Levitra vs Viagra
OBJECTIVE—This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of vardenafil treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) in men with diabetes.
Common side effects of Levitra vs. Viagra
Its action is grounded in a clear physiological mechanism: by blocking the PDE5 enzyme and preserving cGMP levels, it allows the blood vessels supplying the corpora cavernosa to relax more fully, supporting natural erections during sexual stimulation. This targeted vascular effect is what makes the drug both effective and predictable for a wide range of patients, from those with mild ED to individuals coping with more complex vascular or metabolic conditions. Clinical evidence consistently shows that Levitra delivers reliable improvements in erectile function, often providing benefit even for men who have not responded to other PDE5 inhibitors. Its relatively fast onset and balanced duration make it a practical choice for many users, while the availability of generic vardenafil offers an accessible, cost-efficient alternative without compromising therapeutic effect. Whether patients choose brand-name Levitra or its generic equivalent, the medication remains a cornerstone of modern ED therapy-clinically sound, physiologically intuitive, and supported by decades of real-world experience.
How is vardenafil supplied (dosage forms)?
For anyone evaluating treatment options, understanding how vardenafil works is the first step toward informed, confident decision-making. Check access to the full text by signing in through your organization. Diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunctionAm.J. et al.Safety and efficacy of vardenafil for the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction after radical retropubic prostatectomyJ. et al.The international index of erectile function (IIEF): a multidimensional scale for assessment of erectile dysfunctionUrology(1997) et al.Achieving treatment optimization with sildenafil citrate (Viagra(R)) in patients with erectile dysfunctionUrology(2002) et al.Sustained efficacy and tolerability of vardenafil (Levitra®), a highly potent, selective phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, in men with erectile dysfunction: results of a randomized, double-blind, 26-week placebo-controlled pivotal trialUrology(2003) et al.Non-surgical management of erectile dysfunctionClin. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—In this prospective multicenter double-blind placebo-controlled fixed-dose parallel-group phase III trial, 452 patients with diabetes (type 1 or type 2) and ED were randomized to take 10 or 20 mg vardenafil or placebo as needed for 12 weeks.
- Levitra typically starts working within 30 minutes to 1 hour after ingestion.
- Food, especially high-fat meals, can delay the onset of Levitra’s effects.
- Its effectiveness can vary based on age, health, and other medications taken.
- Some men may experience vision changes, such as blurred vision, using Levitra.
- The medication is not a cure for ED but can help manage symptoms effectively.
- Levitra is part of a class called PDE5 inhibitors, which includes Viagra and Cialis.
- Regular medical checkups are recommended to monitor health while using Levitra.
Efficacy responses were assessed by International Index of Erectile Function domain scores, rates of vaginal penetration and successful intercourse, and a global assessment question (GAQ) about erection improvement during the previous 4 weeks. RESULTS—After 12 weeks of treatment, a dose-dependent (P = 0.02) improvement in erections was noted for the GAQ, with 57 and 72% of men taking 10 mg or 20 mg vardenafil, respectively, reporting improved erections, in contrast to 13% after taking placebo (P < 0.0001). For the erectile function domain, dose-dependent (P = 0.03) final scores for the 10- and 20-mg dose were 17.1 and 19.0 compared with 12.6 for placebo (P < 0.0001).
| Satisfaction Level | Percentage | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Very satisfied | 45% | Quick response, effective in most cases |
| Satisfied | 35% | Adequate response, some side effects |
| Neutral | 10% | Variable results, depends on individual factors |
| Dissatisfied | 10% | Poor response, side effects or other issues |
Both vardenafil doses significantly enhanced the rates of successful penetration (P < 0.0001) and successful intercourse (P < 0.0001) compared with placebo.
- Levitra is effective for many men, but individual results can vary.
- Consultation with a healthcare provider helps determine appropriate use.
- Never share Levitra with others, as it is prescribed specifically for you.
- Levitra does not cure ED but effectively manages symptoms when used properly.
- Be aware of possible side effects like vision disturbances or allergic reactions.
- Regular checkups are recommended to monitor health during ED treatment.
