ED Medication Comparison Tool
Select Your Preferences
30 minutes 5 hoursComparison Table
| Medication | Onset (min) | Duration (hrs) | Price ($/tab) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vilitra | 30-45 | 4-5 | $1.20-$1.60 |
| Viagra | 30-60 | 4-5 | $0.90-$1.30 |
| Cialis | 30-120 | Up to 36 | $1.50-$2.20 |
| Stendra | 15-30 | 4-6 | $1.80-$2.40 |
| Levitra | 30-45 | 4-5 | $1.05-$1.45 |
Quick Take
- Vilitra works in 30‑45 minutes, lasts up to 5hours.
- Viagra (sildenafil) takes 30‑60 minutes, lasts about 4‑5hours.
- Cialis (tadalafil) needs 30‑120 minutes, but can stick around for 36hours.
- Stendra (avanafil) is the fastest, acting in 15‑30 minutes, lasting 4‑6hours.
- All share similar side‑effects; food‑fat mainly slows sildenafil and vardenafil.
Vilitra is a brand name for vardenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It was approved by the FDA in 2003 and is available in 10mg and 20mg tablets for oral use. If you’re weighing it against other pills, you’ll want to look at four practical factors: how fast it kicks in, how long the effect lasts, how food and alcohol change the game, and what side‑effects you might feel.
How PDE5 Inhibitors Work
All the drugs we’ll compare belong to the PDE5 inhibitor class. They block the enzyme phosphodiesterase‑5, which normally breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). When cGMP stays around longer, smooth muscle in the penis relaxes, blood flows in, and an erection can happen in response to sexual stimulation.
Key Comparison Criteria
- Onset time: how quickly you feel the effect after swallowing.
- Duration of action: window during which sexual activity is possible.
- Food interaction: does a big meal slow you down?
- Dosage flexibility: can you fine‑tune the dose?
- Side‑effect profile: headache, flushing, visual changes, etc.
- Cost & insurance: typical price per tablet in the U.S. market (2025 data).
Side‑By‑Side Comparison Table
| Attribute | Vilitra (Vardenafil) | Viagra (Sildenafil) | Cialis (Tadalafil) | Stendra (Avanafil) | Levitra (Vardenafil - generic) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical dose | 10mg or 20mg | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg | 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg | 50mg, 100mg | 10mg or 20mg |
| Onset | 30‑45min (food may delay) | 30‑60min (high‑fat meal slows) | 30‑120min (food has minimal effect) | 15‑30min (least affected by food) | 30‑45min (same as Vilitra) |
| Duration | 4‑5hours | 4‑5hours | Up to 36hours | 4‑6hours | 4‑5hours |
| Common side‑effects | Headache, flushing, nasal congestion | Headache, dyspepsia, visual tint | Back pain, muscle aches, flushing | Headache, dizziness, nasal stuffiness | Same as Vilitra |
| Food impact | High‑fat meals may delay onset | Significant delay with high‑fat meals | Minimal impact | Minimal impact | Same as Vilitra |
| Average retail price (2025) | $1.20-$1.60 per tablet | $0.90-$1.30 per tablet | $1.50-$2.20 per tablet | $1.80-$2.40 per tablet | $1.05-$1.45 per tablet |
| Prescription needed? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Deep Dive Into Each Alternative
Viagra (Sildenafil)
Viagra was the first oral ED drug to hit the market, making it the most recognizable name. It’s a good all‑rounder if you’re okay with a 30‑minute to one‑hour wait and don’t need a “weekend‑pill” effect. Food, especially something greasy, can push the onset out to 90minutes, so many users time it around a light snack.
Cialis (Tadalafil)
Cialis is the long‑acting champion. A 10mg dose can stay effective for up to 36hours, which is why it’s nicknamed the “apple‑of‑your‑eye” pill. It’s less sensitive to meals, making it handy for spontaneous plans. However, the longer half‑life brings a higher chance of lingering muscle aches for some men.
