Cialis Vs. Levitra: Drug Comparison

Cialis^® (tadalafil) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It works by relaxing the muscles of blood vessels and increasing blood flow to particular areas of the body, notably the penis. Cialis is known for its long-lasting effects, allowing for more spontaneity, as it can remain effective for up to 36 hours. It is typically taken as needed, but a lower daily dose option is also available for continuous treatment. Common side effects of Cialis include headaches, indigestion, back pain, and muscle aches, which typically resolve within a few days. It is important to use Cialis with caution, especially for individuals with cardiovascular conditions, and to avoid combining it with nitrates or certain other medications due to the risk of serious interactions.

Levitra^® is a brand-name medication that contains the active ingredient vardenafil. The information below is about vardenafil hydrochloride tablets. According to the FDA, “Generic medicines use the same active ingredients as brand-name medicines and work the same way, so they have the same risks and benefits as the brand-name medicines.”

Vardenafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. It belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors and works similarly to sildenafil (Viagra^®) and tadalafil (Cialis^®). Vardenafil is typically taken as needed, about 60 minutes before sexual activity, and its effects can last up to 4–5 hours. Common side effects include headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, and dizziness. It should be used with caution in individuals with cardiovascular conditions and those taking nitrates.

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor

Cialis (tadalafil) is indicated to treat:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)

• The signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

• ED and the signs and symptoms of BPH (ED/BPH)

Vardenafil hydrochloride tablets are indicated to treat:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)

• Typically taken orally as needed prior to sexual activity, up to once daily (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg doses) OR taken orally once daily (2.5 mg and 5 mg doses)

• Comes in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets

• Typically taken orally as needed approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity, up to once daily

• Comes in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets

Most common adverse reactions (≥2%) include:

• Headache

• Indigestion

• Back pain

• Muscle pain

• Nasal congestion

• Flushing

• Pain in limb

Most common adverse reactions reported (≥2% of patients) are:

• Headache

• Flushing

• Nasal congestion

• Indigestion

• Inflammation of the sinuses

• Flu syndrome

• Dizziness

• Increased creatine kinase

• Nausea

• Back pain

• Administration of Cialis to patients using any form of organic nitrate is contraindicated

• History of known serious hypersensitivity reaction to Cialis or Adcirca

• Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, alcohol, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir), CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin)

• Administration with nitrates and nitric oxide donors

• Administration with guanylate cyclase (GC) stimulators, such as riociguat

• Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha-blockers, antihypertensives

• Patients should not use Cialis if sex is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status

• Use of Cialis with alpha blockers, antihypertensives or substantial amounts of alcohol (≥5 units) may lead to low blood pressure

• Cialis is not recommended in combination with alpha blockers for the treatment of BPH, because efficacy of the combination has not been adequately studied and because of the risk of blood pressure lowering

• If taking potent inhibitors of CYP3A4, dose should be adjusted

• Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours

• Patients should stop Cialis and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)

• Patients should stop Cialis and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing

• Prior to initiating treatment with Cialis for BPH, consideration should be given to other urological conditions that may cause similar symptoms

• Cardiovascular effects: Patients should not use vardenafil hydrochloride if sex is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status

• Risk of prolonged erection: In the event that an erection lasts more than 4 hours, the patient should seek immediate medical assistance

• Effects on the eye: Patients should stop use of vardenafil hydrochloride and seek medical attention in the event of sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)

• Sudden hearing loss: Patients should stop vardenafil hydrochloride and seek medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss in hearing

• Alpha-blockers: Caution is advised when PDE5 inhibitors are co-administered with alpha-blockers

• QT prolongation: Patients with congenital QT syndrome or taking class IA or III antiarrhythmics should avoid using vardenafil hydrochloride

*This information is from the label for brand name Cialis^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient tadalafil.

*This information is from the vardenafil hydrochloride label used by Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Vardenafil may be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient vardenafil.