Compare Levitra vs. Viagra
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Vardenafil (former brand names: Levitra, Staxyn) and sildenafil (Viagra) are both medications used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), but they have some differences. Vardenafil is available as a generic and comes in tablet and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) forms, while sildenafil is available as a generic and brand Viagra but only in tablet form. You typically take vardenafil about an hour before sexual activity, and it can start working in as little as 15 minutes, whereas sildenafil is taken 30 minutes to 4 hours before sex. Both medications should not be taken more than once a day. Common side effects for both include headaches and flushing, but sildenafil has a higher incidence of these side effects. Additionally, vardenafil might work slightly faster than sildenafil and is available in a form that dissolves on your tongue, which can be helpful if you have trouble swallowing pills. Both medications require a prescription and cannot be taken if you have had a recent heart attack or stroke or if you are taking nitrates for chest pain.
- VardenafilSildenafil (Viagra)
- VardenafilSildenafil (Viagra)
Summary of Levitra vs. Viagra
Summary for PDE-5 inhibitorPrescription onlyVardenafil is a first-choice medication for erectile dysfunction (ED). It's no longer sold under the brand name Levitra, but it's available as generic tablets and orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs). Common side effects of vardenafil include headache, flushing, and stuffy nose. Interactions between vardenafil and other medications generally involve those that lower blood pressure.
Summary for PDE-5 inhibitorPrescription onlySildenafil (Viagra) is taken by mouth to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). You take it only as needed, typically about an hour before sexual activity (but you can take it anywhere between 30 minutes to 4 hours before sex). Don't take sildenafil (Viagra) more than once a day because doing so can put you at higher risk for serious side effects, such as vision loss or low blood pressure. It's available as a lower-cost generic.
Indications of Levitra vs. Viagra
Indications for•Erectile dysfunctionIndications for•Erectile dysfunction (ED)Pros and Cons of Levitra vs. Viagra
Pros and Const for PDE-5 inhibitorPros•Improves how long an erection lasts•Can take with or without food•Available as orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) for people who have trouble swallowing•Available as a lower-cost genericCons•Should take about 1 hour before sex, so you might need to plan ahead•Not recommended if you've had a heart attack or stroke in the past 6 months•Can't use if you've recently taken nitrates like isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) or nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)•Not recommended if you have severe liver or kidney problems•Doesn't prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)Pros and Const for PDE-5 inhibitorPros•One of the first-choice medications for treating ED•Taken only when you need it•Can take it 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity•Available as a lower-cost generic•Comes in different strengths, so you and your provider can find which works best for youCons•Can take some time to work, so some planning is needed•Can't be taken if you've had a heart attack or stroke in the past 6 months•Can't be used if you've recently taken nitrates like isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) or nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)•Higher risk for side effects, such as headaches and flushing, for people age 65 years and olderCommon Side Effects of Levitra vs. Viagra
Common Side Effects for•Headache (up to 15%)•Flushing (up to 11%)•Stuffy nose (up to 9%)•Indigestion (up to 4%)Common Side Effects for•Headache (16-28%)•Flushing (10-19%)•Indigestion (3-17%)•Changes in vision or light sensitivity (1-11%)•Stuffy nose (4-9%)Warnings of Levitra vs. Viagra
Common Side Effects for•Heart problems•Low blood pressure•Prolonged erection•Vision changes•Hearing loss•Interactions with other medicationsCommon Side Effects for•Heart problems•Low blood pressure•Prolonged or painful erection (priapism)•Vision changes•Hearing loss•Interactions with other medicationsPrices with our coupons for Levitra vs. Viagra
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