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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 used for erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in adults. It belongs to the drug class called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. Tadalafil (Cialis) is a tablet you take by mouth. For ED, you can take a dose either just before sex or once every day. And for BPH, it's taken once a day. Side effects include headache and indigestion. Tadalafil (Cialis) can interact with many medications, including blood pressure medications. Some drug interactions can lead to very low blood pressure and dizziness. Tadalafil (Cialis) is available as a brand-name and generic version.

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

  • Pros and Cons of Cialis vs. Levitra

    Pros and Const for PDE-5 inhibitor
    Pros
    •A first-choice medication for ED
    •For ED only, can take either as needed or once daily
    •Lasts longer than other ED medications
    •Can treat ED and BPH at the same time
    Cons
    •Can take up to 2 hours to get its full effect for ED
    •Can cause side effects like headache, stomach upset, and back pain
    •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 take if you've recently taken nitrates like isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) or nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)
    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

    When taken as needed for ED:

    •Headache (11-15%)
    •Indigestion (4-10%)
    •Back pain (3-6%)

    When taken once daily for ED:

    •Headache (3-6%)
    •Indigestion (4-5%)
    •Common cold symptoms (3-4%)
    •Back pain (3%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (3%)

    When taken once daily for BPH:

    •Headache (2-4%)
    •Indigestion (up to 2%)
    •Common cold symptoms (2%)
    •Back pain (1-2%)
    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
    •Risk of heart problems in people with heart disease
    •Low blood pressure
    •Prolonged or painful erection (priapism)
    •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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