ED affects millions of men worldwide. The medical definition is that you cannot obtain or sustain an erection strong enough for sexual intercourse. Fortunately, several treatments for it exist, such as medications taken by mouth. Both Viagra and Levitra are the two most well-known and widely prescribed oral ED medications. Though both medications act virtually equally well on ED, there are a few differences patients need to be aware of before they opt for one or the other. This essay will discuss Viagra and Levitra, their similarities and differences, and highlight a few key points that the patient must know about the medications.
Mechanism of Action
Viagra contains sildenafil as the active component, whereas Levitra contains vardenafil. Both drugs fall under a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. They work by increasing blood flow to the penis, thereby initiating and sustaining an erection. PDE5 inhibitors inhibit the enzyme that dismutates a chemical known as cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which opens the smooth muscles of the penis and lets blood flow more easily. It translates into better erection and the ability to form and maintain an erection.
Dosage and Effectiveness
Viagra has a maximum daily dosage of 50 mg and is best used about an hour before sex. You can increase the dose to 100 mg or reduce it to 25 mg, depending on how the patient responds and tolerates. Levitra, meanwhile, can be started at a dose of 10 mg 30 minutes to 1 hour before sex. You can up the dose to 20 mg or reduce it to 5 mg, once again, based on how the patient responds and tolerates. Each drug should not be used more than once a day.
Effectiveness: research has demonstrated the efficacy of Viagra and Levitra for treating ED. However, some researchers have found that Viagra might work better in some populations, like diabetic men. In addition, Levitra has been shown to work on men who have failed on Viagra.
Duration of Action
One of the differences between Viagra and Levitra is the time required for action. Viagra has a half life of about four hours, while Levitra has a half life of about five hours. That is why Viagra can take four hours to work and Levitra takes five. But different men respond differently, and the effect of either drug takes more or less time.
Side Effects
Viagra and Levitra have the same effects, including headache, flushing, stuffy or runny nose, stomach aches, and dizziness.
Viagra and Levitra side effects are interchangeable as the drugs share the same mechanism of action. The common side-effects of both drugs include headache, flushing, runny or stuffy nose, indigestion, and dizziness.
Headache: if you’ve never heard of a side-effect of Viagra or Levitra, headache is one of the most common side effects. It happens because blood vessels in the brain dilate, which causes increased pressure and pain.
Flushing: Most users say that they also experience flushing — that is, the warm glow of reddened skin. It occurs due to constriction of vessels near the skin’s surface, contributing to a sense of general warmth.
Stuffy/Runny Nose: The least severe of the two conditions is nasal congestion or runny nose with both medications. This is because the medications tend to swell the nose, and thus cause runny or congested noses that prevent the ability to breathe through the nose.
Dishpepsia: Dishpepsia or indigestion is also a frequent side-effect of Viagra and Levitra. It often manifests symptomatically as epigastric pain or ache but is almost always accompanied by symptoms of bloating, belching or nausea.
Dizziness: Some people who use these drugs experience dizziness. It can be induced by changes in blood pressure that occur as the medication attempts to increase circulation.
They are generally mild and transient, and hardly visible in most men. Yet both drugs have rare, but serious, side effects, including sudden loss of vision or hearing, priapism (a male erection lasting over four hours) and allergic reactions. If any of these harmful side effects show up, consult your doctor right away.
Drug Interactions and Precautions
Viagra and Levitra both interact with drugs, including nitrates for chest pain, and alpha-blockers for high blood pressure. Therefore, you should notify your doctor about all the medications you’re taking before starting either one of these medications. Moreover, both medications are contraindicated in men with certain conditions, including heart disease, low blood pressure, and liver or kidney disease. Before using Viagra or Levitra, make sure you discuss any other underlying medical problems with your doctor.
Availability and Cost
Both Viagra and Levitra are prescription medications. Yet Viagra comes in the generic sildenafil, which is significantly less expensive than the brand-name one. Levitra currently does not have a generic equivalent. The cost of these drugs may vary based on your insurance coverage and the pharmacy you visit.
Conclusion:
Lastly, Viagra and Levitra are both effective and very safe medications for ED. They operate almost exactly in the same way, with virtually identical side-effects. However, they vary in strength, effect and availability. Consider talking with your doctor to determine which is best for you based on your specific needs and history. You should also adhere to the prescribing dosage and safety measures in order to take your medication correctly and safely. Always check with your doctor before using any new medications.
