Sildenafil (SIL), Vardenafil (VAR), & Tadalafil (TAD): Which is Right for Me?

Switching to vardenafil sometimes solves this problem as well; though vardenafil also weakly inhibits PDE6, research indicates that men who experience vision-related side effects from sildenafil may avoid those side effects when using vardenafil.9 Also, these mild visual changes are not to be confused with a very rare but serious side effect (described later) involving total loss of vision in one or both eyes. It’s rare, but if it happens, seek medical attention.

Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra)

At the time of a particular review of literature in 2008 — a decade after Viagra hit the market and a half-decade since Cialis and Levitra had entered it — there had been only one documented case of priapism caused by tadalafil and only a few documented cases caused by sildenafil; there was just as much evidence of this class of drugs alleviating recurrent priapism as there was evidence of the drugs causing priapism as a side effect.18 And in the case of hearing loss, more research is certainly needed; a review of the literature published in 2019 concluded that research up to that time was inconclusive, with some data suggesting risk and other data suggesting that PDE5s were actually otoprotective (protective of hearing) rather than somehow ototoxic.36 You’re far likelier to experience bothersome side effects than dangerous ones. And if you do encounter common side effects that rise to a level of severity or frequency that bothers you, talk to your prescribing medical professional. If you work with BlueChew, you’d want to share your negative experience through their patient portal so that the medical professionals can reassess your dosage or medication and potentially propose an alternative treatment path that wouldn’t cause those unpleasant side effects. BlueChew’s medications are available only via prescription by one of BlueChew’s affiliated sildenafil uk price medical professionals. If you take certain medications already or have underlying cardiovascular conditions, prescription ED medications can be downright dangerous to you.

Allergy warning

For instance, if you take a nitrate-containing medication (like nitroglycerin), that is a contraindication to using PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. Using both can cause possibly deadly low blood pressure (hypotension).35 If you have preexisting hypotension or take medications like alpha-blockers to treat high blood pressure, the prescribing doctor would need to decide whether it’s safe for you to take PDE5 inhibitors. Doing so may also cause dangerously low blood pressure, symptoms of which can include: But hypotension doesn't always cause noticeable symptoms, despite the risks to your health. Those with chronic kidney disease may not be suitable candidates for prescription ED medication, though the prescribing medical professional will be able to determine whether your circumstances contraindicate using them. All of this underscores the importance of being thorough in your description of medications and existing health conditions when you consult with the doctor — something perhaps even more important in an online consultation scenario. Whereas sildenafil and vardenafil are similar in molecular structure, tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis) is quite different from them.3 There’s a waiting period of about 30-60 minutes before a dose starts working, but tadalafil is a much longer-acting drug than either sildenafil or vardenafil. Because tadalafil remains active for 18-36 hours, it can be prescribed either as an as-needed medication or a once-daily medication. As-needed BlueChew tadalafil comes in 6mg or 9mg doses, while daily tadalafil from BlueChew is 9mg.

Tadalafil is a longer-acting drug than either of BlueChew’s other treatments. Despite its differences, as it’s a PDE5 inhibitor, tadalafil is capable of causing several of the same side effects as the two other BlueChew medications. The most common side effects of tadalafil are mild and include:11 Dyspepsia (discomfort in the upper abdomen caused by stomach upset) Nasal congestion, sildenafil pick up runny nose, and/or sneezing Notice that this list differs from sildenafil’s side effects in a couple meaningful ways. First, visual side effects aren’t likely to occur with tadalafil because tadalafil doesn’t inhibit PDE6. But unlike sildenafil, tadalafil may cause back pain and muscle aches.

