Levitra Vs Viagra For Erectile Dysfunction: What To Know

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on March 24, 2022

Did you know that nearly 50% of Canadian men over the age of 40 experience some level of erectile dysfunction? Yet, only a quarter use treatment. 

With erectile dysfunction affecting such a large part of the population, it's time to be more open and honest about available treatment options. Long are days of feeling embarrassed about not getting erections. 

With open dialogue, you can feel confident in exploring your options for overcoming erectile dysfunction. You may already be familiar with two common medications doctors prescribe: Levitra and Viagra.

Keep reading to explore everything there is to know about Levitra vs Viagra. We'll even discuss Cialis too.

In the article, you'll learn about the following:

- What is Levitra?

- What is Viagra?

- What are the main differences?

- What are the similarities between the two?

- Which is stronger: Levitra vs Viagra?

- Which one is faster? What is the duration of Levitra vs Viagra?

- Can I take Levitra and Viagra together?

- How do I choose which one is better for me?

- UPGUYS products 

What Is Levitra?

Levitra (Vardenafil) is a popular drug doctors prescribe for erectile dysfunction. It's available to men worldwide. Levitra is in a class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors. 

It works by increasing blood flow to the soft, erectile tissue of the penis. This helps a man get and keep an erection.

The German company Bayer Pharmecetricals first manufactured Levitra in 2003 as a competitor to Viagra. British company GlaxoSmithKline is responsible for marketing the drug.

Other trade names for Vardenafil include Staxyn and Vivanza. 

What Is Viagra?

Viagra (Sildenafil) is the most popular and oldest drug doctors prescribe for erectile dysfunction. It's also a PDE5 inhibitor, so it works the same as Levitra.

Pfizer Pharmaceuticals introduced the drug in 1998 as a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure) due to its effect on arterial blood flow. 

But, clinical trials revealed that the active ingredient, sildenafil citrate, also relaxed the muscle tissues in the penis. This allows for increased blood flow.

What Are the Main Differences?

The main Viagra vs Levitra differences come down to the dosages. Levitra is available in four doses:

• 2.5mg
• 5mg
• 10mg
• 20mg 

While Viagra is available in three doses:

• 25mg 
• 50mg
• 100mg

Viagra tablets are blue, and Levitra tablets are orange, making them easy to differentiate from each other.

Of course, the active ingredients are different between the two medications, but overall they are quite similar to each other. 

What Are the Similarities Between the Two?

So far, you can tell there are many Viagra vs Levitra similarities. As they fall under the same drug class, they both work to relax the penis muscles and increase blood flow. 

Another comparable erectile dysfunction drug to Levitra and Viagra is Cialis. 

The side effects of Levitra vs Viagara vs Cialis are similar since they are all PDE5 inhibitors. Common side effects include:

• Flushing
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Muscle pain
• Nasal congestion
• Vision changes 

Despite this, the Levitra side effects vs Viagra can still vary from person to person. It's essential to speak with your doctor about the possible side effects you could experience based on your personal health and body. 

Further, it's important to note that PDE5 inhibitors can lower your blood pressure. While this isn't a terrible cause of concern for most, if you take blood pressure medication, you should not take erectile dysfunction pills.

A sudden drop in blood pressure can cause:

• Blackouts
• Dizziness
• Falls
• Heart attack

Since you need a prescription for any erectile dysfunction medication, you'll need to have a conversation with your medical professional first before taking it anyway.

Read more: Erectile Dysfunction & Heart Disease: How Do They Relate To One Another?

Which Is Stronger: Levitra vs Viagra 

So when it comes to Levitra vs Viagra, which is stronger? The answer is a bit complicated.

Levitra has a half-life of four to six hours. This means it takes your body between four and six hours to metabolize and excrete half of the drug's active ingredient (Vardenafil).

Viagra has a half-life of four hours. Looking at half-life alone, it would appear Levitra is stronger. 

But this is misleading.

It's true that Levitra has a higher potency than Viagra, which is why Levitra's doses are lower than that of Viagra's. Yet, this doesn't necessarily make it stronger, especially when you consider the different doses available. 

Potency is not the only determining factor in the strength of a drug. Different medications have various effects on different people. Levitra and Viagra are similar in how they affect and act in the body. 

Read more: How To Get Viagra In Canada? Do You Need A Prescription?

Levitra vs Viagra: Which Is Faster? What Is the Duration of Each?

How fast each drug works will vary from person to person. Of course, active ingredients play a vital role in how fast the drugs work. But there are other factors that can affect the drug's speed, such as:

• Inactive or additive ingredients
• Physiologic characters of the person taking the drug
• Diet
• How the drug is stored 

For example, Viagra's label suggests not taking the pill with food. Fatty meals, alcohol, and grapefruits can make the drug less effective. Food can also cause Levitra to be less effective. 

Yet, food intake doesn't affect Cialis's efficiency. 

Levitra's label states users should take the drug 60 minutes before sexual activity. Some men reported it working faster. Viagra recommends users take the pill at least 30 to 60 minutes before sex.

Generally, these drugs begin working in the same amount of time as they are both intended for short-term relief from erectile dysfunction.

Additionally, when considering the Levitra vs Viagra duration, they last for a similar amount of time in the body. 

Levitra can last for up to seven hours after taking a normal dose. But, many men say they notice the effects start to fade after four hours. 

Viagra generally works for three to six hours after taking a normal dose, with men saying the effects decrease after three or four hours. 

On the other hand, Cialis provides longer relief. The drug can last for 18 to 48 hours. So a Cialis vs Levitra comparison shows that Levitra (or Viagra) is probably a better choice for short-term relief, and Cialis is probably a better choice for extended relief.

Read more: You Don't Have To Feel The Burn

Can I Take Levitra and Viagra Together?

No, doctors do not recommend taking more than one erectile dysfunction drug in 24-hours. Taking Levitra and Viagra together can cause them to interact or have unintended side effects. 

If you're concerned about the medication not working, speak with your doctor about your dosage. You may need to increase your dose or try a longer-lasting medication like Cialis. 

Read more: Cialis In The Morning, Viagra At Night: Is This A Good Idea To Take Cialis And Viagra Together?

How Do I Choose Which One Is Better for Me?

When it comes to deciding between Viagra vs. Levitra vs. Cialis, consider your lifestyle and needs. Think about if you want short-term or long-term relief. If you want short-term relief, can you commit to not eating a few hours before taking the medication?

Sometimes knowing which drug is best comes down to just trying them. Again, schedule a time to meet with your doctor so you can review your options with a medical professional.

Your healthcare provider can help select the best ED medication for you. Share ALL the chemical or herbal drugs and supplements you take, plus any health issues you have with your doctor. All this info will help your doctor make a safe decision for you.

UPGUYS Products 

At UPGUYS, we understand how complex our bodies are. That's why we created a tailor-made program to help combat erectile dysfunction. We connect Canadians to licensed medical practitioners. Then, we deliver the medication they prescribe right to your door.

Our services are fast and discreet, ensuring all Candian men can get the treatment they need for erectile dysfunction. You'll find our services featured in the Toronto Sun and Vancouver Sun.

We're also a member of the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia and the British Columbia Pharmacy Association. That makes our services compliant with PIPEDA and PIPA.

Key Takeaways

With this information about Levitra vs Viagra, you can feel more confident that erectile dysfunction won't influence your sex life. You can start seeking treatment options and find what works best for you.

If you're ready to explore your treatment options for erectile dysfunction, then talk to a practitioner through UPGUYS today. It's an easy first step to regain control of your erections.