It can cause symptoms like an increased need to urinate, difficulty urinating, and an inability to fully empty the bladder. Off-label uses of Levitra and Cialis include treating Raynaud’s phenomenon and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Raynaud’s phenomenon is a rare condition in which the fingers or toes can become discolored or numb due to cold temperature changes. PAH is another rare disorder caused by high blood pressure in the lungs and can lead to shortness of breath and chest pain.

Is a prescription required?

Around 24% of men in the United States have ED, with the prevalence increasing for older men. Due to the stigma surrounding this common sexual disorder, the percentage of men with ED may be underreported. However, in today’s world, ED treatment is more accessible, with several options available. The most commonly prescribed ED medications belong to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitors. Levitra and Cialis are two PDE5 inhibitors that primarily work by increasing blood flow to get and maintain an erection.

What are common drug interactions for vardenafil and tadalafil?

While brand-name Levitra was discontinued in 2018, the generic version, vardenafil, remains available. Although these drugs work in similar ways, they do have some differences to be aware of when choosing the best treatment option. Your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes as well as a medication like vardenafil or Cialis to help improve your sex life. Vardenafil and Cialis are two different drugs. Cialis is a brand-name drug containing the active ingredient tadalafil, while vardenafil is a generic drug and the active ingredient in the now-discontinued brand-name drug Levitra.

What is Generic Levitra's peak time?

Vardenafil can take up to an hour to start working. Once it kicks in, its effects can last 5 to 7 hours, and in some cases, effects can last up to 12 hours. On the other hand, Cialis typically starts working faster, within 20 to 30 minutes, and its effects can last much longer—up to 36 hours. Vardenafil and Cialis can levitra generic no prescription be taken with or without food, as indicated on their drug labels. However, the absorption of Levitra may be affected by a high-fat meal, while Cialis remains largely unaffected by food intake. The active ingredients of Levitra and Cialis have also been shown to prevent and improve altitude sickness.

Brand/Generic Name Approximate Price (per tablet) Treatment Course (30 tablets) Source
Vardenafil (generic) $1.50 - $3.00 $45 - $90 Online pharmacies
Tadalafil (generic) $1.20 - $2.50 $36 - $75 Local pharmacies
Sildenafil (generic) $0.80 - $2.00 $24 - $60 Discount vendors

These drugs may be useful for climbers who are at risk of experiencing high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), a condition caused by fluid leakage in the lungs. This condition can be fatal if it’s not treated in a timely manner. When taken as prescribed, vardenafil and Cialis can be effective ED treatments.

  • Generic Levitra is popular due to affordability.
  • The generic version's effectiveness depends on proper usage.
  • Some generics are available over-the-counter in certain countries.
  • Beware of expired or damaged tablets when buying generics.
  • Use generics only if prescribed by a healthcare professional.
  • Keep track of dosing schedules to maintain effectiveness.

However, Cialis may be preferred for its once-daily dosing option, longer duration of action, and approved use for BPH.

  • Some patients prefer generics due to lower cost.
  • The efficacy of generics is supported by regulatory agencies.
  • Always follow dosing instructions on generic packaging.
  • Generics are tested to meet efficacy and safety standards.
  • Be cautious of sources selling unverified generic medications.
  • Consult your healthcare provider before switching to a generic.

According to a meta-analysis, tadalafil was found to be the most effective agent for ED, followed by vardenafil.

Product Dosage Quantity + Bonus Price
Levitra Generic60mg270 + 10 Pills714.53€ 680.50€
Levitra Generic60mg90 + 6 Pills291.82€ 277.92€
Levitra Generic10mg20 Pills46.54€ 44.32€
Levitra Generic10mg60 + 6 Pills112.98€ 107.60€
Levitra Original20mg92 + 4 Pills406.22€ 386.88€
Levitra Original20mg12 Pills81.99€ 78.09€
Levitra Original20mg34 + 2 Pills188.51€ 179.53€
Levitra Generic20mg10 Pills31.49€ 29.99€
Levitra Generic60mg10 Pills47.42€ 45.16€
Levitra Soft Tabs20mg120 + 8 Pills288.52€ 274.78€
Levitra Soft Tabs20mg20 Pills74.68€ 71.12€
Levitra Generic40mg180 + 10 Pills405.06€ 385.77€
Levitra Generic20mg270 + 10 Pills376.33€ 358.41€
Levitra Generic20mg20 Pills52.63€ 50.12€
Levitra Generic40mg20 Pills67.56€ 64.34€
Levitra Original20mg4 Pills45.87€ 43.69€
Levitra Soft Tabs20mg30 + 2 Pills99.17€ 94.45€

This meta-analysis included 118 different trials and compared seven different medications. All PDE5 inhibitors in the studies were found to have similar safety profiles. However, one study found that sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, may be the most effective PDE5 inhibitor for ED in the general population. The study noted that while PDE5 inhibitors are generally effective and safe compared to a placebo, more high-quality studies that directly compare these online levitra sale medications are needed.

Generic Name Brand Name Main Active Ingredient Dosage Forms Manufacturer
Vardenafil Levitra Pro Vardenafil HCl Tablets Bayer Healthcare
Vardenafil Staxyn Vardenafil ODT Dispersible Bayer
Tadalafil Cialis Tadalafil Tablets Eli Lilly
Sildenafil Viagra Sildenafil Citrate Tablets Pfizer

Levitra or Cialis may be more effective, depending on your preferences and other health conditions. Your healthcare provider can help you decide which ED medication is best for you.

