Medically reviewed by: Thomas Fischer (Pharmacist). This article has been written according to strict guidelines and medical standards.
Medically reviewed by: Thomas Fischer (Pharmacist)
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem for many men. However, there are pharmaceutical options that can assist. Doctors prescribe one of four medications to help with this issue. They are Viagra, Levitra, Cialis, and Stendra. With four options, how do you choose which one is the right one? Actually, there is no best one overall, and it comes down to which is the best for you. Access, price, reaction, and side effects all need to be considered when selecting a medicine.
Here are some facts about Viagra and Levitra. Based on this information, plus a consultation with a medical professional, you can make an educated decision.
What are Viagra and Levitra?
Viagra and Levitra are both brand names of two PDE5 inhibitors. Viagra is the better-known name of sildenafil (What Is Viagra? What Do Viagra Pills Look Like?), and Levitra is the brand of vardenafil. Both are prescription-only medications.
The human body produces nitric oxide, which relaxes the muscle layers. An enzyme in the body called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) assists with this process. In some people, another protein, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) attacks cGMP, which in turn can cause ED.
A PDE5 inhibitor blocks this attack, allowing the nitric oxide to do its job. Blood then flows to the penis, resulting in an erection. The medication remains in the body for a sufficient amount of time for successful sexual activity to be possible.
Neither Viagra nor Levitra is a ‘cure’ for ED, but they can assist in helping a patient generate and maintain an erection for the purposes of sexual intercourse.
What’s the Difference Between Viagra and Levitra?
Sildenafil (Viagra) and vardenafil (Levitra) are very similar pharmaceuticals. Both of them perform the same function and are equally prescribed by physicians. Viagra has been on the market a lot longer and has more of a public profile. Viagra is distributed in the USA by Pfizer Inc. (s. also Pfizer – the Manufacturer of the Little Blue Pill Viagra) and Levitra by Bayer Healthcare. Both companies want your business, but these products are almost the same.
They only differ in slight ways. The most noticeable difference is in the recommended dosage. A typical dose of Viagra is 50mg (s. also Viagra Dosage By Weight – How To Take Viagra For Best results), whereas a standard Levitra dose is only 10mg. Vardenafil is more potent than sildenafil, hence the lower dosage. They both appear to have a similar lasting effect of 4-5 hours. Doctors recommend taking Viagra at least 30 minutes prior to sexual activity and Levitra an hour before.
Viagra is reported to have more side-effects than Levitra, while the former can be considerably cheaper to purchase. One final difference is that if Viagra is taken with food, the onset of the effect can be delayed. Whereas it appears that Levitra doesn’t have the same problem so that it can be consumed with or without meals.
Which Has the Better Effect Viagra or Levitra?
Both medications offer the same benefits and the effect is the same. With sexual stimulation, in most cases, a satisfactory erection can be created and sustained for intercourse to be successful.
The main differences are that Viagra can be taken 30 minutes prior to sexual activity with expected results 30 minutes later. Levitra is recommended to be consumed 60 minutes before and to allow another hour to see any effect.
Best Hardness Viagra or Levitra
There is no scientific evidence to show whether one of these medications provides a better level of hardness of the penis than the other. Both last in the body for around 4-5 hours, with the only noticeable difference being that Viagra tends to take effect a little sooner than Levitra.
Side Effects of Viagra & Levitra Compared
Like all medications, Viagra and Levitra come with side effects. While most of them are mild and disappear on their own, or with a dosage reduction, some are quite serious.
Viagra does have a few more side effects than Levitra, and the ones common to both tend to affect a higher percentage of Viagra users. If any of these last for an extended period, cease taking the medication and seek medical attention right away.
Common to Both
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Facial flushing
- Back pain
- Indigestion
- Upset stomach
- Nasal congestion
Side Effects of Viagra Only
- Rash
- Nausea
- Vision changes
- Muscle aches
Contraindications of Both
Both Levitra and Viagra have the exact same contraindications. These medications act in the bloodstream, and there are known issues with other medicines that also work in this area.
PDE5 inhibitors can lower blood pressure, so avoid taking these if you also take nitrates, antihypertensives, or alpha-blockers, which do the same thing. Viagra and Levitra can also interact with protease inhibitors, azole antifungals, and macrolide antibiotics.
Lastly, recreational drugs like amyl nitrate (poppers) are not to be used with these pharmaceuticals, once again due to low blood pressure concerns.
Can Levitra And Viagra Be Taken Together?
Both Levitra and Viagra treat the same issues. By combining them, you are double-dosing, which could lead to critical problems like more severe side effects.
Which Drug Is Cheaper Levitra or Viagra?
Per dose, brand name Viagra tablets are around ⅔ the price of Levitra. Alternatively, you can purchase the generic brands, sildenafil, and vardenafil at up to 50% less. There are online pharmacies that offer discounted or promotional prices as well, but make sure these pharmacies are licensed in the USA to sell the product.
An advantage with purchasing generic Viagra (sildenafil) is that some of the cost may be covered by Medicare or insurance plans where vardenafil most certainly isn’t.
One tip to save money is to pill-split. You purchase the tablets in the highest possible dosage and then cut them. For example, buy 100mg of Viagra, and you’ll have 2 x 50mg tablets if you cut them in half. The more massive dose costs less than two of the lower ones.
Is Levitra Better Than Viagra?
Overall, neither drug is better than the other. However, for the individual, based on personal factors, one would most likely stand out. Levitra is more potent, so it is taken in smaller doses and tends to have fewer side effects than Viagra. However, Levitra is considerably more expensive. On the other hand, Viagra usually works faster as only half the waiting time is needed to notice any effect.
Which one is better, is a personal choice. If you can afford it, don’t mind waiting a little longer to see any effects, and want the peace of mind of possibly having fewer side effects, then choose Levitra. If cost is a factor, and you want a faster onset of effect and are prepared to take a higher risk for side effects, then Viagra is the choice for you.
How to Buy Levitra and Viagra Online - the Online Prescription Process
Levitra, Viagra and their generic forms, for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, are prescription-only medicines (s. also Erectile Dysfunction Treatments – The Best ED Cure in Check). As such, they cannot be purchased in the USA without one. For some people talking about ED is an uncomfortable situation. Physically going to visit a medical professional may not feel like a great option. This is where online pharmacies can help.
Legitimate, registered, online pharmacies have doctors and pharmacists available to assist with the prescription process. Firstly you’ll need to identify which state of the USA you reside in, as some states, by law, require a video consultation.
The next step is to complete an online form answering relevant questions and providing your complete medical history, including any current ailments and medications. A doctor will then check your application and contact you to discuss any concerns, or to approve the medicine for you.
Once they have prepared the e-prescription for you, you have two options. You can choose to purchase the product from their partner online pharmacy or have the script forwarded to a store of your own choice, for self-collection.
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