When it comes to treating Erectile Dysfunction, two of the most well-known options are Levitra and Viagra. Both medications have been on the market for over a decade and have helped countless men improve their sexual health. But while they share similarities, there are also crucial differences between the two drugs. In this blog post, we’ll deeply dive into Levitra vs Viagra: Differences, Similarities, and which is better for you.
Both Levitra and Viagra belong to phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It means they work by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, which breaks down a substance called cGMP. When cGMP levels are high, blood flow to the penis increases, allowing for an erection.
So, which one is better for you?
There can be a lot of confusion while answering the question yourself. From the bird’s eye view, one may conclude that If there is a preference for a medication that starts working quickly and has a shorter duration of action, then Viagra may be the better choice. On the other hand, if there is a preference for a medication that starts working a bit later and has a longer duration of action and efficiency, then Levitra may be the better choice.
These conclusions are partially valid as there is much more depth to them. And as we all know, there is no one-size-fits-all solution regarding sexual health. That is the main reason for constituting this detailed comparison between Levitra vs Viagra. By understanding the similarities and differences between the two drugs, you can decide which one may be the best. Let’s start our discussion about Levitra vs Viagra: Differences, Similarities, and which is better for you with a cautionary note that always consults with your doctor before starting any new medication.
Introduction to Levitra vs Viagra
1. Levitra medication
1. Levitra medicationLevitra is a medication used to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men. A phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor inhibits the PDE5 enzyme. This enzyme breaks down a substance called cGMP, essential for achieving and maintaining an erection. By inhibiting PDE5, Levitra helps increase cGMP levels, increasing blood flow to the penis and allowing an erection.
Levitra has been on the market for over a decade, and during that time, it’s helped countless men improve their sexual health. It’s an oral medication that’s taken about 25-60 minutes before sexual activity, and it can last for up to 5 hours. It makes Levitra a popular choice for men who prefer a medication that starts working a bit later and has a longer duration of action.
Pros
- Levitra is effective in treating ED in men.
- It’s taken orally, which makes it easy to use.
- It starts working in 60 minutes.
- It’s metabolized by the liver, which makes it a good option for men with kidney problems.
Cons
- Levitra can cause side effects such as headaches, flushing, and indigestion.
- One suffering from Liver problems should avoid Levitra medicine.
- It can interact with certain medications, including blood pressure medications and nitrates.
- It can be expensive.
2. Viagra Medication
Viagra is the little blue pill that has taken the world by storm. Since its introduction to the market over two decades ago, this medication has become synonymous with treating erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men.
Viagra is also a PDE5 inhibitor and works by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, which breaks down a substance called cGMP. The breakdown of cGMP increases blood flow to the penis, allowing for an erection. The inhibition of PDE5 with Viagra helps increase cGMP levels, leading to satisfactory erections.
Viagra is an oral medication taken about 30 minutes before sexual activity. It’s well-known, widely available, and starts working within 30 minutes. It typically lasts about 4 hours, making it a popular choice for men who prefer a medication that starts working quickly and has a shorter duration of action.
Pros
- Viagra is known to start functioning within 30 minutes
- It’s well-known and widely available
- It is a good option for men with liver problems
Cons
- Severe Headaches and indigestion are some common side effects of this medication.
- Not recommended for men suffering from Kidney issues
- It can also interact with blood pressure medications and nitrates.
Detailed Comparison between Levitra vs Viagra
1. Mechanism of action
1. Mechanism of actionViagra and Levitra are medications used to treat erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men. Both medicines are phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which means they work by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme.
The Mechanism of action of both Levitra and Viagra can be pretty complex to understand. The reason behind that is both medicines function the same way means their Mechanism of action is the same, but the active ingredient is different.
Levitra uses vardenafil as an active ingredient, while Viagra medicine uses Sildenafil Citrate. The difference in the active ingredients of both medications causes differences in side effects, absorption rates, dosage strengths, and much more that we cover throughout this article. However, one thing to note is that the differences are minor, so a critical evaluation is mandatory to understand them.
In terms of Mechanism of action, both Levitra and Viagra medicine work by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme. When a man is sexually stimulated, the body releases a chemical called nitric oxide (NO) into the corpus cavernosum, the two spongy areas in the penis that fill with blood during an erection. NO triggers the production of cGMP, which causes the smooth muscle in the corpus cavernosum to relax, allowing blood to flow in and fill the spaces, leading to an erection. However, the PDE5 enzyme breaks down cGMP and causes the smooth muscle to contract and the blood to flow out, leading to the loss of an erection.
