ED Medication Comparison: Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil & More

When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction, a condition where a man can’t get or keep an erection firm enough for sex. Also known as impotence, it affects nearly half of men over 40 at some point. The good news? You have real options. The best ED meds aren’t one-size-fits-all—they’re about timing, side effects, and how your body reacts. Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra and Cenforce Soft, works in about 30 to 60 minutes and lasts 4 to 5 hours. Tadalafil, found in Cialis, kicks in around the same time but sticks around for up to 36 hours—hence the nickname "the weekend pill". Then there’s Vardenafil, the middle ground between sildenafil and tadalafil, with a 4- to 5-hour window and slightly faster onset for some users. These aren’t just names on a bottle—they’re tools with different rhythms, and choosing the right one changes how you live.

What makes these drugs different isn’t just how long they last. Sildenafil works best on an empty stomach, while tadalafil doesn’t care if you ate a big meal. Vardenafil can be less effective if taken with high-fat foods. Side effects? All three can cause headaches, flushing, or upset stomach—but tadalafil has a slightly higher chance of back pain or muscle aches. If you’re on nitrates for heart issues, none of these are safe. And if you’ve had a stroke, heart attack, or severe low blood pressure recently, talk to your doctor first. The Trial ED Pack exists for a reason: trying them side by side helps you find what works without guessing. You’re not just buying a pill—you’re testing a lifestyle fit.

There’s no magic drug here. Some men swear by sildenafil because it’s cheap and predictable. Others pick tadalafil because they don’t want to plan sex around a pill. A few find vardenafil hits the sweet spot between speed and duration. What you need isn’t the most popular option—it’s the one that matches your body, your schedule, and your comfort level. Below, you’ll find detailed comparisons of these drugs against each other and against other treatments like alprostadil injections or penile pumps. You’ll see real cost differences, side effect breakdowns, and what users actually report after months of use. No fluff. Just facts to help you decide.

In-depth comparison of Levitra (vardenafil) with Viagra, Cialis, and Stendra, covering effectiveness, onset, duration, side effects, cost, and best-use scenarios.

Oct, 5 2025

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