Table of Contents

I. What is Cialis (Tadalafil)?

II. What is Viagra (Sildenafil)?

III. What is Levitra (Vardenafil)?

IV. How to Choose the Right ED Drug

V. FAQ: How do I know whether Cialis, Viagra, or Levitra is right for me?

Cialis (tadalafil) is very popular at RxConnected, but it is definitely not the only erectile dysfunction (ED) medication of its kind. Our Canadian pharmacy website also sells Viagra (sildenafil) and Levitra (vardenafil), two other similar drugs that treat ED.

You may have noticed quickly that all three of these drugs share similar names. So, what are their differences? And which one should you use?

In this article, we will briefly introduce each drug and run through its advantages and disadvantages.

What is Cialis (Tadalafil)?

Cialis or generic tadalafil is one of our top-selling drugs. Brand-name Cialis often comes in yellow, teardrop-shaped pills.

The generic name for Cialis’ active ingredient is tadalafil. [1] Tadalafil, sold under a separate brand name, Adcirca, can be used to treat an unrelated condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). [2]

To learn more about the pros and cons of Cialis (tadalafil) and how it works, read our full guide on what Cialis is and how it works.

Advantages of Cialis

Perhaps the most attractive advantage of Cialis is that you can take it daily rather than on an as-needed basis. [1] This allows for more sexual spontaneity. No need to worry about timing your dose before a sexual event!

Cialis can remain active for up to 36 hours, which means you can potentially have intercourse anytime within those 36 hours. [1]

For those who don’t proactively schedule sexual activity — such as men who live with their sexual partner — Cialis can be a good choice. But those who prefer taking medication on an as-needed basis instead of as an extra daily chore can use Cialis too.

Disadvantages of Cialis

After you take a Cialis tablet, some of the active ingredient can take about 3 to 4 days to fully clear your body, based on tadalafil's roughly 17.5-hour half-life. [1] It may stay in your system even longer if you have kidney or liver problems, or if you take certain medications. [3] Because the drug stays in your system so long, it can pose a risk if you need to take other medications that interact with Cialis. [1]

What is Viagra (Sildenafil)?

Viagra, and its generic version, sildenafil, is probably one of the most recognizable erectile dysfunction medications in the world. Pfizer first introduced the “little blue pill” in 1998, but here’s the interesting part: sildenafil was not created for ED. [4]

At first, researchers were studying sildenafil as a possible treatment for high blood pressure and angina pectoris, a type of chest pain linked to heart disease. But during testing, they found that the medication did not help angina as much as expected. What it did do, however, was help with erectile function. [4]

One mention of the word “Viagra” brings to mind many connotations. There are also many misconceptions about Viagra; some people still believe it’s a performance-enhancing drug or that it makes you want to have sex more.

While ED drugs are performance-enhancing in the sense that they enable you to achieve the erection necessary for intercourse, they are not recreational drugs. ED drugs don’t make someone “better” in bed or increase their desire for sex. [5]

Advantages of Viagra

According to Harvard Health Publishing, sildenafil is often the first ED medication doctors recommend, largely because it has been on the market the longest, giving physicians decades of data on its side effects and interactions with other medications and foods. [5]

In one study, men taking sildenafil had successful sex in 69% of attempts, compared with 22% of attempts for men taking a placebo. [6]

It has also been on the market the longest, which means doctors and researchers have had plenty of time to study how it works, where it helps, and what downsides patients should know about. [5]

Disadvantages of Viagra

Unlike Cialis, Viagra is not taken as a daily ED medication. It is usually taken before sex, which means patients need to plan each time they use it. [5] For some people, that timing can feel inconvenient or take away from the moment.

On the social front, because Viagra is such a famous drug, admitting its use can make some patients feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. Some people may feel uncomfortable discussing Viagra because of jokes, comments, or unwanted requests from others. And just to be clear, you should never share your medication with anyone.

You also do not have to tell anyone that you take an ED medication at all. Your treatment is personal health information, and you get to decide who knows about it.

What is Levitra (Vardenafil)?

Levitra or generic vardenafil is another ED drug available for sale through RxConnected. Like sildenafil and tadalafil, vardenafil is a phosphodiesterase-type-5 (PDE5) inhibitor that aids blood flow to the penis. It can come in either a standard tablet or a dissolvable tablet and can be taken as needed about an hour before engaging in sex. [7]

Advantages of Levitra

Interestingly, Levitra is more biochemically potent than Viagra, so that it can be prescribed at a smaller dose. This may help reduce the chance of side effects for some patients. [8]

Levitra also stays in the body slightly longer than Viagra. Vardenafil has a half-life of about 4 to 6 hours, meaning it may remain active in your system for a little more time. [8]

Disadvantages of Levitra

Because Levitra has not been studied in certain patients, some people should not use it. This includes patients who have:

• Severe liver disease
• End-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis
• Low blood pressure
• Had a stroke or heart attack within the last 6 months
• Unstable angina
• Certain hereditary eye conditions, such as retinal degenerative disorders [7]

How to Choose the Right ED Drug

As you can see, Cialis, Viagra, and Levitra are all very similar yet very different medications designed to remedy the same health condition. 

There really is no one-size-fits-all answer to which drug is the best. Whether or not a certain drug works well for you depends on your medical history, physical characteristics (age, health, family history, etc.), and lifestyle. So, make sure you have an open and thorough dialogue with your doctor. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

While we cannot replace your doctor-patient relationship with your health-care provider, RxConnected provides its customers with access to a licensed pharmacist for any questions.

FAQ: How do I know whether Cialis, Viagra, or Levitra is right for me?

The right ED medication depends on your health, lifestyle, and how much planning you want to do before sex. Cialis may be a better fit if you want more flexibility because it can be taken daily or as needed and may work for up to 36 hours. Viagra may feel more familiar because it has been around longer and is well studied. Levitra may be an option if your doctor thinks vardenafil is a better match for your needs.

There is no single “best” ED medication for everyone. Your doctor can help you compare how long each medication lasts, how quickly you need it to work, your other medications, and any liver, kidney, heart, or blood pressure concerns.

Steps to choose the right ED medication:

1. Decide if you prefer daily or as-needed treatment.
2. Ask how soon before intimacy to take each option.
3. Ask how long each medication may last.
4. Tell your doctor about any health conditions.
5. Share all medications and supplements you take.
6. Ask which option is safest for you.

DISCLAIMER: The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.