Differences between Levitra and Viagra
Contents
Levitra vs. Viagra[edit]
Vardenafil (formerly sold under the brand name Levitra) and sildenafil (Viagra) are oral medications used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).[1][2] Both belong to a class of drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors.[3][4] These drugs work by increasing blood flow to the penis following sexual stimulation.[5] While they function in a similar manner, there are differences in their chemical structure, potency, and how they are affected by food. The brand-name drug Levitra has been discontinued, but its generic version, vardenafil, is available.[2]
Comparison Table[edit]
| Feature | Levitra (Vardenafil) | Viagra (Sildenafil) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Vardenafil | Sildenafil |
| Time to Take Effect | Approximately 30-60 minutes | Approximately 30-60 minutes[5] |
| Duration of Effect | 4 to 6 hours | Approximately 4 hours |
| Interaction with Food | Less affected by food, though high-fat meals may slightly delay absorption. | Effectiveness can be delayed by about an hour if taken with a high-fat meal. |
| Standard Starting Dose | 10 mg | 50 mg |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, flushing, stuffy nose, indigestion.[1][3] | Headache, flushing, stuffy nose, indigestion, and occasional changes in color vision.[3] |
Mechanism of Action[edit]
Both vardenafil and sildenafil are selective inhibitors of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). By blocking this enzyme, the medications allow for increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a substance that relaxes smooth muscle and increases blood flow to the corpus cavernosum of the penis, facilitating an erection upon sexual stimulation.[5] Studies have indicated that vardenafil is more potent and selective at inhibiting PDE5 than sildenafil.[5] This higher selectivity means vardenafil does not significantly inhibit PDE6, an enzyme found in the retina, which is why vision changes are a rare side effect of sildenafil but not typically associated with vardenafil.
Pharmacokinetics[edit]
The onset of action for both drugs is similar, typically taking effect within 30 to 60 minutes. The effects of Levitra may last slightly longer than Viagra, for about 4 to 6 hours, while Viagra's effects last for about 4 hours.
A key difference is their interaction with food. Viagra's absorption can be significantly delayed if taken with a high-fat meal, potentially postponing its effects by about an hour. Levitra is less affected by food, though a very heavy or high-fat meal might cause a minor delay in its absorption.
Side Effects and Contraindications[edit]
The side effects for both medications are comparable and commonly include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and indigestion.[3] Sildenafil has a higher reported incidence of these side effects.[1] Due to its effect on the PDE6 enzyme, Viagra can occasionally cause temporary vision changes, such as a blue tinge to vision or light sensitivity, which is not a typical side effect of Levitra.[4]
Both drugs are contraindicated in patients taking nitrates for chest pain, as the combination can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure.[3] They should also be used with caution in individuals with cardiovascular disease.[2] A rare but serious side effect for both medications is priapism, a prolonged and painful erection lasting more than four hours, which requires immediate medical attention.
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "goodrx.com". Retrieved January 18, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "healthline.com". Retrieved January 18, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "singlecare.com". Retrieved January 18, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "cheapmedicineshop.com". Retrieved January 18, 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "tryeden.com". Retrieved January 18, 2026.
