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

Most common
Headache (up to 28%)
Flushing (up to 19%)
Dyspepsia (up to 17%)
Abnormal vision (up to 11%)

Levitra

Most common
Headache (up to 15%)
Flushing (up to 11%)
Dyspepsia (up to 4%)
Rhinitis (up to 9%)

Viagra vs. Levitra Dosage

Viagra

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

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

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

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