Levitra Vs. Viagra: Which ED Medication Is Better? – Introduction
ED is a chronic disorder that affects millions of men around the world. It’s defined as the failure to create or sustain a sufficient erection to continue having sex. Treatment methods for the condition exist, but the orally administered versions of Levitra and Viagra are the most common ones. Both drugs are part of a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. They increase blood supply to the penis. In this post, we’ll talk about Levitra vs Viagra and as the reader will realise, we’ll decide which one works best for ED.
Understanding the Drugs
Drugs such as Levitra and Viagra are members of a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. They inhibit the PDE5 enzyme, increasing blood supply to the penis for erection formation and maintaining it during sexual stimulation.
Viagra
It was for ED that the FDA first approved Viagra, in 1998, as an oral medication. It contains the active ingredient sildenafil (the same stuff you find in ED drugs). Viagra typically begins to function in between 30 and 60 minutes of intake, and lasts for four to five hours. It is most commonly available in doses of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.
Levitra
Levitra followed in its grandfather’s footsteps, receiving FDA approval in 2003. The active ingredient is vardenafil, which also inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5. However, a few studies suggest that it begins a bit quick, and acts within 15 to 30 minutes. It too works up to five hours, and Levitra is available at 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg dosages.
Mechanism of Action
Levitra and Viagra are both similar in that they block the enzyme PDE5, which breaks down the chemical cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP also relaxes smooth muscles in the penis, thus increasing blood flow and therefore erection. Through blocking PDE5, Levitra and Viagra raise the body’s levels of cGMP, increasing the flow of blood to the penis and promoting erectile function.
Dosage and Timing
Dosage:
Viagra has 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg doses, whereas Levitra has 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg dosages. The initial dosage for Viagra is typically 50 mg, depending on response and tolerance. Levitra, by comparison, has a recommended initial dose of 10 mg that can be lowered or increased to 2.5 mg or 20 mg depending on your need.
In patients with certain medical conditions, such as liver or kidney failure, reduced doses might be indicated. In addition, low doses of both medications are recommended for patients who are taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like ritonavir. However, you must speak with a physician to determine the best dose for your patients according to your history, current medications, and needs.
Timing:
Levitra and Viagra should both be taken around 60 minutes before sex. But Levitra is a faster acting drug than Viagra, some researchers say it can start working within 15-20 minutes for some men. This delay in onset could be due to Levitra’s greater bioavailability and slower clearance from the body.
Second, the effects of these drugs vary over time. Viagra takes approximately 4 to 5 hours and Levitra lasts for 5 to 6 hours. This distinction might apply to patients who desire a longer time period for sex.
Effectiveness
Levitra and Viagra work well for treating ED, and they have clinical trials showing their effectiveness. However, users’ outcomes may vary with the health status of a user and how they respond to those drugs.
Time to action: Although these medications work within an hour, Levitra will work much more quickly for some individuals, so it might be better suited for those who wish to have sex out of the blue.
Effect time: Both drugs have an impact time of four to five hours, which makes them appropriate for a planned sex session. But this depends on individual metabolic variability, and this changes the length of time the medication remains active.
Food interactions: Levitra is less influenced by food than Viagra, particularly high fat meals. This makes Levitra safer for those who might not be eating early in the evening, or have a slightly spicier diet.
Side Effects
Like all drugs, Levitra and Viagra can also have side effects. The most frequent side effects of both medications are headache, flushing, runny or stuffy nose, and dizziness. Yet Levitra has been shown to cause less flushing of the face and nasal congestion than Viagra. Moreover, Viagra has been found to cause higher incidences of visual side effects, including color vision changes or double vision, compared to Levitra.
Interactions with Other Medications
Levitra and Viagra both interact with medications, including nitrates, which are used for chest pain or heart problems. Combining these medications can lead to an involuntary reduction in blood pressure. All medications you are taking must be disclosed to your physician prior to taking Levitra or Viagra.
Cost
Levitra and Viagra Prices can differ according to strength and quantity. However, generally, Levitra costs more than Viagra. This might be a big consideration for those who are not able to afford or do not have insurance coverage for these medications.
Marketing and Branding
It is only through marketing and branding that Levitra and Viagra differ. Viagra has been on the market since 1998, and has become a cult brand due to its popularity and large advertising campaigns. Levitra, on the other hand, was launched in 2003 and has not been as aggressively marketed as Viagra. This might be why most people know more about Viagra and are more likely to refer to it by name when being treated for ED.
Conclusion: Levitra Vs. Viagra: Which ED Medication Is Better?
Generally speaking, Levitra and Viagra work similarly well for ED. They function exactly the same way and have essentially the same side effects. But the two drugs differ dramatically, both in time to onset, duration of action and cost. It requires the presence of a physician to decide which medication will be best for a particular patient. Importantly, ED medications are not life-saving; they should be taken only as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Other lifestyle strategies, such as quitting smoking and staying at a healthy weight, also contribute to erectile health.
