Vardenafil vs Tadalafil — a clear, practical comparison

Want a straight answer on which erectile dysfunction pill to pick? Both vardenafil (Levitra) and tadalafil (Cialis) belong to the same drug family (PDE5 inhibitors) and work by increasing blood flow to the penis. But they behave differently in the body, and those differences matter depending on how you live and what other meds you take.

How they differ — timing, length, and dosing

Onset: Vardenafil usually starts working within 25–60 minutes. Tadalafil often works around 30 minutes but can take up to an hour for some men.

Duration: This is the big split. Vardenafil effects last about 4–6 hours. Tadalafil can last up to 36 hours—enough to give a long window for intimacy.

Dosing: Vardenafil is typically 5–20 mg taken before sex. Tadalafil is 5–20 mg for as-needed use, but it also has a daily low-dose option (2.5–5 mg) that lets you be spontaneous without timing a pill.

Food and alcohol: High-fat meals can slow absorption of vardenafil, so taking it on a lighter stomach gives a faster effect. Tadalafil is less affected by food. Heavy drinking can reduce effectiveness for both and increase side effects like dizziness.

Safety, side effects, and interactions

Common side effects overlap: headache, flushing, nasal congestion, upset stomach. Back and muscle pain show up more with tadalafil.

Most importantly: never combine either drug with nitrates (nitroglycerin, isosorbide). That combo can dangerously drop blood pressure. Tell your doctor about heart meds, alpha-blockers, or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (like some HIV protease inhibitors or certain antibiotics) because they can raise levels of these drugs.

Vardenafil has more warnings with certain heart rhythm drugs—your cardiologist can advise. Tadalafil’s long duration also means side effects may last longer if they occur.

Which one fits your life? If you want a long window for intimacy or prefer a daily low-dose for frequent activity, tadalafil is usually the better pick. If you only need a short, quick option for planned activity, vardenafil is a solid choice—especially if you prefer a shorter drug window. Cost, insurance, and availability of generics can also affect your decision.

Final practical tips: try one under your doctor’s guidance, start at a lower dose if you’re on other meds or have medical issues, and avoid mixing with nitrates. Remember: these drugs only work with sexual stimulation—they don’t create spontaneous erections without it. If pills don’t help or you have serious side effects, contact your doctor. A short conversation with your clinician will point you to the safest, most effective option for your situation.