Difference between Vardenafil vs Tadalafil: Everything Explained
Millions of men across the world, suffer from sexual problems like improper penile erection, early ejaculation, lack of enough sexual drive, etc. Such medical problems are commonly termed as erectile dysfunction. Thankfully, there are multiple medications like Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, Avanafil, etc; available to cure such medical conditions.
What is Vardenafil?
Vardenafil is a phosphodiesterase (PDE-5) inhibitor that is used to cure erectile dysfunction by increasing the blood flow toward the penile area by relaxing the muscles in penile blood vessels. However, sexual stimuli is required in order to induce the erection.
What is Tadalafil?
Tadalafil is quite a popular phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5 inhibitor) i,e, vasodilatation pharmaceutical drug. It is quite a popular choice when it comes to treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Tadalafil vs Vardenafil: Key Differences Explained
| Parameters | Tadalafil | Vardenafil |
| Nature of Salt | phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, | phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) |
| Erection Duration | 17 to18 hours | 8 hours |
| Mechanism of Action | Works by inhibiting the effect of PDE5. This inhibition leads to penile erection due to the inflow of blood into the area. | Being a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor, it works by increasing blood flow to the penis; upon receiving sexual stimulation. |
| Dosage strengths available | 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg | 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg |
| Timing of Consumption | 30 minutes before the sexual act | 25 to 60 minutes before sex prior sex |
| Dissolution duration | 30 minutes | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Side effects | The most common potential adverse effect of using tadalafil are back pain, burping acid reflux, headache, stomach discomfort or pain, indigestion, muscle aches, flushing, and stuffy and runny nose. | Headache, Flushing (reddening of the face, ears, neck, and trunk), Dizziness, Back pain, Nausea, Nasal congestion (stuffy nose), Dyspepsia, Sinus inflammation, Flu-like symptoms, Increased creatine level in blood. |
| Storage requirement | 20°C – 25°C | 15° to 30°C |
Which one is better : Tadalafil or Vardenafil?
Tadalafil surely has an upper hand over Vardenafil when it comes to longer erection duration. However, different bodies react to different pharmaceutical ingredients in much varied ways. Hence a detailed medical diagnosis is required in order to understand one’s suitability for a particular drug.
Other Drug Interactions – Tadalafil vs Vardenafil
Both of these salts are phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, and have similar interactions with other drugs. Hence the following drugs should be avoided while receiving a treatment involving either of these two drugs:
- Various forms of nitrates, such as isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) and nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)
- certain blood pressure drugs, such as calcium channel blockers
- alpha-blockers, which can treat high blood pressure or an enlarged prostate
- certain pulmonary hypertension drugs, such as riociguat (Adempas)
- protease inhibitors, a class of HIV medications
- antifungal drugs, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox)
- antibacterial drugs, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin)
FAQs about the difference between Vardenafil and Tadalafil
Out of Vardenafil and Tadalafil, which one is stronger?
Tadalafil is capable of offering a much longer erection duration. Vardenafil is more selective than sildenafil and tadalafil to PDE5, which again means a lower dose is needed with potentially less side effects. Tadalafil is very specific for PDE5 and is also very specific for the enzyme PDE11.
Do Vardenafil and Tadalafil have the same purpose or work?
Both of the medicines belong to the same class of drug, i,e PDE5 inhibitor and has the same kind of mechanism of work for the same set of purpose. Yet they are two different pharmaceutical ingredients and project different intensity in the results, and have different interactions with other drugs.
Is Tadalafil addictive?
Currently, there is no scientific evidence that vardenafil, tadalafil or any other medications used to treat erectile dysfunction are physically addictive.
Which one is safer: Vardenafil or Tadalafil?
Both of these are FDA approved medications to eradicate erectile dysfunction from men. Moreover, by now, various patients across the globe have already tried either of them, and have experienced positive results. Hence both are safe as pharmaceutical drugs. Yet, neither of them should be taken without medical consultation otherwise they might inflict side effects.
Can Vardenafil and Tadalafil be taken OTC or doctor consultation required?
Both Vardenafil and Tadalafil are strong prescribed medications that can cause serious side effects if consumed without a thorough medical consultation. Hence a detailed diagnosis is advised before finalizing either of these two pharmaceutical drugs to cure erectile dysfunction.