If you're one of the 30 million men in the United States who suffer from erectile dysfunction, you're probably aware that it's a highly treatable disorder.

There are a lot of FDA-approved treatment choices to choose from, with many different FDA-approved remedies available.

Sildenafil, the generic form of Viagra, is one of the safest and most innovative alternatives.
This drug is well-known and has been used to treat erectile dysfunction for decades.

Levitra, a drug that was approved by the FDA in 2003, five years after Viagra, is almost as well-known.

Despite its recent approval, vardenafil—the generic name for this medication—is a reliable alternative for treating ED.

Both of these options are well-known for their efficacy in treating erectile dysfunction, but which one is best for you?

When it comes to Levitra vs. Sildenafil, it's important to know how the drugs treat erectile dysfunction and how they work.

What Is the Difference Between Levitra and Sildenafil?

Both Levitra and sildenafil work in the same way to manage and treat erectile dysfunction: as PDE-5 inhibitors.

This means they can block the activities of PDE-5, an enzyme found in the smooth muscles of the penis that has the harmful effect of destroying cGMP, an enzyme required for the smooth muscles of the penis to relax.

Where there is a lack of cGMP, blood flow to the penis may become obstructed, resulting in erectile dysfunction.

Levitra and sildenafil are able to cause cGMP to accumulate in the smooth muscles by inhibiting the activities of PDE-5.
This causes the penile blood vessels to dilate, resulting in longer erections.

To enjoy the benefits of Levitra, you'll most likely be prescribed a starting dose of 10 mg.
A 5 mg dose can be used to treat mild cases of erectile dysfunction.

If the initial 10 mg dose fails to produce the desired effects, higher doses of up to 20 mg may be required.

Treatment for erectile dysfunction with Viagra normally begins with 50 mg and can be raised to 100 mg for more serious cases of erectile dysfunction.

The smallest dose of Viagra is a 25 mg pill, and the smallest dose of its generic equivalent sildenafil is also a 25 mg tablet.

Levitra vs. Sildenafil: Similarities

Understanding the similarities between Levitra and sildenafil can offer more information about how the medications work to treat erectile dysfunction. 

Levitra and sildenafil have racked up quite the reputation for treating ED and improving sexual satisfaction.

This track record isn’t merely anecdotal; it’s been confirmed by repeated research.

• In a study of ED patients between the ages of 30 and 72, 97% of the participants reported a dissatisfaction in the quality of their sex lives. After just four weeks of consistent treatment with sildenafil, 98.4% of the subjects reported an improvement in erectile function.
• Sildenafil is also safe and effective for long-term use. In a four-year study that assessed safety, each year of research showed participants reported at least a 94% satisfaction rate with sildenafil against ED.
• In two randomized studies, men with ED were given between 5 to 20mg of Levitra over the course of 12 or 26 weeks. Levitra was found to be safe and well-tolerated throughout both research durations. Levitra also increased sexual satisfaction and led to a significant increase in erectile function when compared to what participants experienced at the start of the studies.
• In a review that examined the effects of all Levitra doses for managing ED, researchers conducted 10 trials involving 6809 men. The results showed that Levitra produced a significant success rate in penetration and erection maintenance during intercourse.

Duration of Effects

Levitra and sildenafil are used as needed, which simply means they are to be taken whenever sex is imminent, as opposed to other drugs like Cialis, which can be taken daily in certain dosages. 

Both medications are recommended to be taken about one hour before you intend to have sex, and require sexual arousal to work.  

They start to produce effects after about 30 minutes, and can require about an hour each to produce the best results.

Levitra and sildenafil also have similar half-lives: While Levitra will lose half of its active ingredients within four to five hours, sildenafil may take between three to five hours for the same to occur. 

Potential Interactions with Food

As stated in their respective packages, Levitra and sildenafil may be taken with or without food. 

Here’s one study that examined the effects of food on sildenafil and confirmed this. 

Study participants with ED were divided into groups and given the medication one hour before a meal, during a meal, and about 30-60 minutes before sex. 

Some subjects were given placebos to rule out discrepancies.

At the end of the study, food was found to have little impact on the effects of sildenafil for treating erectile dysfunction. 

It is important to note however that high-fat meals may affect the time it takes for Levitra and sildenafil to reach full concentration in the body.

Levitra vs. Sildenafil: Differences

Levitra and sildenafil share more in common than they have in differences, as they work in similar ways. 

The most notable distinction between these two medications would be their available concentrations. 

Because Levitra is more potent, it requires a lower dose to impact penile functioning, as seen in its dosage requirements. 

Sildenafil is needed in larger amounts to manage and treat erectile dysfunction.

Another notable distinction is that sildenafil is also approved as a treatment method for pulmonary hypertension (a condition caused by high blood pressure in the lungs), whereas Levitra is exclusively marketed as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. 

Levitra vs. Sildenafil: Side Effects

As both medications operate as PDE-5 inhibitors to treat erectile dysfunction, their use may produce certain adverse effects.

While Levitra and sildenafil are proven to be safe and well tolerated, they may cause:

• Headaches
• Flushing
• Nasal congestion
• Dyspepsia (indigestion) 
• Swelling in the throat and nasal passages

In rare cases, PDE-5 inhibitors have been known to cause priapism, prolonged erections that last longer than 4 hours.

Both medications have been known to cause vision difficulties in rare cases usually at higher doses.

Levitra vs Sildenafil: Which One Is Right For You?

In the battle of Levitra Vs Sildenafil, it's kind of hard to pick a side. Both medications are effective treatment methods when it comes to managing erectile dysfunction.

They have similar working times within the body, and exit the body around the same time frame. 

You may have dinner before/after taking Levitra or Sildenafil, although it's probably best to avoid eating after using each drug to prevent delays in effectiveness. 

They even share similar side effects. Their biochemical potency may just be the most notable distinguishing feature that they share.

Ultimately, both medications will help with getting your erectile dysfunction under control. 

Consulting with a healthcare professional before making your decision is always a great idea before choosing an ED medication for your needs.