Vardenafil Vs Sildenafil are two widely used medications for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), offering millions of men effective options to improve sexual performance and confidence. While both drugs work similarly by increasing blood flow to the penis, they differ in certain aspects such as onset of action, duration, side effects, and cost. Understanding these differences is crucial when choosing the most suitable treatment. In this guide, we explore everything you need to know about vardenafil and sildenafil—including their efficacy, potential risks, and price considerations—to help you make an informed decision with your healthcare provider.
1. What Are Vardenafil Vs Sildenafil?
Vardenafil and Sildenafil are both PDE5 inhibitors, which stands for phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. These drugs work by blocking the enzyme PDE5, which is responsible for the breakdown of cGMP, a molecule that helps relax the muscles in the blood vessels of the penis. By inhibiting PDE5, the drugs allow cGMP levels to increase, leading to enhanced blood flow to the penis and facilitating the ability to get and maintain an erection when sexually stimulated.
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- Vardenafil is most commonly sold under the brand name Levitra, although it is also available as Staxyn, a version of the medication that dissolves on the tongue.
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- Sildenafil, on the other hand, is better known by its brand name Viagra, and it is one of the most well-known medications used for treating ED worldwide.
Despite being in the same drug class, Vardenafil and Sildenafil have some differences in their chemical structure, which leads to variations in how long they last in the body, how quickly they take effect, and their potential side effects.
2. How Do Vardenafil Vs Sildenafil Work?
Both medications follow a similar process to help treat ED. Here’s how they work:
2.1 Take the pill: You take the medication orally about 30 to 60 minutes before engaging in sexual activity.
2.2 Relaxation of muscles: The medication helps relax the smooth muscles in the blood vessels of the penis.
2.3 Blood flow increase: As the muscles relax, blood flows more easily into the penis, which results in an erection.
2.4 Sexual stimulation: Both medications require sexual stimulation to work. Simply taking the pill does not lead to an erection unless sexual arousal occurs.
It’s important to note that neither medication causes an erection on its own. They only enhance the natural physiological response to sexual stimuli.
3. Key Differences Between Vardenafil Vs Sildenafil
While both Vardenafil Vs Sildenafil belong to the same class of medications, they have some key differences that might make one more suitable for you than the other. Here is a breakdown of these differences:
Feature | Vardenafil (Levitra) | Sildenafil (Viagra) |
Onset of Action | 30–60 minutes | 30–60 minutes |
Duration of Effect | 4–6 hours | 4–5 hours |
Food Interaction | Less affected by fatty meals | High-fat meals may delay absorption |
Common Doses | 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg | 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg |
Brand Names | Levitra, Staxyn | Viagra, Revatio (for pulmonary use) |
Generic Available | Yes | Yes |
3.1 Onset and Duration of Action:
Both medications typically start working in about 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion. The duration of effect, however, is slightly different:
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- Vardenafil tends to last around 4 to 6 hours, giving users a little more flexibility in terms of timing.
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- Sildenafil typically lasts between 4 to 5 hours, but this may vary depending on individual metabolism and other factors.
3.2 Food Interactions:
Vardenafil is less affected by food intake, including high-fat meals. However, Sildenafil is more sensitive to food, especially fatty meals, which can delay absorption and reduce the drug’s effectiveness. For Sildenafil, it is recommended to take the pill on an empty stomach for faster results.
3.3 Dose Range:
Both medications come in a variety of doses, allowing for flexibility depending on your individual needs. Vardenafil is usually available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets, while Sildenafil typically comes in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg doses.
4. How Effective Are Vardenafil and Sildenafil?
Both Vardenafil and Sildenafil are highly effective at treating ED, but studies show some differences in their overall success rates.
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- Sildenafil is effective in about 74% of men with ED.
