Are you looking for the best treatment option for erectile dysfunction (ED)? Look no further, as PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase-5) inhibitors like vardenafil and tadalafil have proven to be highly effective. However, the question that arises is, which one is better in terms of safety and efficacy? In this article, we'll compare vardenafil and tadalafil to help you make an informed decision.
What Is Vardenafil?
Vardenafil is a PDE-5 Inhibitor that is primarily prescribed for treating symptoms of ED in men. Its mechanism of action in the body is similar to most PDE-5 inhibitors: increases blood flow to the smooth muscles in the penile shaft to help achieve an erection during sexual arousal or excitement.
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The most distinct feature of vardenafil, compared to tadalafil and other PDE-5 inhibitors, is its high selectivity. Other PDE-5 inhibitors not only reduce the reuptake of PDE-5 but also sometimes affect the reuptake of other PDEs like PDE-6.
Changes in color perception, which can be a side effect of taking PDE-5 inhibitors, commonly result from reduced PDE-6 reuptake. Most PDE-5 inhibitors cause this because of the drug’s low-selective action that can target other PDEs.
With vardenafil, this result is rare because it is highly selective. It strongly targets PDE-5 and causes little or no effect on other PDEs like PDE-6 (1).
Dosage and Effects of Vardenafil
Vardenafil’s recommended dosage is 10 mg to 20 mg for healthy men who have no pre-existing illnesses or medical conditions. It should be taken once per day, at least an hour before sexual activity.
Usually, the medication is started at 10 mg and can be gradually increased to 20 mg, provided that no adverse effect is experienced from the medicine. On the other hand, if side effects occur and become bothersome, the dosage may be reduced to 5 mg.
For men who are over 65 years of age, the starting dosage is 5 mg. It can either be increased to 10 mg or decreased to 2.5 mg, depending on how the body reacts to the medicine.
For those who are taking other medications for pre-existing medical conditions, the dose should be maintained between 2.5 mg and 5 mg per day.
Common side effects caused by vardenafil include:
- Decreased blood pressure
- Headache and nausea
- Blurred vision
- Gastric irritation and diarrhea
- Flushing
Aside from these side effects, you should also watch out for symptoms of adverse reactions that may lead to more severe health problems. Seek medical help immediately if experience any of the following:
- Chest pain
- Painful erection that lasts for more than 4 hours
- Hearing loss
- Temporary loss of vision
Usually, the common side effects should last about a few days after the start of treatment. However, if the symptoms persist or don’t improve, you should discontinue the medication and consult with your doctor.
As for drug interactions, vardenafil is relatively safe to take, even if you’re taking medications for other conditions or illnesses (2). However, you must consult about it with your doctor first before deciding to take vardenafil.
What Is Tadalafil?
Tadalafil, like vardenafil, is also a PDE-5 inhibitor that helps increase blood flow to the penile shaft muscles to improve erectile performance during sexual activity.
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The distinct feature that makes tadalafil a preferable option for ED treatment is its long-lasting efficacy. Tadalafil, vs. vardenafil and other PDE-5 inhibitors, has a significantly longer duration of action (3). Other PDE-5 inhibitors can remain active up to 6 hours after intake, but tadalafil can remain active in the body for more than 12 hours after ingestion.
Aside from that, tadalafil is also a choice medication for treating symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). That’s why men with BPH and ED benefit the most from this medicine compared to other PDE-5 inhibitors.
Dosage and Effects of Tadalafil
For daily dosing, the recommended dosage of tadalafil for healthy men is 5 mg to 10 mg. For on-demand dosing, it can be taken at a dosage of 10 mg to 20 mg for at least an hour before sexual activity.
For men who are above 65 years or have other pre-existing medical conditions, the dosage should be lower. The recommended daily dose for these men is 2.5 mg, and the recommended on-demand dose is 5 mg.
Common side effects of tadalafil that usually last up to a few days after the start of treatment include the following:
- Lowered blood pressure
- Headache, dizziness, and nausea
- Gastric upset and diarrhea
- Blurred vision
More severe symptoms that indicate adverse reactions include:
- Chest pain and heart attack-like symptoms
- Distorted vision with changes in color perception
- Painful erection that lasts for more than 4 hours
- Hearing loss and fainting
You should stop taking tadalafil and seek medical help if any of these severe symptoms occur.
Vardenafil vs. Tadalafil
Vardenafil and tadalafil are both relatively effective and safe. However, they also have unique characteristics that may prove beneficial in certain circumstances.
For example, men with other medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension might prefer vardenafil over tadalafil. This is because vardenafil is less likely to interrupt the drug action of the medications taken for those conditions.
On the other hand, healthy men who prioritize optimal efficacy over mildness tend to prefer tadalafil because of its strong effects and long duration (4). Tadalafil is also the most prescribed for men who have been associated with BPH.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both vardenafil and tadalafil are safe and effective treatment options for erectile dysfunction. While vardenafil may be a better choice for men with other medical conditions, healthy men tend to prefer tadalafil due to its long-lasting efficacy. We hope this article has helped you decide which medication may be best for you. Stay on our website for more informative articles on health and wellness.