Key Takeaways

Prescribing medical professionals will be able to determine whether you’re a safe candidate for the treatments that BlueChew offers, but only if they have enough information about your underlying health and current use of medications. Your likelihood of experiencing side effects may be higher or lower depending on differences in the dosage of the active ingredients. Studies examining the effectiveness and safety of tadalafil, sildenafil, and vardenafil at different dosages reveal that side effects are more common at higher doses.3 Though studies are slightly mixed in terms of the linear effect of dosage on the likelihood of experiencing side effects, in one study, the group of participants taking 5mg of daily tadalafil experienced back pain more often than the group taking 2.5mg of daily tadalafil.19 Another study comparing 5mg and 10mg daily dosage efficacy and tolerance revealed that the 10mg/day test group experienced side effects at a higher rate than the 5mg/day group.24 Research suggests that the likelihood of experiencing side effects increases as dosage increases.22 For instance, a study of 256 sildenafil users at three different strengths (50mg, 100mg, 150mg) found that the incidence of side effects increased at each dosage level.20 Specifically, 20% experienced a side effect at 50mg, while 36% and 63% experienced one at 100mg and 150mg, respectively. Clinical trials in which participants used doses of vardenafil ranging from 5mg to 40mg showed that side effect prevalence was dose-dependent.25 Given that dosage appears to play a direct role in the likelihood of side effects — with higher doses increasing the chances of side effects — what does this mean for BlueChew side effects in particular? This is owing to the fact that tadalafil inhibits PDE11 — something that sildenafil and vardenafil do not do.10 If you’re already susceptible to back pain, this might make you prefer those other two medications rather than tadalafil. Though the majority of people do not experience anything but potentially mild side effects, 2-3% do contend with more significant back pain and myalgia.12 You might look at these lists of side effects and conclude that, since its list is shorter, BlueChew tadalafil doesn’t pose the same risk of side effects as the other BlueChew medications. However, studies indicate that tadalafil users experience side effects at least as often as users of other PDE5 inhibitors.3 And tadalafil, particularly at higher doses, can produce side effects that last longer than those of sildenafil or vardenafil.23 Research suggests that 53% of tadalafil users may experience side effects in the first year of treatment, while that number rises to 73% by the end of year two.

How and when to take the medications

Peppermint may trigger heartburn symptoms in those who suffer from GERD because it relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter.15 As described above, the vast majority of BlueChew side effects are mild. In very rare cases, however, PDE5 medications may cause side effects that would require swift medical attention. If you experience any of the following side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately: Like all versions of these PDE5 inhibitors (branded, generic, or compounded), BlueChew medications are supposed to enable a healthy erection that endures during arousal and then subsides. But in very rare situations, the medications may cause an erection that lasts longer than four hours, a condition known as priapism.6 Priapism is a dangerous situation that can permanently damage the tissues of the penis if unaddressed, so it’s very important to seek medical attention. This is a separate phenomenon from the potentially bothersome yet mild visual side effects mentioned earlier (like changes in color perception).

Potential side effects of sildenafil

Rarely, a person using PDE5 medications may experience a sudden loss of vision due to a condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).16 This can happen in just one eye or in both eyes. While more research is needed, sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is another rare but serious side effect that may apparently occur from using PDE5 medications.17 The degree of hearing loss could vary from minor to severe, could occur in one or both ears, and could be accompanied by tinnitus (ringing in the ear). Some research suggests that full or partial recovery of hearing is possible afterward, either spontaneously or through treatment, but in some cases, hearing never returns to normal. And while this side effect is rare, sildenafil may put you at higher risk of it than the other ED medications.17 It remains unclear why SSNHL would occur from using a PDE5 medication. Again, these side effects are rare, thankfully. However, these side effects are mild, and only 10% of users considered the side effects consistent enough to bother them.13 The likelihood of side effects from BlueChew tadalafil will be quite similar. Like sildenafil, vardenafil is taken on an as-needed basis. If you know that you’ll be engaging in sex, you’d chew a BlueChew vardenafil dose 30-60 minutes ahead of time in order for it to provide effective treatment for 4-6 hours.

• Sildenafil is often effective within 30-60 minutes after intake.
• Chewing sildenafil may alter its intended pharmacokinetics.
• Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.
• Maintain open communication with your doctor regarding results.
• Sildenafil isn’t suitable for everyone; medical screening is necessary.
• Use sildenafil responsibly to avoid dependency.
• Be aware of possible side effects before using the medication.
• Proper hydration and diet can optimize sildenafil’s effects.
• Never share prescription medication with others.

Vardenafil has a very similar side effects profile to sildenafil.

What are Sildenafil Chewables (SIL)?

Switching to vardenafil sometimes solves this problem as well; though vardenafil also weakly inhibits PDE6, research indicates that men who experience vision-related side effects from sildenafil may avoid those side effects when using vardenafil.9 Also, these mild visual changes are not to be confused with a very rare but serious side effect (described later) involving total loss of vision in one or both eyes. It’s rare, but if it happens, seek medical attention. Whereas sildenafil and vardenafil are similar in molecular structure, tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis) is quite different from them.3 There’s a waiting period of about 30-60 minutes before a dose starts working, but tadalafil is a much longer-acting drug than either sildenafil or vardenafil. Because tadalafil remains active for 18-36 hours, it can be prescribed either as an as-needed medication or a once-daily medication. As-needed BlueChew tadalafil comes in 6mg or 9mg doses, while daily tadalafil from BlueChew is 9mg.

