Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or Impotence affects millions of men or Assigned Males at Birth (AMABs) worldwide. For most of these men, oral medications have become the primary form of treatment. Vardenafil and Sildenafil are two of the most often prescribed medications.
Both are Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors and boost blood flow to the penis, facilitating an erection. While they function similarly and have many similarities, there are some minor but significant differences that may make one a better fit for an individual.
This article covers every aspect of Vardenafil vs Sildenafil comparison to help you understand the basic differences between the two and which one might be a better choice.
Vardenafil vs Sildenafil: Key differences
Although both Vardenafil and Sildenafil are powerful ED pills, they differ in dosage, brand, onset, effect of food, and duration. The following comparison table highlights these main differences between the medications:
| Feature | Vardenafil | Sildenafil |
| Dosage | Available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets. The usual starting dose is 10 mg | 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets. The usual starting dose is 50 mg |
| Brand | Levitra and Stanyx | Viagra and Revatio |
| Onset of action | 25-60 minutes | 30-60 minutes |
| Effect of food | Minimal | Absorption is delayed with fatty meals |
| Duration | Effects last for about 4-6 hours, possibly a little longer for some(up to 8 hours) | Effects last for about 4-6 hours |
Vardenafil vs Sildenafil dosage
When it comes to dosage, both medications are meant to be taken when required, 30-60 minutes before sexual activity, although their specific strengths differ.
Vardenafil is commonly prescribed in dosages of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg, with 10 mg being the recommended starting dose. It is also available as an Oral Disintegrating Tablet (ODT) that dissolves on the tongue.
Sildenafil, on the other hand, is available in dosages of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg, with 50 mg as the starting dose. Doctors may change the dosage of these medicines based on age, response to the medication, and underlying health issues, particularly heart and liver health.
While both the pills have a wide dose range, Vardenafil has more versatile alternatives as ODT, which allow both to be customized to individual needs for better customization tailored for individual requirements.
Brand and usage
Vardenafil and Sildenafil are both PDE5 inhibitors, but they slightly differ in their branding and usage. Vardenafil is marketed under the trade names Levitra and Staxyn, whereas Sildenafil is more commonly recognized as Viagra and Revatio.
Both are generally used to treat Erectile Dysfunction by raising the blood supply to the penile tissues during sexual stimulation. However, Sildenafil has the additional medical benefit of treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (increased blood pressure inside the lung’s arteries), whereas Vardenafil is primarily used to treat ED only. Apart from this, Sildenafil is a more popular and widely available ED medicine. Its widespread availability and popularity make it more trustworthy and dependable.
While both medications fulfill the same primary function, Sildenafil has a broader medicinal usage.
Onset and effect of food
The onset of action, or how soon a medicine starts working and how food can affect its performance, is an important point of comparison between these two popular ED pills. Vardenafil is often seen as having a slightly faster or more consistent onset of action.
While the average duration for Vardenafil to reach maximum concentration is 25-60 minutes (quite similar to Sildenafil), a randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2004 has shown that it can begin to create a notable impact in as short as 10 to 25 minutes for some people.
On the other hand, the normal start of effect for Sildenafil (Viagra) is 30-60 minutes after consumption. However, a high-fat meal can significantly delay this timing by slowing the medication’s absorption, bringing the onset time closer to two hours. For this reason, it is usually suggested that Sildenafil should be taken on an empty stomach.
To sum up, eating a high-fat meal can slow down how quickly Vardenafil starts working, but the delay is smaller compared to Sildenafil. This means Vardenafil is easier to use for people who don’t want to worry about timing their medicine with meals.
Duration
The duration of a medication’s impact is an important consideration for many people. Sildenafil and Vardenafil have very similar durations of effects, lasting about 4 to 6 hours. This means that within this timeframe, and with sexual stimulation, a person can achieve and maintain a firm erection.
After this timeframe, the medication’s impact progressively declines as it is metabolized and eliminated by the body. Both medications have a similar half-life (the time it takes for half of the medication to be removed from the body). However, a study published in the journal European Urology in 2006 suggests that Vardenafil’s effects may last for a slightly longer time, up to 8 hours, in certain cases.
Hence, Vardenafil may have a slight advantage over Sildenafil in terms of how long it can stay effective in your body, but both are reliable solutions for most men.
Conclusion
Choosing between Vardenafil vs Sildenafil can be challenging for men seeking reliable ED treatment. Vardenafil and Sildenafil are two highly effective PDE5 inhibitors that have transformed the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction.
Their primary function, increasing blood flow to the penis to achieve an erection, is the same, and many men consider them equivalent. However, the choice between them frequently comes down to slight differences in lifestyle suitability.
Vardenafil may be a better option for people seeking a medicine that is less impacted by food and provides more spontaneity. In contrast, Sildenafil’s popularity and widespread availability make it a dependable and familiar choice.
Finally, the best medicine for an individual is chosen by a certified healthcare expert based on their health, habits, and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Vardenafil and Sildenafil be taken together?
No, Sildenafil and Vardenafil should not be mixed. Both are PDE5 inhibitors and work similarly, thus taking them together raises the risk of serious side effects, such as dangerously low blood pressure and dizziness. Always consult your doctor before combining the two.
Can Vardenafil be purchased over-the-counter?
No, you cannot get Vardenafil over-the-counter. It is a prescription-only treatment for Erectile Dysfunction. Before usage, a doctor needs to assess the product to ensure safety, rule out any potentially dangerous interactions, and determine the appropriate dosage.
Is it possible to have an adverse reaction after discontinuing ED medication?
No, typically, no adverse reactions occur after discontinuing ED medicines. However, ED symptoms like weaker erections may reappear. But discontinuation is not always the cause behind this; other factors, like underlying medical conditions, may lead to the condition.
Which is better for older men: Vardenafil or Sildenafil?
Vardenafil may be somewhat more effective for older men since it produces stronger benefits at lower dosages and has fewer vision-related adverse effects. However, both medications are safe when administered appropriately, and the choice should be based on health condition and the doctor’s advice.
Why was Levitra discontinued?
The brand name Levitra of Vardenafil was terminated primarily for financial reasons and market rivalry, not safety concerns. At that time, Sildenafil and Tadalafil dominated the market, resulting in diminished demand and ultimately withdrawal by producers.
Cheap Medicine Shop only refers to credible, authoritative sources for our content. If you’re curious about how we ensure the integrity of our content, we encourage you to read our Content Information Policy.