- Always discuss other medications and supplements with your doctor before use.
Vardenafil treatment was effective in increasing intercourse success rates at all levels of baseline ED severity, at each level of plasma HbA1c, and for type 1 and 2 diabetes.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levitra Professional | 20mg | 360 + 6 Pills | 914.63€ 871.08€ | |
| Levitra Soft Tabs | 20mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 241.31€ 229.82€ | |
| Levitra Generic | 20mg | 20 Pills | 52.63€ 50.12€ | |
| Levitra Generic | 10mg | 30 + 4 Pills | 62.39€ 59.42€ | |
| Levitra Soft Tabs | 20mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 178.40€ 169.90€ | |
| Levitra Professional | 20mg | 270 + 6 Pills | 738.98€ 703.79€ | |
| Levitra Generic | 40mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 234.73€ 223.55€ | |
| Levitra Original | 20mg | 120 + 8 Pills | 528.19€ 503.04€ | |
| Levitra Generic | 10mg | 270 + 10 Pills | 338.09€ 321.99€ | |
| Levitra Generic | 20mg | 270 + 10 Pills | 376.33€ 358.41€ | |
| Levitra Soft Tabs | 20mg | 120 + 8 Pills | 288.52€ 274.78€ | |
| Levitra Original | 20mg | 48 + 4 Pills | 235.14€ 223.94€ | |
| Levitra Soft Tabs | 20mg | 180 + 10 Pills | 398.14€ 379.18€ | |
| Levitra Professional | 20mg | 120 + 4 Pills | 348.44€ 331.85€ |
Treatment-emergent adverse events were primarily mild to moderate headache (≤13%), flushing (≤10%), and rhinitis (≤10%).
| Factors Influencing Effectiveness | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Severity of ED | Mild to severe, affects response | Mild cases respond better |
| Timing of medication | Taken 30-60 min before activity | Onset varies |
| Dose | 10 mg or 20 mg | Higher dose may increase effect |
| Food intake | High-fat meals delay absorption | Take on an empty stomach or low-fat meal |
CONCLUSIONS—Vardenafil statistically improved erectile function and was generally well tolerated in these diabetic patients with ED.
Further information
You may hear a doctor call it a “priapism.” Blood becomes trapped in the penis and can’t flow back out. It can lead to scarring and permanent ED if not treated. Also get emergency treatment with any of the following: If you’re having chest pain and have taken Viagra in the past 24 hours or Cialis in the past 48 hours, don’t take nitroglycerin. Call for an EMS and make sure you or someone with you tells them which ED medicine you took. You should also stop these medications and call your doctor right away if you have vision loss.
How does vardenafil work (mechanism of action)?
A rare vision problem called NAION -- short for “nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy” -- has been reported by a few men using these drugs. The condition causes a sudden loss of eyesight because blood flow is blocked to the optic nerve. People who have a higher chance for NAION include those who: Have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol levels Keep them in their original container and out of reach of children. Store them away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). When they expire or you don’t need them anymore, get rid of them. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Irwin Goldstein, MD, Boston University Medical Center, Department of Urology, 720 Harrison Ave., Suite P-606, Boston, MA 02118.
- Levitra is a fast-acting medication, usually taking effect within 30 minutes.
- It is prescribed for men experiencing occasional or chronic ED.
- Alcohol can diminish Levitra’s effectiveness and increase adverse reactions.
- Avoid high-fat meals around the time of taking Levitra for optimal results.
- Erectile responses can depend on psychological factors; medication is one part of treatment.
- Always follow medical advice regarding dosage to maximize safety.
- Levitra’s use should be part of an overall plan including healthy lifestyle changes.
Received for publication 11 June 2002 and accepted in revised form 13 November 2002.
What other information should I know?
