Which BlueChew Is Better: VAR (Vardenafil) or SIL (Sildenafil)?

By Nicolette Natale, D.O. • 7 min read • Oct 17, 2025

Compare BlueChew SIL (Sildenafil) vs. VAR (Vardenafil)—potency, price, and perks to find your perfect match.

Key Takeaways

Both sildenafil and vardenafil are fast-acting, effective, and short-lasting—ideal for date nights or planned intimacy.
VAR, which contains the active ingredient vardenafil, is stronger, more selective, and the only mint-flavored option.
SIL, which contains the active ingredient sildenafil, is affordable, customizable, and backed by decades of clinical trust.
The right choice comes down to your personal goals, preferences, and budget.

When it comes to performance in the bedroom, sometimes a little support goes a long way.

That’s where BlueChew comes in. Our compounded chewable medications are designed to help you rise to the occasion—literally—and give you the confidence to enjoy intimacy without second-guessing your erections.

Two of our most popular options are SIL and VAR, containing the active ingredients sildenafil and vardenafil. The popular brand-name erectile dysfunction medications Viagra and Cialis use the active ingredients sildenafil and vardenafil, respectively. They are pretty similar erection-enhancing medications that work the same way, are short-acting, and typically kick in within 30–60 minutes and last about 4–6 hours.

That makes either one an excellent choice for planned intimacy or a date night out with your partner.

On the surface, these two meds look a lot alike. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find some subtle differences in strength, selectivity, and how they interact with your body.

Understanding these details can help you pick the one that’s the best fit for your lifestyle.

Let’s dive in.

Similarities First

Before we pit them head-to-head, let’s cover what they have in common:

Work the same way: Both SIL and VAR contain active ingredients that are considered PDE5 inhibitors, medications that boost blood flow to the penis for harder, longer-lasting erections.
Fast onset: Both start working in about half an hour, sometimes sooner.
Reliable window: With effects lasting 4–6 hours, they’re perfect for evenings when you know intimacy is on the agenda.
Proven results: Clinical data show both medications improve erectile function in up to 80% of men.

In other words, whichever option you choose, you’ll have reliable support on your side.

Why Choose BlueChew VAR?

VAR contains the active ingredient vardenafil, which you can think of as sildenafil’s slightly more precise cousin.

Potent punch: Vardenafil is considered a stronger PDE5 inhibitor, which means you may need a lower dose to get the same erectile support.
Sharper targeting: It’s more selective for the PDE5 receptors in the penis, which could lower the odds of experiencing certain side effects—especially rare vision-related ones.
Extra discreet: It’s the only BlueChew chewable with a minty flavor, making it date-night friendly and fresh.

In short: if you’re looking for something powerful, efficient, and maybe even a little smoother around the edges, VAR might be your perfect match.

Sildenafil, the active ingredient in SIL, has a 20-year track record of effectively enhancing erections.

Why Choose BlueChew SIL?

SIL contains the active ingredient sildenafil, and it is the classic option for a reason.

Decades of trust: It contains the active ingredient sildenafil, which has over 20 years of clinical data supporting its safety and effectiveness.
Wallet-friendly: At $35 for a 10-pack, SIL is slightly more affordable than VAR, which comes in at $40 for an 8-pack.
Flexible dosing: Offered in 30 mg and 45 mg chewables, so you can tailor your treatment to your specific needs.
Reliable and consistent: Known for steady, predictable effects with very little trial-and-error.

Bottom line: if you want something affordable, well-researched, and dependable, SIL is tough to beat.

Curious to learn more about BlueChew’s pricing? We break it all down here.

Which BlueChew Is Better: SIL vs. VAR?

Here’s the truth: there isn’t a universal “winner.” Both medications are highly effective and designed to give you reliable erections when you want them most.

Choose VAR if you want a slightly stronger, more targeted option—and like the idea of a minty chew that blends right into your night.
Choose SIL if you value affordability, decades of proven results, and customizable dosing.