So Levitra and Viagra work by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, which prevents the breakdown of cGMP. The cGMP breakdown enhances the blood flow to the penis and allows a satisfactory erection.
2. Doses and Dosage Strengths
The doses of a medication can have a significant impact on how well it works and the potential side effects it may cause. The dosage strengths also play an essential role, especially while prescribing medication to different age groups. Various factors need to be evaluated closely; hence, the doses and dosage strengths of Levitra vs Viagra medications are listed below. The list of other options that use the Levitra and Viagra medicines is also available in this section so that one can examine the suitable options that fit within an individual needs.
Levitra Medication
A) Different Doses of Levitra
Levitra is available in different doses, such as 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg. And apart from it, the variation of the quantities is available through the various brands manufacturing the medicines using Levitra as a generic drug. Still, in the case of Levitra, the options are pretty limited compared to Viagra or other Ed medications because of its recent launch in the medical space.
Levitra 20 mg is often the general dose prescribed by professionals, taken as needed about an hour before sexual activity. However, the dosage may adjust based on the individual’s response and tolerability. It is important to note that older men may be more sensitive to the effects of Levitra and may require a lower dose, such as 5 mg.
B) Dosage Strengths for Different age groups
Men under the age of 65: For this age group, a higher dose of Levitra, like Levitra 20 mg, is more effective in achieving and maintaining an erection. It is because younger men typically have a higher level of sexual function and may require a higher dose to achieve the desired effect.
Men over 65: A lower dose of Levitra may be more appropriate for older men. As men in the age group above 65 years have decreased metabolism and clearance of the medication, a lower dose, such as Levitra 10 mg, is more suitable.
Men with medical conditions: A start with a lower dose may be recommended for men with certain medical conditions. And then, the health care provider can increase or decrease the ongoing dosage strengths as per their medical conditions. In this case, the dose strength can vary from 5 mg to 20 mg, depending on the patient’s condition and adaptability.
C) Other brand options for Levitra Medicine
When it comes to purchasing Levitra medicine, there are very few reputed brand options available. Among them, one that is quite popular is available in different doses, such as Vilitra 10 mg, Vilitra 20 mg, and Vilitra 40 mg, Vilitra 60 mg. Although the Vilitra Tablet adds more value within the generic doses of the Levitra medication, we emphasize consulting with a professional as the dose strengths eventually decided through critical evaluations of the patient’s medical conditions.
Viagra Medication
A) Different Doses of Viagra
25mg: This is the lowest dosage strength of Viagra and is recommended for men who are starting to use the medication for the first time or for men with certain medical conditions that make it unsafe for them to take higher doses.
Viagra 50 mg : This is the most common dosage strength of Viagra and is recommended for most men. It’s considered a “middle ground” dose suitable for most men, regardless of age.
100mg: This is the highest dosage strength of Viagra and is recommended for men who have not had success with lower doses or who have certain medical conditions that make it safe for them to take higher doses.
B) Dosage Strengths for individual age groups
Men under the age of 65: For men under the age of 65, the recommended starting dose is typically 50mg. It is considered a “middle ground” dose suitable for most men in this age group.
Men over 65: The recommended starting dose is typically 25mg. It is because older men may be more sensitive to the effects of Viagra medication.
Men with medical conditions: A lower dose may be recommended for men with certain medical conditions. For example, men with kidney problems may be advised to start with a 25mg dose.
C) Other brand options for Viagra Medicine
Viagra is quite popular as the cure for Erectile Dysfunction. It is old in the market and currently acquires most of it. Due to this reason, several brands are competing to create different medicines based on Viagra. The options include Malegra 100 mg, Cenforce D Tablets, Cenforce FM 100 mg, Cenforce 150 mg, Cenforce soft 100mg, Femalegra 100 mg, and even the Kamagra Oral Jelly. Not only this brand, medications like Cenforce captures the most prominent market after Viagra. It means they are not functioning as an alternative but providing excellent competition to Viagra.
3. Side Effects of both Levitra vs Viagra
Levitra and Viagra are medications used to treat erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men, but they have slightly different effects and can cause various side effects.
In terms of Mild Side effects, the Levitra medication generates:
- Headaches
- Flushing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Rash
While Viagra medicine generates:
- Upset stomach
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Headaches
There are some differences in the mild Side effects of Levitra vs Viagra medicines because of the reason that both medications use different active ingredients, such as Levitra uses Vardenafil and Viagra uses Sildenafil Citrate.
