Globally, millions of individuals are suffering from a health complication in which they are unable to maintain and achieve an erection that is sufficient for better sexual intercourse. This condition is known by the name Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Regarding this condition, people are always in search of a finding the best way to get rid of it. Medications are considered one of the most assisting options for every health complication, including ED. But, things get complicated when people are still looking for the best one for it, due to the huge catalog of medicines in the market. Further in this blog, we’re going to discuss two medications, Levitra and Viagra, that directly come from this catalog. These two drugs are deliberated as the frontline treatment options for ED or impotence. So, without wasting any more time let’s get started and learn more about Levitra vs Viagra medicines
Introduction of Levitra Vs Viagra Pill
Here we have discussed a basic introduction of Levitra vs Viagra.
Overview of Levitra Drug
Levitra drug is used for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction. It is the branded medicine for the generic drug known as Vardenafil. This medication belongs to the class of Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. Viagra was the first drug developed by Pfizer that falls under the drug class of PDE-5 inhibitors. Following it, Bayer the manufacturer of Levitra created a significant development in the form of this drug. The developed drug was so effective that it was able to make its place in the family of these particular inhibitors.
Vardenafil along with all its branded medications was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003. Similar to Viagra Levitra is also one of the prior choices of many individuals. Healthcare professionals also administer this drug as the best alternative to Viagra. The important thing to know is, that Levitra is a prescription-only medication, and doctors’ or physicians’ guidance is mandatory.
Note – The brand name Levitra was discontinued by the FDA. The reason for the discontinuation is still not confirmed but, it is believed that due to economic or supply chain issues, this drug was discontinued. However, the generic version of this drug Vardenafil still exists, people can avail of that.
Overview of Viagra Drug
As shared in the above para, Viagra along with the first PDE-5 inhibitor is also the first medication that got approval by the Food and Drug Administration for treating patients suffering from Erectile Dysfunction. It was approved in 1998 by the FDA to treat a particular health condition. Viagra is the branded medication for the generic drug Sildenafil or Sildenafil Citrate.
Being a part of PDE-5 inhibitor, Viagra acts as a muscle relaxant and also increases the flow of blood. Viagra works by increasing the blood flow and makes it easily reach the penis, including various other parts of the body also. It is proven that, by relaxing the muscles in the walls of blood vessels, the process of increasing blood flow takes place. That’s how Viagra helps individuals in getting and sustaining an erection.
Analyzing Similarities and Differences – Levitra & Viagra
Let’s analyze the similarities and differences between Levitra and Viagra.
Similarities – Levitra vs Viagra
- FDA Approved – Both Levitra and Viagra are approved by the FDA.
- Uses – Levitra and Viagra are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating individuals suffering from Erectile Dysfunction. Both medicines are used for the same condition.
- Prescription-only – Two of the drugs come under the category of prescription-only medicines.
- Drug Class – PDE-5 inhibitors are the belonging drug class of both medicines.
- Mechanism of Action – The mode of action of Levitra and Viagra is the same. Both help in increasing the blood flow and relaxing the muscles.
Differences – Viagra vs Levitra
- Working – Levitra starts its work in around 15–30 minutes. While Viagra takes 30–60 minutes to work.
- Efficacy – Levitra has the potential to provide the effectiveness of about 5 hours. On the other hand, Viagra assists by providing a duration of about 4 hours.
- Intake Procedure – This point can be considered in the similarities segment, but there is a slight difference. Individuals can take both medicines orally with or without food. But, a heavy meal or normal can interrupt the functioning of Viagra and may make it work slowly. While, Levitra works in the same way, either with or without food.
- Active Ingredients – Vardenafil is the main component of Levitra and Viagra consists of the salt composition of Sildenafil.
- Fallouts – Side effects are a vital part of every medicine. Levitra and Viagra can also cause various adverse effects, some of them are similar, but some are different. Tolerability is the main factor that is solely responsible for the occurrence of side effects, either rare or common.
Formulation of Levitra Drug
Levitra medication is formulated in the form of a film-coated tablet. People can access the Levitra tablets online. To find genuine medicine, some noticeable things should be remembered. Levitra comes in shape and color of round and orange.
These tablets are imprinted with Bayer or Bayer (manufacturer) on one side and dosage strength on the other side such as 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and many more.
Formulation of Viagra Medicine
Viagra medication is formulated in the form of a film-coated tablet. The imprint of the manufacturer’s name and dosage strength on both sides of the tablet make it easily recognizable.
It means individuals can find the tablets etched with Pfizer on one side and mg with VGR (dosage strength) on the other side of the tablet. For example – VGR5, VGR10, etc. Viagra comes in blue, which is why it is also known by another name “Blue Pill”.
Dosage Strengths of Levitra Tablets
Levitra orange round-shaped tablets come in various dosage strengths.
- 2.5 mg
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 20 mg.
Dosage Strengths of Viagra Tablets
These rounded-diamond-shaped film-coated tablets are available in three dosage strengths.
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
- 100 mg.
Side Effects of Levitra Pills
Common Side Effects of Levitra include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Back pain
- Flushing
- Indigestion
- Muscle pain
- Runny nose
- Sudden change in vision
- Sleeping difficulty
- Prolonged erection (Priapism)
- Stuffy nose
- Sensitivity to light
Side Effects of Viagra Tablets
Possible aftereffects of Viagra are mentioned below.
- Nausea
- Abnormal vision
- Upset stomach
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- The sensation of warmth in the face, neck, and chest
- Back pain
- Prolonged erection that may last for more than 4 hours.
- Feeling dizzy
- Rash
- Muscle ache
- Nausea
- Runny nose
Summary
Winding up the blog with a short note that, numerous clinical trials have supported the effectiveness of both Viagra (Sildenafil) and Levitra (Vardenafil) over placebo therapies for erectile dysfunction. Both drugs function by amplifying the nitric oxide-induced relaxation of the muscles around the penile blood vessels. Thus, permitting a greater flow of blood to the male genital organ during sexual stimulation.
The fact that these drugs are now accessible in generic forms helps patients save a lot of money, particularly those who have to pay out-of-pocket. It’s crucial to understand that both medications require sexual stimulation to work; none will cause an erection right away.
Keep in mind, before using any of the medicines including these two drugs, it is suggested to consult your healthcare professional. Taking medicines on your own may put you at risk.