The “better” option depends on your priorities: do you want maximum potency, or do you prefer a tried-and-true classic at a bit of a lower price point?

bluechew tablets — Sildenafil and vardenafil are similar medications that last up to 6 hours, differing slightly in price and potency.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between SIL and VAR doesn’t have to feel like a high-stakes decision. Both are effective, both are reliable, and both can help you feel confident in the bedroom.

Think of it this way: SIL is the classic champ—trusted, dependable, and easy on your wallet. VAR is the refined powerhouse—a little stronger, a little sharper, and with that minty edge that makes it feel extra polished.

The good news? With BlueChew, you don’t have to guess or commit to one medication. You can easily switch your medication to see what works best for you if you’re not satisfied with your results.

Whether you go with the legend or the minty newcomer, the end result is the same: confidence, boosted bedroom performance, and peace of mind between the sheets.

How To Get Erectile Dysfunction Medications from BlueChew

Interested in taking your erections up a notch? BlueChew has got you covered.

BlueChew makes it easy to get an erection-enhancing medication that fits your needs. Select a plan, complete an online intake, and you’re done. A medical provider will review your information and, if appropriate, prescribe your plan, which will be shipped directly to your door.

No doctor appointments or patient support charges make it a stress-free experience.

With plans starting as low as $25 per month, BlueChew can fit into anyone’s budget. Plus, there’s no commitment—you can easily cancel or switch plans anytime. Click here to explore all plan options for treatments at BlueChew.

SIl packet in hand — Sildenafil comes in two dosages, including 30 mg and 45 mg, offering convenient flexibility.

FAQS

Which lasts longer: Sildenafil or Vardenafil?

Both are considered short-acting medications, with effects that typically last 4–6 hours.

Can I switch between Sildenafil and Vardenafil?

Yes. Many men try one, then switch to the other to see which feels like the better fit. Some prefer Sildenafil for its affordability and reliability, while others like Vardenafil’s potency and minty flavor. BlueChew’s subscription model makes it easy to adjust your plan as you go.

Is Vardenafil stronger than Sildenafil?

Vardenafil is generally considered a more potent PDE5 inhibitor, meaning smaller doses can have similar effects compared to Sildenafil. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s “better”—just a little more targeted in how it works.

Which one is more affordable?

Sildenafil is the slightly more budget-friendly option. For 10 chewables per month, Sildenafil is $35, while Vardenafil comes in at $40 for 8. Both are still much more affordable than branded Viagra or Levitra.

Do they have different side effects?

Side effects for both are usually mild and can include things like flushing, headache, or nasal congestion. However, Vardenafil is thought to be more selective for penile PDE5 receptors, which may reduce the chances of certain rare side effects (like vision changes).

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content provided here is not a substitute for, and should never be relied upon as, professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor to discuss the risks, benefits, and appropriateness of any treatment. BlueChew offers compounded medications prescribed solely for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and sexual performance enhancement. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.

References

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Montorsi F, Padma-Nathan H, Buvat J, et al. Earliest Time to Onset of Action Leading to Successful Intercourse with Vardenafil Determined in an At-Home Setting: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2004;1(2):168-178. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2004.04025.x
Hatzimouratidis K. Sildenafil in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: An Overview of the Clinical Evidence. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2006;1(4):403-414. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.403
Hatzichristou D, Montorsi F, Buvat J, Laferriere N, Bandel TJ, Porst H. The Efficacy and Safety of Flexible-Dose Vardenafil (Levitra®) in a Broad Population of European Men. European Urology. 2004;45(5):634-641. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2004.01.014
Dhaliwal A, Gupta M. PDE5 Inhibitor. PubMed. Published April 10, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549843/
Saenz de Tejada I, Angulo J, Cuevas P, et al. The Phosphodiesterase Inhibitory Selectivity and the in Vitro and in Vivo Potency of the New PDE5 Inhibitor Vardenafil. International Journal of Impotence Research. 2001;13(5):282-290. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3900726
Smith BP, Babos M. Sildenafil. PubMed. Published February 14, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558978/
Goldenberg MM. Safety and Efficacy of Sildenafil Citrate in the Treatment of Male Erectile Dysfunction. Clinical Therapeutics. 1998;20(6):1033-1048. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s0149-2918(98)80103-3