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Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that affects millions of men worldwide. It is characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.
The prevalence of ED increases with age, affecting approximately 50% of men aged 40-70 years. In a large US study, the percentage of sexually active men decreased over time, from 83.7% in the 57-64 age range to 38.5% in the 75-85 age range. [1]
Despite its widespread occurrence, many men are reluctant to discuss their ED symptoms with their healthcare provider, which may delay seeking treatment.
Several treatment options are available for ED, including oral medications, vacuum erection devices, intracavernosal injections, and penile implants. Oral medications are the most commonly prescribed among the various treatment options due to their ease of use, effectiveness, and relatively low side effect profile.
Two of the most well-known oral medications for treating ED are Levitra (vardenafil) and Viagra (sildenafil). This article aims to comprehensively compare these two medications, including their mechanism of action, effectiveness, side effects, drug interactions, and precautions.
Here is a quick look at where to buy ED medicines online:
Levitra and Viagra are both indicated for treating erectile dysfunction in adult males. Erectile dysfunction is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.
Both medications have proven highly effective in treating this condition, with clinical studies showing significant improvements in erection quality and overall sexual satisfaction. In addition to treating ED, Viagra has also been approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a rare but severe condition affecting the lungs’ blood vessels. [2]
PAH can lead to shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue; if left untreated, it can be life-threatening. Viagra helps to relax the blood vessels in the lungs, improving blood flow and reducing the symptoms of PAH. [2] However, Levitra is not currently approved to treat PAH, and its use is considered off-label.
Levitra vs Viagra are oral medications classified as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. They are FDA-approved for erectile dysfunction treatment and have been available on the market for over two decades.
The primary difference between the two medications is their chemical structure, which affects their pharmacokinetics (how the drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted by the body – ADME). [3]
Levitra was approved by the FDA in 2003 and is marketed by Bayer Pharmaceuticals. It is available in tablet form in various strengths (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg). Viagra, on the other hand, was the first oral medication approved for ED treatment in 1998 and was manufactured by Pfizer Inc. It is available in tablet form in three strengths (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg).
There are several reputable online platforms where you can purchase ED medication. Some of the most popular options include
BlueChew is a unique telemedicine service that provides ED medication across the United States. Notably, the brand’s offerings cater to men who find it challenging to consume commercially available pills, avoid in-person doctor visits, or seek increased confidence in the bedroom.
Find out more in our BlueChew review.
Upon subscribing to BlueChew, users are connected to licensed medical providers for a digital consultation. This online meeting aims to understand the patient’s symptoms and medical history, paving the way for an appropriate prescription if ED treatment is approved.
They offer four monthly subscription plans, with prices ranging from $20 to $120. Subscribers can select from three medication options – sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (the active ingredient in Levitra), all delivered as chewable tablets.
The chosen medication is shipped to the subscriber’s doorstep in the selected quantity, with options ranging from 4 to 34 pills per month.
This telemedicine platform offers a range of men’s health products, including ED drugs. They provide online consultations with licensed healthcare providers to determine the most suitable treatment option for your needs.
Find out more in our Hims ED review.
Another telemedicine platform provides a discreet and convenient way to obtain ED medications, with online consultations and secure shipping.
Find out more in our Rex MD review.
Roman is an online provider for men that offers a range of treatments. They provide online consultations with licensed healthcare providers and deliver medications directly to your door.
Elan MD is another online provider specializing in men’s health and offers a range of ED medications. They provide secure and discreet shipping, ensuring your privacy is protected.
Both Levitra vs Viagra work by inhibiting the action of the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5), which breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the smooth muscle cells lining the blood vessels in the penis.
When sexual stimulation occurs, nitric oxide (NO) is released, leading to cGMP production. This, in turn, causes the smooth muscle cells to relax, allowing blood to flow into the penile tissue and resulting in an erection. [4]
By inhibiting PDE-5, Levitra, and Viagra help maintain higher levels of cGMP, improving blood flow to the penis and facilitating an erection. It is important to note that these medications do not cause an erection alone; sexual stimulation is still necessary for their effectiveness.
Levitra vs Viagra are effective in treating erectile dysfunction, with success rates ranging from 60-80% depending on the severity of the condition and the dose used. When comparing the two medications, studies have suggested that there may be some differences in their effectiveness. [5]
Levitra has been reported to be more effective in specific populations, such as men with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol levels. [6] [7] Conversely, Viagra is more effective in men with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. [8] [9]
However, the overall effectiveness of Levitra vs Viagra is similar. The choice between the two medications often comes off down to individual preference and the presence of any contraindications or potential drug interactions.
Levitra vs Viagra share a similar side effect profile due to their similar mechanism of action. The most common side effects reported with both medications include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, dyspepsia (indigestion), and dizziness. These side effects are generally mild and transient, resolving independently within a few hours. [10]
Rare but severe side effects associated with Levitra vs Viagra include priapism (a prolonged, painful erection lasting more than 4 hours), sudden vision loss, and sudden hearing loss. If any of these side effects occur, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. [4]
Both Levitra and Viagra can interact with certain medications, increasing the risk of side effects or reducing the medications’ effectiveness. It is essential to inform a healthcare provider of all medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products being taken before starting treatment with Levitra or Viagra.
Some medications that can interact with Levitra vs Viagra include:
In addition, individuals with certain medical conditions may be advised to use Levitra or Viagra cautiously or avoid them altogether. These conditions include:
In addition to Levitra vs Viagra, several other treatment options are available for individuals experiencing ED. Some of these options include:
Another PDE5 inhibitor, Cialis, has a longer duration of action than both Levitra vs Viagra, with its effects lasting up to 36 hours. This allows for greater flexibility in timing sexual activity and can be a preferred option for individuals who require more spontaneity in their treatment.
