Viagra vs. Levitra
See how Viagra and Levitra compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Viagra and Levitra are both PDE5 inhibitors taken as needed before sex, not on a daily schedule.
Viagra has a longer track record but slightly higher rates of headache, flushing, and dyspepsia than Levitra's trials showed.
Levitra is now only available as a generic in the US, while Viagra is sold as both a brand-name and generic tablet.
Viagra vs. Levitra Drug Summary
Viagra
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It is taken as an oral tablet on an as-needed basis, roughly 30 minutes to an hour before sexual activity. It has been available since 1998, making it the longest-used drug in this class.
Levitra
Levitra (vardenafil) is a PDE5 inhibitor also used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It is taken as an oral tablet as needed before sexual activity, similar to Viagra. It was approved in 2003 and is now available only as a generic in the US.
Viagra vs. Levitra Side Effects
Viagra
Levitra
Viagra vs. Levitra Dosage
Viagra
Levitra
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 mg as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
| 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 |
Viagra
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 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 |
Viagra vs. Levitra Indications
Viagra
Viagra is FDA-approved solely for treating erectile dysfunction in adult men. It is not approved for use in women or in children. It works by relaxing blood vessels in the penis to improve blood flow during sexual stimulation.
Treats erectile dysfunction in adult men
Not approved for use in women
Not approved for use in children
Taken as needed before sexual activity
First oral PDE5 inhibitor approved for ED
Levitra
Levitra is also FDA-approved only for treating erectile dysfunction in adult men. It is not approved for use in women or in pediatric patients. Like Viagra, it works by relaxing blood vessels in the penis to improve blood flow during sexual stimulation.
Treats erectile dysfunction in adult men
Not approved for use in women
Not approved for pediatric patients
Taken as needed before sexual activity
Only available as generic vardenafil in the US
Viagra vs. Levitra Pros and Cons
Viagra
Viagra was the first PDE5 inhibitor approved for erectile dysfunction and has more than two decades of clinical use behind it. It carries no boxed warning, but its trials showed slightly higher rates of headache, flushing, and vision changes than vardenafil's trials. It remains available as both a brand-name and generic tablet.
Pros
FDA approved since 1998, the longest real-world track record of any PDE5 inhibitor
Still sold as a brand-name product as well as generic sildenafil
No boxed warning on its FDA label
Cons
Visual disturbances such as blurred or blue-tinged vision are reported in up to 11% of users
Headache, flushing, and dyspepsia occurred at higher rates in trials than with Levitra
Lowest available dose is 25 mg, higher than Levitra's 5 mg starting dose
Levitra
Levitra works the same way as Viagra but is now only available as generic vardenafil in the US, since the manufacturer discontinued the brand. Its trials reported somewhat lower rates of common side effects, though its label carries additional warnings around heart rhythm and dialysis. It offers a lower starting dose for men who prefer to titrate more gradually.
Pros
Lower rates of headache, flushing, and dyspepsia in clinical trials than Viagra
Offers a lower starting dose of 5 mg, useful for men who need gentler titration
May work for men who get insufficient effect from sildenafil, since its chemical structure differs
Cons
No longer sold as a branded product in the US, only generic vardenafil is available
Added contraindication for men with congenital QT prolongation or on certain antiarrhythmic drugs
Not recommended for men on renal dialysis
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.