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

Most common
headache (15%)
flushing (11%)
dyspepsia (4%)
rhinitis (9%)

Avanafil

Most common
headache (10-16%)
flushing (5-12%)
dyspepsia (4-12%)
nasal congestion (1-10%)

Levitra vs. Avanafil Dosage

Levitra

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

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