Levitra (vardenafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) are two of the most popular medications on the market for treating erectile dysfunction; they are used by millions of men in the United States alone, and tens of millions around the world.
Both medications are designed to help treat erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow to the erectile tissue of the penis. While the effects of Levitra and Viagra are very similar, there are some key differences between the two medications that are worth knowing.
Below, we've outlined a list of differences between Levitra and Viagra, from the best time to take each medication before sex; the amount of time each Levitra and Viagra medication lasts and how well it improves erectile dysfunction (ED).
How Levitra and Viagra work:
Levitra and Viagra – both medications belong to the class of medication known as PDE5 inhibitors. These work by increasing blood flow to the erectile tissue of the penis, helping you to easily get an erection and maintain it during sexual activity.
The active ingredient in Levitra is called Vardenafil, which is under the brand name Levitra, vardenafil, was approved by the FDA in 2003 as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, this means that Levitra is the newer medication.
The active ingredient in Viagra is called Sildenafil. Like Vardenafil, Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor that increases blood flow to the erectile tissue of your penis. Viagra, Sildenafil was approved by the FDA in 1999, making it the oldest medication used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Because Sildenafil's effects affect blood flow, Sildenafil is also used to treat pulmonary hypertension or high blood pressure. Vardenafil is used exclusively to treat erectile dysfunction, and is not marketed as a treatment for hypertension.
Which medication lasts the longest?
Levitra and Viagra both last a similar amount of time in the body. Both medications are designed to provide short-term relief from erectile dysfunction; so to speak, for an afternoon of sexual high.
Levitra, generically known as Vardenafil, has a half-life of four to five hours. This means that it normally takes your body approximately four to six hours to metabolize the medication and get rid of the active drug.
On average, vardenafil works for up to seven hours after you take it. However, the effect of the drug usually begins to wear off within four hours.
Viagra, (Sildenafil), has a half-life of four hours, working for about four to six hours after taking the normal dose. However, most men noticed that the effects of Viagra wear off within three to four hours.
In general, Levitra and Viagra both last for a similar amount of time, neither drug is particularly long-lasting, meaning that if you take them after dinner, for example, the effect will usually last until before you go to sleep.
Cialis (tadalafil) in one hand is designed to provide ED relief for 36 to 38 hours, making it your best option for twice-weekly treatment.
Which medication is most effective?
Both Levitra and Viagra are very effective for treating erectile dysfunction. In clinical trials, both drugs were effective with approximately 80 percent of those reporting satisfactory erections after using the drug.
A clinical trial of Levitra says that 80 percent of men reported having an erection that was sufficient for sexual intercourse at a 20 mg dose. Levitra is also effective at lower doses, with 75 percent of men improving using a 10 mg dose.
In a clinical trial of Viagra, 82 percent of men reported improved erections after using a 100 mg dose. Of the drug, 74 percent of men reported improved erections after a 50 mg dose.
When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction, Levitra and Viagra are both equally effective. If you are prone to erectile dysfunction, both medications should work to relieve it and improve your sexual relationships.
Verdict:
There are no differences in effectiveness between Levitra and Viagra.
Which medicine acts faster?
Levitra and Viagra are both fast-acting medications, you don't need to wait long after taking them to feel the effect.
Taking a normal dose, Levitra starts working about 30 minutes after you take it. And it can take up to an hour for it to be fully effective, meaning you'll usually see results from Levitra taking it an hour before sex.
Like Levitra, Viagra typically starts working within 30 minutes to usually an hour for its full effect.
Verdict:
Both medications take the same amount of time to start working, and provide best results after one hour.
Do eating habits affect Levitra and Viagra?
Levitra is not normally affected by food; this means that you may be able to eat food without it affecting the amount of time it takes for the medication to start working. It is also best to avoid eating foods with a high percentage of fat when using Levitra, as this affects the absorption of the medication.
Viagra is affected by food, and is designed to be taken on an empty stomach, if you take Viagra after eating, it will likely take more than an hour for it to take effect, especially if you have consumed high-fat meals.
Verdict:
If you need an erectile dysfunction medication that you can take with dinner, Levitra is a better choice than Viagra. Likewise, with both medications, it is best to avoid high-fat meals.
Which medicine has fewer side effects?
The side effects of Levitra and Viagra are almost identical. However, there is one Levitra side effect that is very important to know if you suffer from any irregular heart rhythm condition, such as QT syndrome.
The most common side effects of Levitra and Viagra are nasal congestion, headache, facial flushing, indigestion, and upset stomach. You are also likely to experience blurred vision and muscle aches after using either of these medications, especially if you take high doses.