In terms of Severe side effects, there is no point in comparing Levitra vs Viagra individually, as both share similar side effects. The side effects include sudden vision loss, sudden hearing loss, priapism, and an allergic reaction. Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), sudden vision loss, is also one of the severe side effects of Levitra and Viagra medications. Sudden hearing decrease or hearing loss in one or both ears can indicate a severe ear problem and require prompt medical attention.
The reason for similar severe side effects for Levitra and Viagra is their exact Mechanism of action. But one major thing to note here is that although the Side effects look similar in practical conditions on paper, the most important consideration is related to the intensity of the Side effects. It means that due to the different active ingredients in Levitra vs Viagra medication, the occurrences of side effects and their intensity highly vary. Hence, an appropriate and separate evaluation is a must before consuming Levitra or Viagra medicine.
4. Efficacy
The two most popular and well-known options are Viagra and Levitra, among the different options to treat ED. Let’s see their efficacy by evaluating various aspects.
Viagra works by inhibiting the action of the PDE5 enzyme, which can lead to increased blood flow to the penis and improved erections.
On the other hand, Levitra, which uses vardenafil as an active ingredient, is another PDE5 inhibitor. It is believed to have a slightly slower onset of action than Viagra.
In a study of over 1,800 men, Viagra was effective in 84% of patients, while Levitra was effective in 73% of patients. Another study found that both medications effectively treated ED in over 80% of men.
Some key differences between the Levitra and Viagra medications hugely impact their efficacy. One key difference between the two medications is that Viagra is taken on an empty stomach, while Levitra can take with or without food. It means that Levitra may be a better option for men who have difficulty taking medication on an empty stomach. Additionally, Levitra is less likely to cause side effects such as headaches and nausea, which are familiar with Viagra.
Overall, both Viagra and Levitra are effective options for treating ED. The choice between the two medications will ultimately come from individual preferences and each patient’s needs.
It’s worth noting that Viagra and Levitra are prescription medications and should be taken only under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Also, it’s always essential to have a healthy lifestyle and diet, regular exercise, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these things can contribute to ED.
5. Duration of Action
Duration of action refers to how long the medication will continue to work after it has been taken. Levitra and Viagra are practical options for treating ED, but they have slightly different durations of action.
Viagra typically takes around 30 minutes to start working, and the effects can last up to 4 hours. It means that if you take Viagra and don’t get an erection within 30 minutes, it’s unlikely that the medication will work for you. However, it is not a suitable way to test the medicine for yourself. Additionally, the effects of Viagra will typically last for around 4 hours, after which the medication will no longer be effective.
Levitra has a slightly slower onset of action than Viagra, typically starting to work within 60 minutes. The effects of Levitra can last for up to 5 hours, which is slightly longer than the duration of action of Viagra.
It means that Levitra may be a better option for men who have difficulty achieving an erection using Viagra on factors such as facing kidney issues, requiring longer erections, requiring fewer dosage strengths, etc. Viagra is helpful in factors like patients facing liver problems, immediate erections, etc.
Factors such as age, health, and overall well-being affect how long the medicine will continue to work. Additionally, taking the medication with a high-fat meal can slow the onset of action and reduce the duration.
The professional should make the final decision by critically examining the medical conditions. However, this comparison of Levitra vs Viagra: Differences, Similarities, and which is better for you still provides a better insight to pin down which medication is suitable in a particular case.
6. Potential for Abuse
The risk of abuse is a default tie-up with any medication available in the medical space. Levitra and Viagra are both medicines that are no exception. There are some instances in which Erectile Dysfunction medication is abused by people illegally purchasing the medicine for the abuse or patient’s taking the medication, overdosing it, and now continue using it for purposes other than the treatment of erectile Dysfunction. Below is the list of different purposes for which the use of Levitra and Viagra medicine is possible.
As we are discussing Levitra vs Viagra: Differences, Similarities, and which is better for you, it is essential to understand the opposing sides so that one can take enough precautions to prevent the potential abuses that lead to severe side effects.
1. Substance Abuse
Although in terms of substance abuse, Levitra and Viagra are pretty safe. The active ingredient in both medications, vardenafil, and sildenafil, respectively, do not have a high abuse potential like other medications such as opioids. However, it is still possible to misuse these medications recreationally, leading to adverse side effects and potentially dangerous interactions with other substances.
2. Recreational Use
Recreational use of Levitra and Viagra is when individuals take the medication for reasons other than treating ED. It can include taking the medication to enhance sexual performance or for the feeling of euphoria. Additionally, recreational use of these medications can lead to addiction or dependence, seriously affecting an individual’s mental and physical health.
