In the USA, almost 30 million men suffer from a sexual dysfunction called ED or erectile dysfunction. It is a condition where a man is unable to attain and maintain an erection. There are various factors that may cause ED in men such as stress, depression, and certain health-related disorders all can lead to this condition. Today, we will be taking a look at two medications with its comparison (Levitra vs Viagra) that are used for the treatment of ED.
Having this health condition often impacts the self-esteem of men. They are often too shy to open up about this issue, even to doctors. However, healthcare professionals help patients who are facing similar conditions regularly. They also realize that talking about these issues is hard for patients.
So, let’s understand the differences and similarities between these two drugs briefly.
What is Levitra?
Levitra is a branded drug that contains vardenafil as its active ingredient, which is also its generic form. This medication is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).
It belongs to a class of drugs called PDE inhibitors. The generic form of Levitra i.e. vardenafil, is available and can buy with a prescription in the USA.
What is Viagra?
A popular drug that is used to treat ED is Viagra. the active ingredient and generic variant of this drug is Sildenafil. This medication is classified as a PDE5 inhibitor. It can only be purchased with a prescription
Mechanism of Levitra vs Viagra:
Levitra and Viagra are both phosphodiesterase 5-type inhibitors or PDE 5 inhibitors. Hence they both work similarly to each other. Their detailed mechanism is as follows:
- In men, during sexual simulation molecules called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) are released. These molecules relax the smooth muscle cells in the male sex external organ.
- Due to the relaxation caused by cGMP molecules, blood flow to the male genitalia is increased. This results in an erection.
- Enzymes called phosphodiesterase 5 type are released when the erection is to be reversed. These enzymes break down the cGMP molecules, which undoes the relaxation of smooth muscle cells and as a result, erection is reversed.
- PDE 5 inhibitors, as the name suggests, inhibit the working of PDE. Hence, cGMP remains in the body for a longer duration, resulting in a prolonged erection.
Forms and Dosages:
The forms of Viagra and Levitra are as follows-
Viagra is available in the form of oral tablets. Its strengths are
The various oral tablet strengths of Levitra drug are-
Dosages: Levitra vs Viagra
Levitra Dosages
The minimum dose of Levitra is 5 mg per day. Depending on the specific case, the dose can range from 5 mg per day to 20 mg per day. This medicine may take up to an hour to work and its effects can last for 4 hours.
Viagra Dosages
The minimum dose of this medicine for men health is 25 mg per day. Doctors may prescribe patients up to 100 mg of this medicine every day. This drug will reach its maximum efficacy 60 minutes after ingestion. The effects of this drug may last for 4 hours.
Which Drug works faster?
Both drugs work fast. Individuals do need to wait for a long time after taking these drugs. After taking a standard dose the medicine Levitra starts working after 30 minutes. An ED patient gets a better result if he takes the dosages 1 hour before having sex as the doctor’s recommendation.
ED patients can take Viagra 30 minutes before having sex. As a result, both drugs take the same time to start work in the patien’s body.
Are Levitra and Viagra affected by Food?
Food doesn’t affect the Levitra which means the patient can take it with food or after a meal. But when using Levitra it will be helpful for patients if they avoid food that is highly fatty because it may slow down the medication absorption in the patient’s body.
But Viagra medicine is affected by food so patients should take it with an empty stomach. Viagra may take a long time to start working if you take it after taking food.
Side Effects of Levitra and Viagra Drug:
Common side effects of Levitra are:
- Nasal congestion
- Bloating
- Redness of skin
- Pain in the lower back
- Bloating
- Headache
- Faintness
- Heartburn
Common side effects of Viagra drug are include
- Nausea
- Headache
- Heartburn
- The feeling of numbness, tingling, or burning in limbs
- Nose bleeds
- Flushing or redness of skin
- Body aches
If a patient faces extreme forms of any of the side effects then contact medical help immediately.
Precautions for Both the Drugs:
Here are some of the precautions that people must follow while taking or handling Levitra or Viagra
- Store these medicines in a dry and dark place at room temperature.
- These men’s health medicines can cause drug interactions with other drugs. So, never take them with others.
- If the painful condition occurs consult with a doctor immediately.
- Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of side effects of these drugs. Avoid any edibles that contain alcohol just before or after taking these medicines.
- Never take more than one dose of these drugs. because it can cause an overdose.
- The patients should inform their doctor of their medical history.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Both Levitra and Viagra are used to treat sexual problems in men. As per comparing various ED drugs, Levitra was found to be more potent than Viagra. We describe almost all Levitra vs Viagra comparison factors in this blog. Hope this blog will be helpful for you to choose the better ED medicine for you!