Pharmacotherapy for erectile dysfunction2010, Journal of Sexual MedicineCitation Excerpt :The overall grade of recommendation is grade A. Further, there is clear evidence that vardenafil is efficacious in a number of special populations of men where the ED has arisen secondary to a specific disease such as diabetes [117–119], men with ED secondary to radical retropubic prostatectomy [120], depression [121], hypertension [122], spinal cord injury and ED [123], hyperlipidemia [124] and men who have previously failed to respond to sildenafil [125]. Although side effects do occur with vardenafil (most notably headache, flushing, indigestion and nasal congestion), providing that the drug is used in line with the labeling recommendations, there is no convincing evidence in the literature of any significant safety issue, including cardiovascular, visual and aural safety [105–127]. A single phase 3 study confirms that udenafil is effective in a broad population of Korean men with ED (level of evidence: 1) [128]. The overall grade of recommendation is grade A.
Drug interactions
Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors: The Day After2007, European Urology A comprehensive review of erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes2015, Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology and Diabetes Oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and hormonal treatments for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis2009, Annals of Internal Medicine Supported by: Bayer Corporation, Bayer AG, GlaxoSmithKline. Some men with erectile dysfunction, or ED, find they can return to an active sex life by treating an underlying condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, or with counseling and lifestyle changes. But others find they may need medication to get and keep an erection. The FDA has approved several prescription drugs you take orally to treat ED. All of these work by relaxing your muscles and boosting blood flow to your penis, making erections easier to get and maintain. has received honoraria for serving on the Western Section Advisory Panel. serves on advisory panels for Bayer, Abbott, Wyeth-Ayerst, Pharmacia, MacroChem, NexMed, Urometrics, Pfizer, and Lilly; has received honoraria for speaking engagements from Bayer, Pfizer, and Mentor; is a paid consultant for Bayer, MacroChem, Urometrics, Mentor, and Wyeth-Ayerst; and has received funds for clinical studies from Bayer, Pfizer, NexMed, and Vivus.
Conditions treated by Levitra and Viagra
Caution: Do not use these ED medications if you take nitrates, such as nitroglycerin or a similar medicine, for chest pain. The combination can cause dangerously low blood pressure. These medications all work similarly to each other. However, there are subtle differences in how long they stay effective and how quickly they begin to work. Levitra takes about 30 minutes to start working and the effects last a little longer than Viagra, about 5 hours.
What are the most common side effects of vardenafil?
It contains the same active ingredient as Levitra and can begin working in about 15 minutes. Viagra takes around 30 minutes to become effective and lasts about 4 hours. Cialis lasts much longer -- up to 36 hours in some cases. Stendra can start doing its thing in as little as 15 minutes, and its effects last up to 6 hours. You may find that one works better for your schedule or that there are differences in the side effects for you. is a study site investigator and a speaker for Bayer, and is an investigator for Pfizer and Lilly-Icos. A table elsewhere in this issue shows conventional and Système International (SI) units and conversion factors for many substances.
Trial purpose
But these medications work the same basic way, so you’re likely to have similar results. Again, do not use these ED medications if you take nitrates, such as nitroglycerin or a similar medicine, for chest pain. But there are other situations that may make these medications unsafe as well. Before you take Viagra or one of the others, tell your doctor: If you are allergic to any medications, including other ED medications About any prescription or nonprescription medications you take, as well as any herbal and dietary supplements If you are scheduled for surgery, even dental surgery If you take alpha-blockers for blood pressure or prostate problems. These can lower your blood pressure when taken with ED pills.
Patient resources
Always follow the directions on mail order levitra online your prescription label carefully. Also, make sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain anything you don’t understand. You should also avoid these medications if you have uncontrolled high or low blood pressure or if you get chest pain while having sex. Side effects are not common, but they can happen. • A headache• Upset stomach or heartburn• Feeling of warmth• Nasal congestion• Changes in vision (lights tinged with color, glare) You may need emergency treatment if you get an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours and happens without any sexual excitement. Levitra (vardenafil) is a brand name medication used to treat symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition which affects millions of people worldwide.
| Side Effect | Frequency | Severity | Management Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headache | Common | Mild to moderate | Hydration, OTC pain relievers |
| Flushing | Common | Mild | Cool environment, hydration |
| Nasal Congestion | Moderate | Mild to moderate | Decongestants, nasal sprays |
| Dizziness | Less common | Mild | Avoid sudden movements |
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