafil
Vardenafil is FDA approved only for treating erectile dysfunction in adult men. It is not approved for use in women, children, or for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Off-label use outside these approvals is not supported by FDA data.
Treats erectile dysfunction in adult men
Taken shortly before sexual activity
Not approved for women or children
Available in 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg doses
Viagra vs. Vardenafil Pros and Cons
Viagra
Viagra has the longest track record of any oral ED medication, with over two decades of real-world use. It offers three dosing strengths, letting patients and doctors fine-tune the dose. Side effect rates for headache, flushing, and dyspepsia run somewhat higher than vardenafil's in FDA trials.
Pros
Longest real-world track record (since 1998)
Three dosing strengths for fine-tuning
Widely recognized and prescribed brand
Cons
Higher rates of headache, flushing, dyspepsia
No orally disintegrating tablet option
Higher typical monthly list price than vardenafil
Vardenafil
Vardenafil offers a similar clinical effect to Viagra, with generally lower rates of headache, flushing, and dyspepsia in FDA trials. It also comes as an orally disintegrating tablet for those who prefer not to swallow a pill. It carries more contraindications, including QT prolongation risk and severe kidney or liver disease.
Pros
Lower rates of headache, flushing, dyspepsia
Orally disintegrating tablet option available
Lower typical monthly list price than Viagra
Cons
More contraindications (QT, kidney, liver disease)
Contains phenylalanine, a concern for PKU patients
Brand version discontinued, only generics remain
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