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- Vardenafil is effective in 80% of men, meaning it may have a slightly higher success rate in treating ED.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that individual response varies. Some men may find one medication works better for them than the other. One possible reason for this is how each drug interacts with the body and the fact that personal preferences, like side effects or the feeling of the erection, could play a significant role in your choice.
4.1 What Users Say:
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- Vardenafil is praised for providing a more natural-feeling erection, which some men prefer over Sildenafil’s stronger, faster-acting effects.
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- Sildenafil is often noted for working faster and sometimes providing a stronger erection, but some users experience side effects like headaches or visual disturbances.
5. Which One Works Faster?
Both drugs are relatively quick to act, typically taking about 30 to 60 minutes to begin working. However, some users report that Sildenafil works faster for them, particularly if taken on an empty stomach.
Tip: To get the most out of either drug, take it on an empty stomach. High-fat meals can slow down absorption, particularly with Sildenafil.
5.1 How Long Do They Last?
Both medications are designed for short-term use, typically lasting for several hours. However, there are slight differences in duration:
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- Vardenafil lasts between 4 to 6 hours, allowing a longer window of time for sexual activity.
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- Sildenafil lasts 4 to 5 hours, but for some men, this may feel like it doesn’t provide as much time to enjoy sexual activity without rushing.
Neither drug lasts longer than a day, and they shouldn’t affect the next day’s activities unless you experience side effects.
6. Cost Comparison: Which Is Cheaper?
For many men, the cost of ED medications is a significant concern. Thankfully, both Vardenafil and Sildenafil are available in generic forms, which make them much more affordable than their brand-name counterparts.
6.1 Brand-Name Costs:
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- Viagra (Sildenafil): $60 to $80 per tablet.
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- Levitra (Vardenafil): $65 to $85 per tablet.
6.2 Generic Costs:
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- Generic Sildenafil: $1 to $5 per tablet.
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- Generic Vardenafil: $2 to $6 per tablet.
Generic versions of both drugs are equally effective as their brand-name counterparts, making them a more affordable choice for many men. You can also save money by purchasing these medications in bulk or from online pharmacies.
Pro Tip: When buying from online pharmacies like fildenastores.com, you can also use the coupon code “SPL22” to save up to 20% off your order.
7. Side Effects: What to Watch Out For?
Both Vardenafil and Sildenafil can cause mild to moderate side effects, though some of these can be serious in rare cases.
7.1 Common Side Effects (Both Drugs):
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- Headache
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- Flushing (warmth or redness in the face)
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- Stuffy or runny nose
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- Upset stomach
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- Dizziness
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- Vision changes (more common with Sildenafil)
7.2 Serious Side Effects:
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- Chest pain
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- Sudden hearing loss
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- Priapism (erection lasting longer than 4 hours)
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- Severe allergic reactions
If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical help immediately.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vardenafil and Sildenafil are both effective treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED), working by improving blood flow to the penis. While they share similar mechanisms, they differ in factors like duration of action, food interactions, and side effects. Vardenafil lasts slightly longer, while Sildenafil may work faster for some users.
The choice between the two depends on individual preferences, lifestyle, and how your body responds to each medication. Both drugs have affordable at fildenastores.com, making them accessible to many men. Consulting with a healthcare provider will help determine which option is best for you. With proper use, both Vardenafil and Sildenafil can be effective in managing ED and enhancing sexual health.
No. Never combine two ED drugs. Doing so can increase the risk of serious side effects.
Not necessarily. It depends on your body’s response. Some men find Vardenafil better; others prefer Sildenafil.
Yes, but avoid high-fat meals, especially with Sildenafil, as they can delay effectiveness.
No. These drugs are not approved for women and may cause serious side effects.
In many places, yes. However, some online pharmacies may offer generic versions without one. Always buy from trusted sources.
Elizabeth isn’t just a health writer—she’s your friendly guide to understanding men’s sexual wellness without all the medical jargon. With years of experience writing about topics like ED, confidence, and intimacy, she knows how to turn complex health info into something real, relatable, and useful.