How Does Levitra Work in the Body? Pharmacology, Onset, and Duration

Using these two PDE inhibitors at the same time could cause blood pressure to drop to dangerous levels. It also increases the risk of adverse side effects, including dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, headache, flushing, heart palpitations, and prolonged or painful erections.14 The average cost of vardenafil is $30 for two 20 mg tablets.15 RedBox Rx has vardenafil starting at $3 per tablet. The average cost for tadalafil can be anywhere from $12 to $70 per tablet.16 RedBox Rx has tadalafil starting at $1 per tablet. There are no PDE inhibitors like vardenafil or tadalafil available over the counter. Do not trust a source that promises nonprescription versions of vardenafil or tadalafil.17 RedBox Rx makes obtaining a prescription for ED, like vardenafil or tadalafil, easy and affordable.

Can I use Levitra or Viagra while pregnant?

Transparent, affordable, flat rates for ED medications starting at $1 per tablet. Free consultations with a U.S. licensed medical professional. No office wait times or scheduling issues typical with physical medical practices. Start your treatment today with our ED assessment and free online consultation.

Key differences between Cialis and Levitra

Vardenafil and Cialis are both PDE5 inhibitors used to treat erectile dysfunction, but Cialis lasts longer. Cialis can be taken daily or as needed and lasts up to 36 hours, while vardenafil is only used as needed and typically lasts five to seven hours. Both drugs are available in generic form, offering a more cost-effective option for those seeking ED treatment. Common side effects for both include headaches, nasal congestion, and flushing, while rare but serious side effects include changes in vision or hearing. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a temporary or long-term problem for many men. Most Medicare and commercial insurance plans don’t generally cover ED pills like vardenafil and Cialis. Therefore, you may have to pay out of pocket for these medications. Some health insurance plans may be more likely to cover Cialis if it’s prescribed for BPH. Still, you may want to contact your pharmacist or insurance company directly about insurance coverage for ED drugs.

Common side effects of Levitra vs. Cialis

Vardenafil and Cialis are both FDA-approved to treat ED. This sexual disorder is diagnosed after a medical evaluation by a healthcare provider. ED can be caused by both psychological problems and physical health issues that cause a persistent inability to get or keep an erection. While PDE5 inhibitors have been studied to improve benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Cialis is the only one that is FDA-approved to treat it. BPH is a medical condition characterized by an enlarged prostate. Vardenafil is a generic medication that may be cheaper than brand-name alternatives. The average retail price may be around $479 for 10 tablets with a strength of 20 mg. Cialis is available as a brand-name and generic drug. For 30 tablets with a strength of 5 mg, the average retail price of generic Cialis is around $448.

Generic Vs. Brand Name

Vardenafil is a generic version of the drug Levitra® and belongs to the class of medications called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. It is prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction and works by increasing blood flow to the genitals.1 The average recommended dose is 10 mg, taken approximately one hour before sexual activity.2 The effects of vardenafil can last anywhere from five to seven hours.3 It is not recommended to take more than one dose of vardenafil within a 24-hour period.4 Tadalafil, a generic of Cialis®, belongs to the class of medication called PDE inhibitors and is prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction. It works by increasing blood flow to the genitals.5 There are two ways to take tadalafil – daily or as needed. A common daily dose is 2.5 mg to 5 mg once a day. The as-needed dosage is 10 mg to 20 mg, approximately 30 to 45 minutes before sexual activity.6 The effects of tadalafil can last up to 36 hours.7 While both vardenafil and tadalafil are PDE inhibitors, they work differently.

How Long Do They Last?

Vardenafil is used as needed approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity. It lasts from five to seven hours on average, with a maximum of 12 hours. Tadalafil can be used either daily or as needed. When used as needed, it takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to work and lasts up to 36 hours on average, with a maximum of 72 hours. When used daily, tadalafil can help treat ED long term.8 Both vardenafil and tadalafil have been clinically proven to help men with ED improve sexual function.

How effective are vardenafil and tadalafil for erectile dysfunction?

In clinical studies, vardenafil has been shown to be effective for erectile dysfunction in 71% of men under the age of 45, 76% of men aged 45-64, and 85% of men over 65.9 In clinical studies of tadalafil, 82% of men with an average age of 59 reported improved erections after taking tadalafil for 12 weeks.10 Common side effects of vardenafil include:11 Common side effects of tadalafil include:12 Pain in the stomach, back, muscles, arms or legs. Pain in the stomach, back, muscles, arms or legs. Get secure, private treatment online from RedBox Rx with FDA-approved meds starting at $1 per pill. PDE inhibitors like vardenafil and tadalafil can cause complications when mixed with heart medications, especially nitrates or antiarrhythmics.13 Before taking a PDE inhibitor, always talk to your provider about any medications or existing conditions. It is not recommended to levitra tablets 5mg take vardenafil and tadalafil together. If you’re looking to save on the retail cost of vardenafil or Cialis, you may want to use a SingleCare savings card. You may find that SingleCare helps you save up to 80% on brand-name and generic medications. Another potential alternative is to check out SingleCare’s partnership with Lemonaid Health, where you can get Sildenafil for as little as $2 per pill. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Jan. 30, 2026. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Vardenafil and Cialis tend to have similar side effects since they’re both in the same drug class. The most frequently reported side effects include headaches, nasal congestion or a stuffy nose, indigestion, and back pain. In addition, both medications may lead to facial flushing, characterized by redness and warmth in the face.

Parameter Vardenafil (Generic) Tadalafil (Generic) Sildenafil (Generic)
Onset of action 25-60 mins 30-60 mins 30-60 mins
Duration of effect 4-6 hours Up to 36 hours 4-6 hours
Food interaction Less affected Less affected Can be reduced
Side effect profile Similar Similar Similar
Cost per dose Lower Higher Lowest

Other common side effects of vardenafil are dizziness, flu symptoms, and inflamed sinuses (sinusitis). Other common side effects of Cialis include muscle pain and pain in the arms or legs. Most side effects with these medications are mild and go away on their own.