3. Dependency
Dependency on Levitra or Viagra can develop if an individual becomes physically or psychologically dependent on the medication. Dependence can lead to withdrawal symptoms when the medication is stopped, making it difficult for an individual to function without it.
Note: It’s important to note that these risks are relatively low and that these medications are generally considered safe when used as directed.
7. Interaction with other Medications
The medicines’ tendency to interact with the other medication varies hugely depending on the condition and ongoing treatments of individual patients. Limiting our scope to the interaction of Levitra and Viagra, both medicines can interact with certain types of medications, including blood pressure medications, alpha-blockers, and nitrates.
The following is a list that explains the different general interactions of Levitra vs Viagra with other medications and their generating side effects.
1. Interaction with Blood Pressure Medications
Levitra and Viagra can interact with blood pressure medications, including ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and beta blockers. These interactions can cause a decrease in blood pressure.
2. Interaction with Alpha-Blockers
Levitra and Viagra can also interact with alpha-blockers, medications that treat high blood pressure and particular prostate conditions. These interactions can cause a decrease in blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness and lightheadedness.
3. Interaction with Nitrates
Both Levitra and Viagra can interact with nitrates, which are medications used to treat heart conditions such as angina. These interactions can cause a severe decrease in blood pressure, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting. So it is crucial to inform your doctor if you are taking nitrates before starting treatment with Levitra or Viagra.
The active ingredients in Levitra and Viagra, i.e., vardenafil, and sildenafil, respectively, are responsible for these interactions.
8. Necessary Precautions to address with Levitra vs Viagra
Although the preventive measures of Levitra and Viagra already cover other aspects within our discussion of medicines. But it is still essential to curate a list that mentions the precautions for the patient. It can act as a mandatory checklist to follow while taking Levitra or Viagra medication or any alternative brand based on them, such as Vilitra Tablet, Cenforce D Tablets, etc. Hence, the following list helps the patient with the same.
1. Avoid the consumption of alcohol
One of the most important precautions to take with Levitra and Viagra is to avoid drinking alcohol while taking these medications. Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects. The common side effects while taking Levitra and Viagra with alcohol are lightheadedness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Additionally, drinking alcohol can decrease the effectiveness of Levitra and Viagra medications.
2. Avoid certain medications
Another essential precaution to take with Levitra and Viagra is to avoid taking these medications with certain other medicines. Levitra and Viagra can interact with blood pressure medications, alpha-blockers, and nitrates.
3. Precautions within consumption criteria
Patients should also be cautious when taking Levitra and Viagra with food. Levitra and Viagra medication are effective when taken on an empty stomach or at least two hours after a high-fat meal. Also, it is essential to note that Levitra should not take with grapefruit juice as it can increase the amount of the medicine in your bloodstream and increase the risk of side effects.
4. Appropriate quantity of Doses
It’s essential to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor when taking Levitra or Viagra. Taking more than the recommended dosage can increase the risk of side effects and may not offer any additional benefits. Additionally, it’s essential to use these medications only as needed and not to take them regularly.
5. Using verified purchase sources
Majorly in the offline markets, shady areas are pretty common while purchasing Levitra or Viagra medications. There are other variations of both medications available of both medicines. While buying the medications from the offline store, there are possibilities of duplicate drugs, expired products repackaging, etc.
The USA, UK, and Canadian governments recently imposed various active regulations, but the offline selling of medicines still needs to be updated; hence, more people are shifting towards online medical stores. One can consider 24×7 pharma as one of the safest emerging online medical stores in the USA. 24×7 pharma adds a layer of security by checking each ordered medication with different factors check and strictly abiding by the government-imposed regulation hence, assuring the selling of original medicines.
The Levitra vs Viagra medicines, in terms of preventive aspects, are generally less harmful than other medicines. It is because both Levitra and Viagra medications use single active ingredients. Also, Sildenafil Citrate and Vardenafil are among the most tested measures to treat Erectile Dysfunction. Their functioning is also related to managing the already secreted hormones and the ongoing functioning of the body. Hence they do not interfere with the sudden increase or decrease in bodily functions and remain prominent only on operational levels.
Conclusion
Patients that recently started researching the two medications often get stuck on their differences and similarities. The reason for their confusion is that both medicines look similar from various perspectives like the Mechanism of action, side effects, Efficacy, etc. But in practical conditions, the differences and similarities of both medicines are relative to each other hence, one needs to understand the deep functioning of the medications. This article about Levitra vs Viagra: Differences, Similarities, and which is better for you compare each aspect of Levitra vs Viagra and mentions neat results of the observations and studies in front of the patients with the use of layman’s language that is understandable to masses.