Levitra vs. Avanafil
See how Levitra and Avanafil compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Both Levitra (vardenafil) and Avanafil are PDE5 inhibitors taken as needed before sexual activity, not daily medications.
Avanafil tends to work faster, with some men noticing effects in as little as 15 minutes, while Levitra typically takes about an hour.
Levitra is only available as a generic in the US, while Avanafil has no generic option, which can affect what a pharmacy charges.
Levitra vs. Avanafil Drug Summary
Levitra
Levitra (vardenafil) is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It comes as an oral tablet taken as needed, roughly 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. It has been available since 2003 and is now sold only as generic vardenafil in the US.
Avanafil
Avanafil is a PDE5 inhibitor also used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It is taken as an oral tablet as needed, with some men noticing effects in as little as 15 minutes. It was approved in 2012 and remains available only as a brand-name product.
Levitra vs. Avanafil Side Effects
Levitra
Avanafil
Levitra vs. Avanafil Dosage
Levitra
Avanafil
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg once daily as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg once daily as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 50 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 200 mg as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Levitra
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg once daily as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg once daily as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Avanafil
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 50 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 200 mg as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Levitra vs. Avanafil Indications
Levitra
Levitra is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It works by relaxing blood vessels in the penis to help achieve and maintain an erection when combined with sexual stimulation. It is not approved for use in women or children.
Treats erectile dysfunction in adult men
Taken as needed, not on a fixed schedule
Available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets
Not approved for women or pediatric patients
Avanafil
Avanafil is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. Like Levitra, it works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. It is not approved for use in women or children.
Treats erectile dysfunction in adult men
Taken as needed, not on a fixed schedule
Available in 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg tablets
Not approved for women or pediatric patients
Levitra vs. Avanafil Pros and Cons
Levitra
Levitra has been on the market since 2003, giving prescribers and patients a longer track record with the drug. It is now sold only as generic vardenafil, which can make it easier to fill at various pharmacies. Its main drawbacks are a slower onset than Avanafil and dialysis restrictions.
Pros
Long-established safety record since 2003 approval
Only available as generic vardenafil in the US
Three FDA-labeled strengths to fine-tune dosing
Cons
Slower onset, typically about 30 to 60 minutes
Not recommended for patients on renal dialysis
Contraindicated with Class IA and III antiarrhythmics
Avanafil
Avanafil stands out for its fast onset, with some men noticing effects within 15 minutes of taking it. It remains a brand-only product with no generic version currently sold in the US. Its restrictions are stricter for patients with severe kidney or liver impairment.
Pros
Fastest onset among PDE5 inhibitors, as little as 15 min
Wider dose range up to 200 mg for tailored dosing
Approved more recently, reflecting newer trial data
Cons
No generic version currently available in the US
Contraindicated in severe renal or hepatic impairment
Shorter real-world track record since 2012 approval
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.