Sildenafil vs Vardenafil: Which is Better?

Both medicines work fairly quickly, but Vardenafil tends to have a slightly faster and more reliable onset, particularly when food is involved. Many men feel the effects within 25–40 minutes.

Sildenafil often requires 30–60 minutes, especially after a meal.

Sildenafil works for around 4 hours, whereas Vardenafil offers a duration closer to 5 hours.

While the difference is small, Vardenafil generally provides a slightly longer performance window.

In clinical studies:

Vardenafil 10–20 mg showed success rates around 57-72% in men with diabetes.

Sildenafil typically shows response rates around 45-60% in comparable diabetic groups.

Both medications significantly improve erectile function and are highly effective.

Across multiple trials and reviews, Sildenafil and Vardenafil consistently show very similar efficacy, with response rates typically in the 70-80% range at standard doses.

Any small differences in scores are statistically detectable in large trials but unlikely to be clinically dramatic for an individual patient.

ED is more common in people with diabetes, and this group can respond differently to treatment.

Research shows that Vardenafil often performs better for diabetic men, with higher rates of improved erections compared to Sildenafil.

Both medicines can cause mild, short-lived side effects.

Common side effects include headache, nasal congestion and facial flushing. The reason for this is that both drugs increase blood supply to all areas of the body.

The key differences in side effects are:

• Sildenafil is more likely to cause visual disturbances, muscle ache, diarrhoea and nosebleeds.
• Vardenafil tends to cause fewer visual effects and may be slightly better tolerated overall

Both medicines share many of the same interactions, including nitrates, alpha blockers, blood pressure medication and certain antibiotics or antifungals.

As both medicines belong to the same class of drugs, they interact with nearly all of the same medications.

Sildenafil is the most affordable ED medication in the UK, with a wide range of low-cost generics available.

Vardenafil is consistently more expensive, with fewer generic suppliers.

Choosing between Sildenafil and Vardenafil requires looking closely at your priorities and how each medicine fits your lifestyle. The main differences come down to:

• Speed: Vardenafil works slightly faster and is more predictable with food.
• Duration: Vardenafil lasts marginally longer than Sildenafil.
• Side-effect profile: Sildenafil can cause visual disturbances; Vardenafil generally causes fewer.
• Flexibility with food: Vardenafil is less affected by heavy or high-fat meals.
• Diabetic profile: Vardenafil tends to work better in men with diabetes.
• Cost and availability: Sildenafil is much cheaper and more widely available as a generic.

Both medications are safe and effective treatments for erectile dysfunction. The best choice depends on your health, any other medicines you take, and your personal preferences. A healthcare professional will recommend the most suitable option for you.

You should never take both medications together or use them without a prescription, as this can cause dangerously low blood pressure and other serious side effects.