Cialis vs. Levitra: Which ED Medication is Better in Canada?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is extremely common, affecting about half of all men. It affects men of all ages and backgrounds.

Luckily, there are several effective and safe treatments.

PDE5 inhibitors changed the game in the 1990s, helping millions of guys feel more confident in the bedroom. These medications work by stimulating blood flow to the penis during sexual contact, helping men achieve and maintain an erection.

Viagra is obviously quite well-known, but Cialis and Levitra are less so.

So how do they stack up? And which one—Cialis or Levitra—might be best for you?

While both are effective, they differ in how long they last, how quickly they start working, and how flexible they are around food or timing. Depending on your lifestyle, one may be a better fit for you.

In this article, we provide a side-by-side comparison of Cialis (the brand name for tadalafil) and Levitra (the brand name for vardenafil) to help you consider which may be a better treatment for you.

Looking for ED treatments? Buy Levitra, as-needed Cialis, or daily Cialis at Essential Clinic. Start your online visit.

Cialis vs. Levitra: How are they similar?

PDE5 inhibitors—like tadalafil, vardenafil, and even sildenafil—work by supporting the body's natural erection process.

During sexual arousal, the body releases a chemical messenger called cGMP, which relaxes the smooth muscle in the blood vessels of the penis and allows more blood to flow in. Normally, an enzyme called PDE5 breaks down cGMP, which can make it harder to maintain an erection.

These medications block that enzyme, allowing cGMP to stay active longer so erections are easier to achieve and sustain—but only when sexual stimulation is already happening.

What is Cialis (Tadalafil) and does it work?

Cialis, also known by its generic name tadalafil, is popular and widely used. It is one of the most popular and widely prescribed medications for erectile dysfunction.

Learn more: How to get Cialis online in Canada

Effectiveness and safety

Tadalafil is popular partly because it's effective. Systematic reviews have consistently shown that it is effective for treating erectile dysfunction. It has been found to work in many different populations, including guys of different ages, guys with ED from several different causes, and guys with even severe ED.

Tadalafil has also been generally found to be well-tolerated. Headaches and dyspepsia (upset stomach) were the most frequent side effects.

Dosing

Cialis is typically taken as needed, meaning as a single tablet before sexual activity. Usual doses for as-needed tadalafil are 10 mg and 20 mg tablets.

Learn more: What is As-Needed Tadalafil?

Tadalafil is also available in a low-dose daily option, helping to maintain a steady level of tadalafil in the bloodstream. In this form, it typically comes in 2.5 mg and 5 mg pills.

Learn more: What is Daily Tadalafil?

Duration

One of Cialis' defining characteristics is its extended duration of action. While many ED medications last only a few hours, tadalafil remains active in the body for up to 36 hours. This longer window is why it is often referred to as "the weekend pill"—You can take one pill and have its effect for several days.

Tadalafil Daily works even longer. By taking a smaller dose every day, its effect is ongoing indefinitely. This format is especially effective for men who prefer even more spontaneity or have sex more frequently. Rather than taking a pill before sexual activity, they can simply take their daily dose and be ready anytime.

Other Treatments

Tadalafil is also approved to treat other conditions. In particular, it is an approved treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that causes urinary symptoms such as weak flow, difficulty starting urination, or frequent nighttime urination.

For men who experience both ED and BPH, tadalafil provides a dual benefit by improving both erection quality and urinary symptoms at the same time.

Cost

Generic tadalafil is widely available and tends to be more affordable, usually ranging from about $5 to $20 per tablet, depending on the dose and quantity. Brand-name Cialis is more expensive than that, but most men use the generic tadalafil because it works the same clinically.

Overall

Cialis is known for offering flexibility, spontaneity, and ease of use. It's ideal for men who don't want to plan intimacy around their medication.

Learn more: How to get daily Cialis in Canada

What is Levitra (Vardenafil)?

Levitra, also known by the generic name vardenafil, is another PDE5 inhibitor. It's much less common than Cialis, but it is still widely available in Canada.

Effectiveness and safety

Vardenafil (generic Levitra) has been shown to significantly improve erectile function across all severity levels of ED and across etiologies, or causes of ED.