Stendra (Avanafil)
Stendra’s claim to fame is speed. Many men feel an effect within 15minutes, even after a big breakfast. The trade‑off is a slightly higher price tag and a shorter window of spontaneity compared with Cialis.
Levitra (Vardenafil - generic)
Levitra is essentially the same molecule as Vilitra but sold under a different label and often at a lower price. The performance profile mirrors Vilitra almost exactly, so the choice usually comes down to brand loyalty or insurance coverage.
Who Should Pick Vilitra?
If you want a middle‑ground option-faster than Viagra but not as long‑lasting (and pricey) as Cialis-Vilitra fits the bill. It’s also a solid pick when you’re comfortable planning a sexual encounter within a 4‑hour window and don’t mind a light snack beforehand. Men with mild to moderate cardiovascular risk can safely use it, provided they’re not on nitrates.
Safety, Contraindications, and Drug Interactions
All PDE5 inhibitors share a few red flags:
- Nitrate use: Combining with nitroglycerin (for chest pain) can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
- Severe heart disease: Unstable angina, recent heart attack, or uncontrolled hypertension need a doctor’s clearance.
- Alcohol excess: Heavy drinking may worsen side‑effects like dizziness.
- Other meds: Certain antifungals, antibiotics, and HIV protease inhibitors can raise drug levels, requiring dose adjustments.
For Vilitra specifically, the recommended starting dose is 10mg; doctors may increase to 20mg or reduce to 5mg based on tolerability. It’s taken about an hour before sexual activity, and you shouldn’t exceed one tablet per 24hours.
Cost Considerations & Insurance
In 2025, generics drive the price down. A 30‑day supply of generic vardenafil (the same active ingredient as Vilitra) averages $30‑$45, while the brand version sits around $40‑$65. Insurance plans often favor the generic, so checking formularies can save you $15‑$25 per month.
Bottom Line Summary
Vilitra offers a reliable, mid‑range profile: quick enough for most planned dates, long enough to cover a night out, and affordable when you opt for the generic. Choose Viagra if you want a tried‑and‑true name and don’t mind a short meal‑delay. Go with Cialis when spontaneity over a whole weekend is a priority. Pick Stendra for the fastest kick‑off, and consider generic Levitra if cost is the main driver. Always talk to a healthcare professional before starting any ED medication, especially if you have heart conditions or take nitrate drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Vilitra work compared to Viagra?
Vilitra typically starts working in 30‑45 minutes, while Viagra can take 30‑60 minutes. The difference is small, but if you’re eating a high‑fat meal, Vilitra may feel a bit slower.
Can I take Viltria if I’m on blood pressure medication?
Most blood pressure drugs are safe with Vilitra, but you must avoid any medication that contains nitrates (like nitroglycerin). Always check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Is Vilitra safe for daily use?
The approved dosing is one tablet per day at most. Daily low‑dose regimens (like 5mg) are sometimes prescribed for men who want more spontaneity, but only under doctor supervision.
What are the most common side‑effects of Vilitra?
Headache, facial flushing, nasal congestion, and mild stomach upset are the top complaints. Severe side‑effects like sudden vision loss are rare but require immediate medical attention.
Does alcohol interfere with Vilitra?
A moderate amount of alcohol (one to two drinks) usually doesn’t affect the drug’s performance, but heavy drinking can increase dizziness and lower blood pressure, heightening side‑effects.
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Caspian Fothergill
Hello, my name is Caspian Fothergill. I am a pharmaceutical expert with years of experience in the industry. My passion for understanding the intricacies of medication and their effects on various diseases has led me to write extensively on the subject. I strive to help people better understand their medications and how they work to improve overall health. Sharing my knowledge and expertise through writing allows me to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Vilitra? More like Vilitra-why-bother. I took Viagra once after a steak dinner and waited an hour. Felt like a broken microwave. Just get Cialis and be done with it.