Dosage for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

Tadalafil is a longer-acting drug than either of BlueChew’s other treatments. Despite its differences, as it’s a PDE5 inhibitor, tadalafil is capable of causing several of the same side effects as the two other BlueChew medications. The most common side effects of tadalafil are mild and include:11 Dyspepsia (discomfort in the upper abdomen caused by stomach upset) Nasal congestion, sildenafil pick up runny nose, and/or sneezing Notice that this list differs from sildenafil’s side effects in a couple meaningful ways. First, visual side effects aren’t likely to occur with tadalafil because tadalafil doesn’t inhibit PDE6. But unlike sildenafil, tadalafil may cause back pain and muscle aches. However, along with tadalafil, vardenafil was developed about a half-decade after sildenafil appeared on the market. Compared to sildenafil, it is more selective in inhibiting PDE5.9 Side effects of vardenafil tend to be mild, as with the other two BlueChew medications, and most commonly may include:14 Nasal congestion, runny nose, and/or sneezing Vardenafil does still collaterally inhibit PDE6 but doesn’t do so to the extent that sildenafil does, so its likelihood of causing visual side effects is lower.9 This often makes it a good alternative for people who want to discontinue sildenafil due to changes in color perception. Side effects of BlueChew vardenafil will be much the same as those of brand-name Levitra or Staxyn but with possible added sildenafil citrate tablet side effects from the peppermint that BlueChew includes for flavor. Peppermint may trigger heartburn symptoms in those who suffer from GERD because it relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter.15 As described above, the vast majority of BlueChew side effects are mild. In very rare cases, however, PDE5 medications may cause side effects that would require swift medical attention. If you experience any of the following side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately: Like all versions of these PDE5 inhibitors (branded, generic, or compounded), BlueChew medications are supposed to enable a healthy erection that endures during arousal and then subsides. But in very rare situations, the medications may cause an erection that lasts longer than four hours, a condition known as priapism.6 Priapism is a dangerous situation that can permanently damage the tissues of the penis if unaddressed, so it’s very important to seek medical attention. This is a separate phenomenon from the potentially bothersome yet mild visual side effects mentioned earlier (like changes in color perception). Rarely, a person using PDE5 medications may experience a sudden loss of vision due to a condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).16 This can happen in just one eye or in both eyes.

While more research is needed, sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is another rare but serious side effect that may apparently occur from using PDE5 medications.17 The degree of hearing loss could vary from minor to severe, could occur in one or both ears, and could be accompanied by tinnitus (ringing in the ear).

• Sildenafil's primary action is to inhibit PDE5 enzyme activity.
• Chewing sildenafil could lead to uneven drug distribution.
• Take sildenafil with a glass of water for best absorption.
• Avoid taking sildenafil with heavy or fatty foods.
• Keep a record of your response to adjust dosage if needed.
• Sildenafil's effectiveness depends on proper administration.
• Discuss potential health risks with your healthcare provider.
• Watch for any allergic reactions after taking sildenafil.
• Discontinuing sildenafil should be done under medical supervision.

Some research suggests that full or partial recovery of hearing is possible afterward, either spontaneously or through treatment, but in some cases, hearing never returns to normal. And while this side effect is rare, sildenafil may put you at higher risk of it than the other ED medications.17 It remains unclear why SSNHL would occur from using a PDE5 medication. Again, these side effects are rare, thankfully. At the time of a particular review of literature in 2008 — a decade after Viagra hit the market and a half-decade since Cialis and Levitra had entered it — there had been only one documented case of priapism caused by tadalafil and only a few documented cases caused by sildenafil; there was just as much evidence of this class of drugs alleviating recurrent priapism as there was evidence of the drugs causing priapism as a side effect.18 And in the case of hearing loss, more research is certainly needed; a review of the literature published in 2019 concluded that research up to that time was inconclusive, with some data suggesting risk and other data suggesting that PDE5s were actually otoprotective (protective of hearing) rather than somehow ototoxic.36 You’re far likelier to experience bothersome side effects than dangerous ones. And if you do encounter common side effects that rise to a level of severity or frequency that bothers you, talk to your prescribing medical professional.

