Levitra vs Viagra: A Comparison

There are many different treatment options to help you have healthy erections, but it can be hard to find the right one for you. We're here to help you tell the difference between Levitra and Viagra, two popular erectile dysfunction drugs. Here, the experts at ZipHealth breakdown how they work, how quickly they work and more so you can make an informed choice about your treatment plan. 

How do Levitra and Viagra work?

Both Levitra and Viagra belong to a drug class called PDE5 inhibitors. They contain different active ingredients — vardenafil in Levitra, sildenafil in Viagra — but they work in the same way. 

The drugs relax the smooth muscles around the blood vessels in your penis. This means that, when you experience sexual stimulation, blood flow into your penis increases, helping you have a harder erection. 

Does Levitra work faster than Viagra?

Levitra is known for being fast-acting. It can start working in just 15 to 30 minutes, compared to 30 to 60 minutes for Viagra. With either treatment, we recommend taking a pill around an hour before sex to allow plenty of time for the drug to fully absorb into your bloodstream. 

Which lasts longer: Levitra or Viagra?

The effects of vardenafil and sildenafil last for similar periods of time. You can expect both drugs to stay in your system for around 4 hours after taking them, which means they'll help you get harder erections any time you're aroused in that period. 

Is Levitra more effective than Viagra?

Clinical studies have found that both Viagra and Levitra are similarly effective at treating sexual dysfunction. In trials, around 80% of men or men taking Viagra or Levitra experienced improved erections.

Does Levitra have fewer side effects than Viagra?

Because both drugs work in the same way, they share a lot of common side effects. These include: 

• Facial flushing
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nasal congestion
• Indigestion
• Muscle pain 

You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following adverse effects with either drug: 

• Vision loss
• Chest pain
• Sudden drop in blood pressure
• Allergic reaction
• Painful, long-lasting erections 

Comparing Levitra and Viagra

Both Levitra and Viagra are clinically proven to be effective treatments for erectile dysfunction. They contain different active ingredients, but both drugs are PDE5 inhibitors. That means they increase arterial blood flow in your penis, helping you have improved erections. 

Levitra has a faster onset of action than Viagra. It can work in just 15 minutes, whereas it usually takes around half an hour for you to feel the effects of Viagra. 

Both are available as unbranded tablets: generic Vardenafil (Levitra) and generic Sildenafil (Viagra). 

Want to try an erectile dysfunction medication? Find out what treatment is suitable for you on our website.