Stendra is another PDE5 inhibitor known for its rapid onset of action, with some individuals experiencing the effects within 15-30 minutes after administration. This can be an attractive option for individuals who prefer a faster-acting medication.
Eddie by Giddy is a revolutionary new treatment for erectile dysfunction that offers a drug-free and non-invasive alternative to traditional ED medications. The device consists of a comfortable ring that fits around the base of the penis and a vacuum that creates a gentle suction to increase blood flow and maintain an erection.
Unlike medications like Viagra vs Levitra, Eddie by Giddy does not require a prescription or a visit to the doctor’s office. It can be ordered discreetly online and used in the privacy of your own home.
For some individuals, penile injections of medications such as alprostadil or a combination of drugs called “Tri-Mix” can be an effective treatment option for ED. These injections increase blood flow to the penis, allowing for a firmer and longer-lasting erection.
However, this treatment option may not be suitable for everyone and can be associated with side effects such as pain, bleeding, or priapism (a prolonged and painful erection).
Also known as penis pumps, vacuum erection devices help to create an erection by drawing blood into the penis using a vacuum-like effect. These devices can be a non-invasive and effective treatment option for some individuals, although they may require some practice to operate correctly.
Discussing all available treatment options with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable choice for an individual’s specific needs and medical history is essential.
No, it is not recommended to use Viagra and Levitra taken together, as this can increase the risk of side effects and potentially dangerous interactions.
The drug Levitra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It assists in relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, enabling blood to flow into the penis and resulting in an erection.
It depends on several variables, including the underlying reason for the erectile dysfunction, dose, and individual responses to the medication. Even though both Levitra and Viagra are drugs intended to treat erectile dysfunction, their active components and durations of action differ.
To find the best treatment for your needs, discussing your specific condition and medical history with your doctor is crucial.
The duration of Levitra (Vardenafil) is comparable to that of Viagra (four to six hours). Since food and alcohol generally have less of an impact on Levitra than they do on Viagra, it can be taken with meals.
The generic name for the medications Levitra and Staxyn is Vardenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Consult with your doctor if vardenafil is a good choice if you’re currently struggling with ED.
Levitra vs Viagra are both effective treatments for ED, and the choice between them may depend on individual factors such as dosage, the onset of action, and duration of effect. Both medications have a similar mechanism of action and can cause similar side effects and drug interactions.
For individuals who have not responded to oral medications, several other treatment options are available, including penile injections, vacuum erection devices, and penile implants.
Overall, with the guidance of a healthcare provider and adherence to precautions and warnings, both Levitra and Viagra can offer significant improvements in sexual function and quality of life for individuals experiencing ED.
Related articles:
1. [1] – Gareri P, Castagna A, Francomano D, Cerminara G, De Fazio P. Erectile dysfunction in the elderly: an old widespread issue with novel treatment perspectives. Int J Endocrinol. 2014;2014:878670. doi: 10.1155/2014/878670. Epub 2014 Mar 17. PMID: 24744785; PMCID: PMC3976909.
2. [2] – Barnett CF, Machado RF. Sildenafil in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2006;2(4):411-22. doi: 10.2147/vhrm.2006.2.4.411. PMID: 17323595; PMCID: PMC1994020.
3. [3] – Grogan S, Preuss CV. Pharmacokinetics. [Updated 2022 Jun 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557744/
4. [4] – Huang SA, Lie JD. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors In the Management of Erectile Dysfunction. P T. 2013 Jul;38(7):407-19. PMID: 24049429; PMCID: PMC3776492.
5. [5] – Nehra A. Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease: efficacy and safety of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in men with both conditions. Mayo Clin Proc. 2009 Feb;84(2):139-48. doi: 10.1016/S0025-6196(11)60822-7. PMID: 19181648; PMCID: PMC2664585.
6. [6] – Zamorano-León JJ, Olivier C, de Las Heras N, Mateos-Cáceres PJ, Brime Menéndez R, Rodríguez-Sierra P, Martín Palacios N, Manso LS, Modrego J, Segura A, Macaya C, López-Farré AJ. Vardenafil improves penile erection in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with erectile dysfunction: role of tropomyosin. J Sex Med. 2013 Dec;10(12):3110-20. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12324. Epub 2013 Sep 24. PMID: 24112450.
7. [7] – Ng CF, Wong A, Cheng CW, Chan ES, Wong HM, Hou SM. Effect of vardenafil on blood pressure profile of patients with erectile dysfunction concomitantly treated with doxazosin gastrointestinal therapeutic system for benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol. 2008 Sep;180(3):1042-6. doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2008.05.052. Epub 2008 Jul 17. PMID: 18639296.
8. [8] – Derry F, Hultling C, Seftel AD, Sipski ML. Efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) in men with erectile dysfunction and spinal cord injury: a review. Urology. 2002 Sep;60(2 Suppl 2):49-57. doi: 10.1016/s0090-4295(02)01690-4. PMID: 12414333.
9. [9] – Bronner G, Vodušek DB. Management of sexual dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease. Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2011 Nov;4(6):375-83. doi: 10.1177/1756285611411504. PMID: 22164191; PMCID: PMC3229252.
10. [10] – LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012-. Vardenafil. [Updated 2017 Aug 2]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548920/
11. [11] – Gur S, Kadowitz PJ, Gokce A, Sikka SC, Lokman U, Hellstrom WJ. Update on drug interactions with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors prescribed as first-line therapy for patients with erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension. Curr Drug Metab. 2013 Feb;14(2):265-9. PMID: 23140258.
