The Independent Pharmacy

Levitra Vs Viagra: Finding The Best ED Treatment For You

Andy Boysan
Andy Boysan
BPharm GPhC 2047716
Director & Superintendent Pharmacist

Levitra and Viagra are both PDE5 inhibitors. Each medication helps treat erectile dysfunction (ED) issues by increasing the blood flow to the penis and are proven to help men achieve harder, longer-lasting erections for sexual activity.

The main difference between Levitra and Viagra is the active ingredient that the two medications contain. Viagra’s active ingredient is Sildenafil, and Levitra’s is Vardenafil. Here’s what you need to know about the difference between Sildenafil and Vardenafil:

Vardenafil (Levitra) helps men:

  • Achieve an erection within 30 minutes
  • Provides an erection for up to 5 hours

Sildenafil (Viagra) helps men:

  • Achieve an erection within 30-60 minutes
  • Provides an erection for up to 4 hours
Sildenafil Tablets (25mg, 50mg & 100mg)
Sildenafil Tablets (25mg, 50mg & 100mg)
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As you can see, there is very little to choose between Levitra and Viagra in terms of effectiveness. Levitra, on average, works a little quicker and provides an erection that lasts a little longer. It’s also important to note that both only work when you are sexually aroused, meaning you need to engage in foreplay to experience the best results.

Eating food with Levitra versus Viagra

One of the main differences between Levitra and Viagra is the effectiveness of the two medications when ingested with food.

Food delays the absorption of all medication in the system. If you eat a large or fatty meal before taking Viagra, the effects are likely to be significantly reduced. Levitra, on the other hand, is typically less affected by food. The one main exception is grapefruit, which has been proven to significantly reduce the effect of the medication.

Levitra versus Cialis

An alternative to both Levitra and Viagra is Cialis, which does not contain either Vardenafil or Sildenafil. Instead, it contains a different active ingredient called Tadalafil. By increasing blood flow to the penis, it works in a similar way to both Levitra and Viagra. However, Cialis helps men:

  • Achieve an erection within 30 minutes
  • Maintain an erection for up to 36 hours

The main difference is that Cialis stays in your system for much longer than both Levitra and Viagra, therefore helping men to achieve an erection for longer.

Levitra dosages and Cialis dosages available are very similar: 10mg and 20mg. Viagra, by comparison, is available in three larger doses: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg.

To see what actual users thought about Cialis as a treatment for ED read our Cialis reviews.

Cialis Tablets (10mg & 20mg)
Cialis Tablets (10mg & 20mg)
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Levitra versus Cialis Daily

As the name suggests, Cialis Daily is designed to be taken every day. The medication is for men who like to have spontaneous sex more than three times a week.

When taking Cialis Daily, you don’t need to take a pill 30 minutes or an hour before sex. Instead, you keep your body topped up with the medication on a permanent basis, meaning you should be able to achieve an erection whenever you want to engage in sexual activity and without the need to plan ahead.

Compared to Levitra, Cialis Daily is only available in smaller packets of 2.5mg and 5mg tablets.

Levitra vs Viagra vs Cialis

Below you will find a table comparing Levitra, Viagra, and Cialis by price, dosages, how long it takes to work, and more.

Levitra

Viagra

Cialis

Prescription required

Yes

Yes

Yes

Active ingredient

Vardenafil

Sildenafil citrate

Tadalafil

Doses available

10mg and 20mg

25mg, 50mg, and 100mg

10mg and 20mg

Can you buy a generic version for cheaper

No

Yes

Yes

What is the typical dosage

10mg

50mg

10mg or 2.5mg when used daily

How long does it take to work?

60 minutes

30-60 minutes

30 minutes

How long does it last?

5 hours

4 hours

Up to 36 hours

Is it available to buy online

Yes

Yes

Yes

For more detail about the differences between Cialis and Viagra visit our Cialis versus Viagra page.

Apart from the factors compared above, one of the main differences between Levitra, Viagra and Cialis are the common side effects users experience. To help you make a better-informed decision about what ED treatment is suited to you, here’s a breakdown of the common side effects each medication is known to cause:

Common side effect

Levitra

Viagra

Cialis

Headache

Yes

Yes

Yes

Runny nose

Yes

Yes

Yes

Rash

No

Yes

No

Flushing

Yes

Yes

Yes

Muscle aches

No

Yes

Yes

Nausea

No

Yes

No

Indigestion

Yes

No

No

Dizziness

Yes

Yes

No

Indigestion

Yes

No

Yes

Blurred vision

No

Yes

No

Stomach ache

Yes

Yes

Yes

Please note that the above table refers to common side effects only. For more information, read about Cialis side effects here.

Summary

Levitra, Viagra, and Cialis are each proven to be effective treatments for erectile dysfunction.

Whichever treatment you choose, it is advisable to have a consultation with your doctor or pharmacist beforehand.

When buying Levitra from The Independent Pharmacy, this can be done through an online questionnaire that is confidential and discreet, so you don’t have to speak to someone face-to-face if it makes you feel uncomfortable.

This online questionnaire also makes sure you are safe to take the ED treatment of your choice and it doesn’t pose a danger with any other medications you are currently taking.

Sources

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Andy Boysan

Authored by

Andy Boysan
Andy Boysan
BPharm
2047716
Director & Superintendent Pharmacist

Andy is a co-founder and the Superintendent Pharmacist and Director at The Independent Pharmacy.

Daniel Hurley

Reviewed by

Daniel Hurley
Daniel Hurley
MPharm IP
2078790
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber

Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.