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Compare Cialis vs. Levitra

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra) are both medications used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), but they have some key differences. Tadalafil can also treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate (BPH), while vardenafil is only for ED. Tadalafil (Cialis) can be taken either as needed or daily, offering more flexibility, whereas vardenafil is taken about an hour before sexual activity. Tadalafil lasts up to 36 hours, providing a longer window for effectiveness compared to vardenafil, which lasts about 5 to 7 hours. Additionally, vardenafil is available as orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) for those who have trouble swallowing, while tadalafil is only available as a tablet. Both medications have common side effects like headaches and can interact with other medications that lower blood pressure.

drug combination

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  • Tadalafil (Cialis)
    Vardenafil
  • Tadalafil (Cialis)
    Vardenafil

  • Summary of Cialis vs. Levitra

    Summary for PDE-5 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Tadalafil (Cialis) is taken by mouth either as needed before sexual activity or once daily for erectile dysfunction (ED). It's also taken once daily to treat symptoms from an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). Tadalafil (Cialis) is available both as brand-name and generic tablets. Common side effects of this medication include headache and indigestion. Tadalafil (Cialis) does interact with some medications, such as heart and blood pressure medications, and taking them together could lead to very low blood pressure and dizziness.

    Summary for PDE-5 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Vardenafil is a first-choice medication for erectile dysfunction (ED). It's no longer sold under the brand name Levitra, but it's available as generic tablets and orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs). Common side effects of vardenafil include headache, flushing, and stuffy nose. Interactions between vardenafil and other medications generally involve those that lower blood pressure.

  • Indications of Cialis vs. Levitra

    Indications for
    •Erectile dysfunction
    •Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
    Indications for
    •Erectile dysfunction

  • Pros and Cons of Cialis vs. Levitra

    Pros and Const for PDE-5 inhibitor
    Pros
    •One of the first-choice medications for treating ED
    •Can be taken either as needed or on a regular basis for those who need it more regularly
    •Lasts longer than other medications taken for ED
    •Can treat ED and BPH at the same time
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not recommended if you've had a heart attack in the past 3 months, or a stroke or heart failure in the past 6 months
    •Can't be used if you've recently taken nitrates like isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) or nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)
    •Takes longer to work compared to some other medications for ED
    •Can cause side effects like headache, stomach upset, and back pain
    Pros and Const for PDE-5 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Might work slightly faster than sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis)
    •Improves how long an erection lasts
    •Can take with or without food
    •Available as orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) for people who have trouble swallowing
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Should take about 1 hour before sex, so you might need to plan ahead
    •Not recommended if you've had a heart attack or stroke in the past 6 months
    •Can't use if you've recently taken nitrates like isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) or nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)
    •Not recommended if you have severe liver or kidney problems
    •Doesn't prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

  • Common Side Effects of Cialis vs. Levitra

    Common Side Effects for

    Once-daily use of tadalafil (Cialis) (for ED or BPH):

    •Headache (3-6%)
    •Runny nose, sore throat, and other symptoms of the common cold (3-6%)
    •Indigestion (4-5%)
    •Stomach upset (3-5%)
    •Back pain (3%)

    As-needed use of tadalafil (Cialis) (for ED):

    •Headache (11-15%)
    •Indigestion (4-10%)
    •Back pain (3-6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 15%)
    •Flushing (up to 11%)
    •Stuffy nose (up to 9%)
    •Indigestion (up to 4%)

  • Warnings of Cialis vs. Levitra

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart problems
    •Low blood pressure
    •Prolonged erection
    •Vision changes
    •Hearing loss
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart problems
    •Low blood pressure
    •Prolonged erection
    •Vision changes
    •Hearing loss
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Cialis vs. Levitra

    Learn more about Tadalafil
    Learn more about Vardenafil

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