Let me be the first to say this with absolute scientific rigor: Vilitra is just generic Levitra in a fancy coat. The active ingredient? Identical. The price? Almost the same. The marketing? Overpriced. You’re not buying performance-you’re buying a brand name that thinks you’re dumb enough to pay extra for a logo.
In India, we call this kind of medicine 'patent medicine'-expensive because someone owns the name, not the science. The body doesn't care if it's called Vilitra or Levitra. It cares if it works. And it does. Simple as that.
The data presented here is statistically insignificant without controlled trials accounting for metabolic variability across ethnic demographics. Furthermore, the pricing model assumes a U.S.-centric insurance landscape, which renders the cost comparison irrelevant for 87% of the global population. This is not medical advice-it’s marketing copy dressed as a whitepaper.
Honestly, I’ve tried all four. Vilitra was my sweet spot-fast enough to not feel like I’m waiting for a bus, not so long that I feel like I’m on a drug vacation. I don’t care about the brand. I care that I can have a good night without overthinking it. 🙌 Also, side effects? Mild headache and a warm face. Worth it. Everyone’s body’s different. Find what works for YOU, not what the internet says.
I appreciate the thorough breakdown. However, I must emphasize that any decision regarding pharmacological intervention should be made in consultation with a licensed healthcare provider, particularly given the potential for serious drug interactions.
I used to think Cialis was the king until I tried Stendra after a big brunch. 18 minutes. No joke. I was like... wait, did I just...? The price is a bit steep, but if you’re the type who plans a date and then gets distracted by pizza? This is your guy. Vilitra’s fine, but if you want speed, Stendra’s the cheat code.
I’ve been on all of these over the years. The real difference isn’t the pill-it’s your mindset. If you’re anxious, nothing works fast enough. If you’re relaxed, even Viagra feels quick. Also, avoid alcohol like it’s your ex. One drink? Fine. Three? You’re just waiting for your face to turn red and your knees to buckle.
vilitra? more like vilitra-why-did-i-pay-for-this-when-levitra-is-half-the-price-and-works-the-same
I’m not one to comment on these things, but I do find it interesting how much emphasis is placed on speed and duration. For some, it’s less about the clock and more about connection. Maybe the real answer isn’t in the pill, but in the quiet before it.
The PDE5 inhibitor class operates on a biochemical cascade involving NO-cGMP signaling pathways. What’s often overlooked is that efficacy is modulated by endothelial function, which correlates with metabolic health. So if you’re eating processed junk and sitting all day, no pill is going to fix that. Vilitra might work, but your lifestyle is the real gatekeeper.
Let’s be real-Big Pharma doesn’t want you to know that these drugs were originally developed for angina. They rebranded ED as a 'disease' so they could sell pills to every man over 40. The real solution? Exercise. Sleep. Reduce stress. But that doesn’t make shareholders rich, does it?
You’re not broken. You’re not failing. You’re just human. If you’re reading this, you’re already doing better than most by seeking info. Don’t let the pressure of 'performance' ruin the intimacy. Find what works for your body, not your ego. And if you need to talk about it? That’s okay too.
I’ve been reading about this for weeks. Here’s the truth: these drugs don’t create desire. They just make the body respond. So if you’re taking them because you think you 'should'-you’re missing the point. Sex isn’t a task. It’s a dance. And no pill can teach you how to lead.
i tried vilitra after reading this. worked good. ate a burger first and waited 50 mins. still better than waiting an hour for viagra. cheap too. got the generic. no big deal.
I just took Vilitra last night and it kicked in at 38 minutes and I didn't even think about it after that it just happened and I didn't feel weird or anything so I'm kinda confused why people make it so complicated
Did you know the FDA approved these drugs after a 1998 study funded by Pfizer? The placebo group had a 30% improvement rate. That means almost a third of men felt better just because they thought they were taking something. Coincidence? Or a carefully orchestrated narrative to sell billions in pills?