If you work with BlueChew, you’d want to share your negative experience through their patient portal so that the medical professionals can reassess your dosage or medication and potentially propose an alternative treatment path that wouldn’t cause those unpleasant side effects. BlueChew’s medications are available only via prescription by one of BlueChew’s affiliated sildenafil uk price medical professionals. If you take certain medications already or have underlying cardiovascular conditions, prescription ED medications can be downright dangerous to you. For instance, if you take a nitrate-containing medication (like nitroglycerin), that is a contraindication to using PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. Using both can cause possibly deadly low blood pressure (hypotension).35 If you have preexisting hypotension or take medications like alpha-blockers to treat high blood pressure, the prescribing doctor would need to decide whether it’s safe for you to take PDE5 inhibitors. Doing so may also cause dangerously low blood pressure, symptoms of which can include: But hypotension doesn't always cause noticeable symptoms, despite the risks to your health. Those with chronic kidney disease may not be suitable candidates for prescription ED medication, though the prescribing medical professional will be able to determine whether your circumstances contraindicate using them. All of this underscores the importance of being thorough in your description of medications and existing health conditions when you consult with the doctor — something perhaps even more important in an online consultation scenario. Prescribing medical professionals will be able to determine whether you’re a safe candidate for the treatments that BlueChew offers, but only if they have enough information about your underlying health and current use of medications. Your likelihood of experiencing side effects may be higher or lower depending on differences in the dosage of the active ingredients.

Are the active ingredients sildenafil, vardenafil, or tadalafil used to treat any other medical conditions?

This is owing to the fact that tadalafil inhibits PDE11 — something that sildenafil and vardenafil do not do.10 If you’re already susceptible to back pain, this might make you prefer those other two medications rather than tadalafil. Though the majority of people do not experience anything but potentially mild side effects, 2-3% do contend with more significant back pain and myalgia.12 You might look at these lists of side effects and conclude that, since its list is shorter, BlueChew tadalafil doesn’t pose the same risk of side effects as the other BlueChew medications. However, studies indicate that tadalafil users experience side effects at least as often as users of other PDE5 inhibitors.3 And tadalafil, particularly at higher doses, can produce side effects that last longer than those of sildenafil or vardenafil.23 Research suggests that 53% of tadalafil users may experience side effects in the first year of treatment, while that number rises to 73% by the end of year two. However, these side effects are mild, and only 10% of users considered the side effects consistent enough to bother them.13 The likelihood of side effects from BlueChew tadalafil will be quite similar. Like sildenafil, vardenafil is taken on an as-needed basis.

More common

If you know that you’ll be engaging in sex, you’d chew a BlueChew vardenafil dose 30-60 minutes ahead of time in order for it to provide effective treatment for 4-6 hours. Vardenafil has a very similar side effects profile to sildenafil. However, along with tadalafil, vardenafil was developed about a half-decade after sildenafil appeared on the market. Compared to sildenafil, it is more selective in inhibiting PDE5.9 Side effects of vardenafil tend to be mild, as with the other two BlueChew medications, and most commonly may include:14 Nasal congestion, runny nose, and/or sneezing Vardenafil does still collaterally inhibit PDE6 but doesn’t do so to the extent that sildenafil does, so its likelihood of causing visual side effects is lower.9 This often makes it a good alternative for people who want to discontinue sildenafil due to changes in color perception. Side effects of BlueChew vardenafil will be much the same as those of brand-name Levitra or Staxyn but with possible added sildenafil citrate tablet side effects from the peppermint that BlueChew includes for flavor. Studies examining the effectiveness and safety of tadalafil, sildenafil, and vardenafil at different dosages reveal that side effects are more common at higher doses.3 Though studies are slightly mixed in terms of the linear effect of dosage on the likelihood of experiencing side effects, in one study, the group of participants taking 5mg of daily tadalafil experienced back pain more often than the group taking 2.5mg of daily tadalafil.19 Another study comparing 5mg and 10mg daily dosage efficacy and tolerance revealed that the 10mg/day test group experienced side effects at a higher rate than the 5mg/day group.24 Research suggests that the likelihood of experiencing side effects increases as dosage increases.22 For instance, a study of 256 sildenafil users at three different strengths (50mg, 100mg, 150mg) found that the incidence of side effects increased at each dosage level.20 Specifically, 20% experienced a side effect at 50mg, while 36% and 63% experienced one at 100mg and 150mg, respectively. Clinical trials in which participants used doses of vardenafil ranging from 5mg to 40mg showed that side effect prevalence was dose-dependent.25 Given that dosage appears to play a direct role in the likelihood of side effects — with higher doses increasing the chances of side effects — what does this mean for BlueChew side effects in particular?