Differences between Cialis and Levitra
Contents
Comparison Article[edit]
Cialis vs. Levitra
Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil) are both oral medications used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).[1][2] They belong to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.[3][4] PDE5 inhibitors work by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, which helps to produce and maintain an erection.[5][2] While both drugs share a similar mechanism of action, there are key differences in their duration of effect, approved uses, and how they are taken.[1]
Comparison Table
| Category | Cialis (tadalafil) | Levitra (vardenafil) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Tadalafil[5] | Vardenafil[5] |
| Onset of Action | Typically within 30 minutes[3] | About 1 hour before sexual activity[3] |
| Duration of Effect | Up to 36 hours[5][1] | 5 to 7 hours[5][1] |
| Dosing Options | As needed or once daily[3][1] | As needed[5] |
| Food Interactions | Largely unaffected by food[5] | High-fat meals may delay absorption[5] |
| Additional Approved Uses | Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)[3][1] | None, only for erectile dysfunction[1] |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, and stuffy or runny nose[5] | Headache, flushing, stuffy or runny nose, indigestion, and dizziness[5] |
Dosing and Administration
One of the primary differences between Cialis and Levitra is their dosing flexibility. Cialis can be taken on an as-needed basis, typically at least 30 minutes before sexual activity, or as a lower-dose daily pill.[3] The daily option allows for more spontaneity. Levitra is only approved for use as needed, approximately one hour before sexual activity.[3] The effectiveness of Levitra can be delayed by a high-fat meal, whereas Cialis's absorption is not significantly affected by food.[5]
Duration of Action
Cialis is known for its long duration of action, with effects lasting up to 36 hours after a single dose.[5][1] This extended window of effectiveness has earned it the nickname "the weekend pill". In contrast, the effects of Levitra typically last for about 5 to 7 hours.[5][1]
Additional Uses
Beyond erectile dysfunction, Cialis is also approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition characterized by an enlarged prostate.[3][1] This makes it a suitable option for individuals experiencing both ED and BPH. Levitra is only approved for the treatment of ED.[1]
Side Effects
Both Cialis and Levitra share common side effects, including headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and indigestion.[5] Muscle aches and back pain are more commonly associated with Cialis. Dizziness is reported more often with Levitra.[5] More serious side effects for both drugs are rare but can include sudden vision or hearing loss and priapism, a painful erection that lasts for more than four hours.[3][4] Combining either medication with alcohol may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and low blood pressure.[5]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 "goodrx.com". Retrieved January 25, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "medicinenet.com". Retrieved January 25, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 "medicalnewstoday.com". Retrieved January 25, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "choosingtherapy.com". Retrieved January 25, 2026.
- ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 5.15 "singlecare.com". Retrieved January 25, 2026.