It has been found to be generally well tolerated in men with ED. The most common side effects of vardenafil are similar to those seen with other PDE5 inhibitors and may include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and indigestion. These effects are usually mild and temporary.

Dosing

As an ED treatment, Vardenafil is taken as a single, as-needed pill. It typically comes in 10 mg and 20 mg tablets, although you may sometimes see it prescribed in 5 mg pills.

Duration

Levitra usually begins working in about 30–60 minutes, though some men may feel effects sooner. It has a relatively short duration, though: it typically lasts about 4 to 5 hours, so it is taken shortly before sex.

For some, the predictable window is a benefit—some guys prefer a shorter-acting option that doesn't stay in their system for long.

Absorption

The absorption of vardenafil turns out to be quite sensitive to food. Taking it after a heavy or high-fat meal may slow down how quickly it is absorbed or even make it a bit less effective. For best results, patients should take vardenafil before eating or after a light meal.

Cost

Vardenafil is usually sold in the range of CAD $4–$15 per tablet, with higher prices for brand-name Levitra and lower prices for generics when available.

Generic vardenafil is available in Canada but may be more difficult to find. That may make it harder to find on the cheaper end of the price range.

Overall

Levitra is a good option for men who want an on-demand medication and who do not mind timing their dose with their meals and sex. It's better for men who prefer a shorter and more predictable duration of action.

Comparing Tadalafil vs. Vardenafil head-to-head

Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil) are both strong, reliable options for treating erectile dysfunction. They are both considered clinically safe and effective, with comparable outcomes across multiple studies and patient populations.

While their mechanisms are similar, the day-to-day experience of using Cialis versus Levitra can be noticeably different.

Onset and duration

• Onset: Both Cialis and Levitra take between 30 and 60 minutes to start working for most people.
• Duration: Cialis lasts up to 36 hours; Levitra lasts only about 4–5 hours.
• Food effects: Cialis is not significantly affected by food; Levitra can be slowed by high-fat meals.
• Flexibility: Cialis offers a wide, spontaneous window; Levitra provides a shorter, more predictable window.

Effectiveness and preference

• Effectiveness: Both medications are clinically effective; neither is proven stronger overall.
• Spontaneity: Cialis allows sex anytime within 36 hours; Levitra requires more precise timing.
• Lifestyle fit: Cialis integrates easily into daily life; Levitra suits men who prefer a more controlled timeframe.
• Dosing style: Cialis offers both as-needed and daily dosing; Levitra is used only as-needed.
• User preference: Men tend to prefer Cialis because its long duration allows more spontaneity; Levitra is preferred by men who want a shorter, more controlled window.

Who each medication may be best for

• Potency: Vardenafil is technically more potent biochemically, although this does not seem to make it clinically more effective. If tadalafil doesn't work, vardenafil may be worth trying.
• Side effects: Both are considered safe and well-tolerated. Vardenafil is a little less likely to cause muscle aches or visual disturbances than Cialis.
• Flexibility: Cialis suits men who want spontaneity; Levitra suits men who want a shorter, defined window.
• Frequency: Cialis is ideal for men who have sex more often; Levitra works well for occasional use.
• Comorbid symptoms: Cialis can also treat BPH; Levitra is only for ED.
• Timing preference: Cialis works for those who dislike planning; Levitra works for those comfortable timing doses around sex.

Another reason you might try one is that the other didn't work for you. While they work on the same pathways, it's possible one formulation might work better with your body than the other. So if vardenafil doesn't work, try tadalafil—and vice versa.

Cialis or Levitra: Quick comparison table

Where and how to get tadalafil or vardenafil in Canada

In Canada, ED medications such as tadalafil and vardenafil require a prescription, meaning you need to be evaluated by a licensed healthcare provider. That can be inconvenient, but online clinics like Essential Clinic make it fast, private, and much easier.

The process is simple: you complete an online assessment, and a Canadian clinician reviews your information. If treatment is appropriate, your medication is shipped discreetly to your home.

No waiting rooms, no pharmacy pickups, and no awkward conversations.

Start your online visit now.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.