Side effects of Levitra and Viagra usually occur within two to three hours after taking the medication. Some men have noticed headaches, upset stomach, and facial flushing even after the medication wears off, usually after sexual activity.
If you suffer from long QT syndrome, an irregular heart rhythm condition, you should not use Levitra.
Long QT syndrome can be caused by a number of medications, including medications for cardiovascular conditions and antibiotics. If you are using any other prescription medications, it is very important to tell your doctor before you start using Levitra or any other PDE5 inhibitors, such as Viagra and Cialis.
Verdict:
Levitra and Viagra have almost identical side effects, apart from that Levitra should generally not be used if you have long QT syndrome.
Are you worried about the side effects of Levitra and Viagra?
Our guide to what to expect from ED medications covers the most common side effects of Levitra, Viagra, and Cialis, from upset stomach to headache and facial flushing.
Which medicine is the safest?
Levitra and Viagra are both medications used by most men. However, there are some cases where both medications can interact with other medications, causing side effects such as dizziness, low metabolism and hypertension.
- Levitra and Viagra both interact with nitrates and other medications used to treat high blood pressure that causes a sudden drop in blood pressure. If you are using any medications to treat high blood pressure, be sure to talk to your doctor before considering taking any of these medications (Levitra or Viagra).
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can both interact with Levitra and Viagra, causing your body to metabolize the drugs more slowly than normal. Avoid eating foods or drinking beverages containing grapefruit before using Levitra or Viagra.
- Also a low alcohol consumption (one or two glasses of wine or beer) is fine when using PDE5 inhibitor, you should avoid excessive alcohol consumption if you take Levitra or Viagra.
- If you have had a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular event, or if you have an existing heart condition, you should inform your doctor before considering taking Levitra or Viagra.
Verdict:
Levitra and Viagra are both safe for most men, but you should tell your doctor about any other prescription drugs you are taking, especially nitrates and other medications used to treat high blood pressure.
Levitra and Viagra Dosage
Levitra is available in 3 different dosages, starting from 5 mg up to 20 mg dosage.
- 10 mg - This is the most recommended dose to start using Levitra; if you suffer from erectile dysfunction at a medium or moderate level, your doctor will recommend you start with this dose.
- 20 mg - this is the highest dose of Levitra; you will probably be prescribed this dose if you suffer from persistent erectile dysfunction or if your body has not responded to the 10 mg dose. Do not exceed the 20 mg dose of Levitra!
- 5 mg - This is the lowest dose of Levitra available, it is typically used to treat mild cases of erectile dysfunction, especially in younger men or in clinical trials of Levitra, the 5 mg dose caused an improvement in achieving erections for most men.
Viagra is available in three different doses:
- 50 mg - This is the recommended starting dose for Viagra if you suffer from mild to moderate erectile dysfunction and have never used medication to treat it before; your doctor will recommend that you start your treatment with this dose of Viagra.
- 100 mg - This is the highest dose of Viagra and is usually prescribed if you suffer from severe erectile dysfunction or if your symptoms do not improve on the 59 mg dose. It is important that you do not exceed 100 mg of Viagra.
- 25 mg - This is the lowest dose of Viagra, and is typically used to treat low-level erectile dysfunction, especially in younger men. Your doctor may also recommend this dose if you are prone to headaches, facial flushing, or other side effects that could occur with taking the 50 mg or 100 mg doses.
Verdict
It is very easy for you to find the appropriate dosage of Levitra or Viagra, and you will get the most benefits from the medication without having to suffer from all the side effects.
Which medicine is better?
Levitra and Viagra are very similar medications. Clinical studies show that they both work for about the same amount of time and show similar improvement in treating erectile dysfunction. If you suffer from erectile dysfunction and need a recommended medication to help you get and keep an erection, both medications are a very good choice.
- If you need a medication to treat erectile dysfunction that you can take with food, Levitra may be your best option; it is the medication least affected by the food you eat, meaning you won't notice a longer delay in feeling the effectiveness of the medication unless you eat high-fat foods.
- If you prefer a shorter-acting medication, or if you suffer from QT syndrome, Viagra may be your best option; it will fade from your system more quickly than Levitra and does not increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia.
Learn more about erectile dysfunction treatment
Can't decide which medication is best for you? Our guide to the most common medications used to treat erectile dysfunction explains in more detail how Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis compare, from the source of each drug's side effects to their pros and cons.
In our guide, you'll find the best in erectile dysfunction medications. We also cover the basics of using Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis; from the best time to take the medication, to tips on how to improve your lifestyle.
This article is for informational purposes only; and does not
This is medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be used as professional medical advice. Always discuss the risks and benefits of any treatment with your doctor.