ED Medication Comparison Tool
Find Your Best ED Medication
Answer these questions to see which medication best matches your needs.
Looking for a clear picture of how Levitra stacks up against other ED pills? This guide breaks down the facts you need, from how the drugs work to real‑world side‑effects and pricing. By the end you’ll know which option fits your lifestyle and health profile.
How Levitra Works
When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction, Levitra is the brand name for vardenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that increases blood flow to the penis by relaxing smooth muscle tissue. It belongs to the same drug family as Viagra and Cialis, but its chemical structure gives it a slightly faster onset-usually 15‑30 minutes after ingestion.
Levitra’s effectiveness depends on three key physiological steps:
- Sexual stimulation triggers the release of nitric oxide (NO) in the penis.
- NO activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase, raising cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels.
- Elevated cGMP keeps blood vessels dilated; vardenafil prevents cGMP breakdown, sustaining the erection.
Because it targets the PDE5 pathway, Levitra only works when sexual arousal is present-there’s no spontaneous erection.
Key Comparison Criteria
Before we dive into drug‑by‑drug breakdowns, let’s set the yardsticks you’ll use to judge each medication. The most relevant factors for most users are:
- Onset time - how quickly the pill starts working after you swallow it.
- Duration of effectiveness - the window during which you can achieve an erection.
- Dosage flexibility - availability of low, standard, and high doses.
- Food and alcohol interactions - whether a heavy meal or drinks blunt the effect.
- Side‑effect profile - common and serious adverse reactions.
- Cost and insurance coverage - price per pill and typical reimbursement.
These criteria align with clinical guidelines from the American Urological Association (AUA) and real‑world patient surveys completed in 2023‑24.
Levitra vs Sildenafil (Viagra)
Sildenafil (brand name Viagra) is the first PDE5 inhibitor that hit the market in 1998. While both drugs share the same mechanism, their pharmacokinetics differ enough to affect daily use.
| Attribute | Levitra (Vardenafil) | Viagra (Sildenafil) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical dose | 10 mg (can be increased to 20 mg) | 50 mg (can be increased to 100 mg) |
| Onset | 15‑30 minutes | 30‑60 minutes |
| Duration | 4‑6 hours | 4‑5 hours |
| Food effect | High‑fat meals may delay onset by ~15 minutes | Heavy meals can delay onset up to 2 hours |
| Common side‑effects | Headache, flushing, nasal congestion | Headache, visual disturbances, dyspepsia |
| Average cost (US, 2025) | $1.10 per 10 mg tablet | $0.90 per 50 mg tablet |
Key takeaways:
- Levitra works a bit faster, which some men prefer for spontaneous plans.
- Viagra’s larger standard dose can be helpful for men who need a higher ceiling of blood‑flow support.
- Both drugs are contraindicated with nitrates, but Viagra’s visual side‑effects (blue‑tint vision) are unique.
Levitra vs Tadalafil (Cialis)
Tadalafil, sold as Cialis, is known for its long‑lasting effect. It’s the go‑to choice for men who want flexibility without planning each dose.
| Feature | Levitra (Vardenafil) | Cialis (Tadalafil) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical dose | 10 mg (max 20 mg) | 2.5 mg daily or 10 mg as needed |
| Onset | 15‑30 minutes | 30‑60 minutes (up to 2 hours for daily low dose) |
| Duration | 4‑6 hours | Up to 36 hours ("weekend pill") |
| Food effect | Minimal | Minimal; high‑fat meals have little impact |
| Side‑effects | Headache, flushing, back pain (rare) | Muscle aches, back pain, indigestion |
| Average cost (US, 2025) | $1.10 per 10 mg tablet | $0.95 per 10 mg tablet (daily dose slightly cheaper) |
When you need a “take‑any‑time” pill, Cialis wins hands‑down. But if you prefer a short‑window, on‑demand option without daily dosing, Levitra is a solid middle ground.
Levitra vs Avanafil (Stendra)
Avanafil, marketed as Stendra, is the newest generation of PDE5 inhibitors. Its claim to fame is the ultra‑fast onset.
| Levitra (Vardenafil) | Stendra (Avanafil) | |
|---|---|---|
| Approved dose range | 5‑20 mg | 50‑200 mg |
| Onset | 15‑30 minutes | As quick as 10‑15 minutes |
| Duration | 4‑6 hours | 6‑12 hours |
| Food impact | High‑fat meals may delay slightly | Negligible; even heavy meals won’t delay |
| Side‑effects | Typical PDE5 class: headache, flushing | Generally milder; rare visual issues |
| Average price (US, 2025) | $1.10 per 10 mg tablet | $1.40 per 100 mg tablet |
Stendra’s ultra‑fast action makes it attractive for men who want spontaneity without waiting. However, its higher price and larger pill size can be drawbacks for some users.
Choosing the Right Option for You
Every man’s health profile is unique, so the “best” ED drug is a personal decision. Use the flowchart below to narrow down your choice.
- Do you need a quick‑onset pill? If yes, consider Levitra or Stendra. For the fastest start, Stendra wins.
- Do you want a long window for spontaneity? If you dislike timing, Cialis (tadalafil) offers up to 36 hours.
- Are you on nitrates or certain heart medicines? All PDE5 inhibitors share the same contraindication, so you’ll need a doctor’s clearance regardless of brand.
- Is cost a major factor? Generic Levitra and Viagra are usually cheaper per mg than brand‑name Stendra.
- Any history of visual disturbances? Avoid sildenafil if you’ve had it; vardenafil and avanafil have lower visual risk.
After you answer these questions, you’ll likely land on one or two candidates. The next step is a short trial-most doctors recommend trying the lowest approved dose for a week to gauge tolerance.
Quick Checklist Before You Order
- Confirm you’re not taking nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) or alpha‑blockers.
- Discuss any cardiovascular conditions with your physician.
- Check for potential drug‑food interactions (especially with high‑fat meals for Levitra and Viagra).
- Know your preferred dosing schedule: on‑demand vs daily low‑dose.
- Compare pharmacy prices; online pharmacies often list cheaper generics.
Keeping this list handy will help you avoid common pitfalls and make the purchasing process smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Levitra with alcohol?
Moderate alcohol (one‑two drinks) usually doesn’t cancel the effect, but heavy drinking can blunt blood flow and increase the chance of low blood pressure, which may reduce efficacy.
How does Levitra differ from “natural” supplements?
Levitra is a prescription‑only PDE5 inhibitor with FDA‑approved dosing and safety data. Over‑the‑counter supplements claim similar benefits but lack the same rigorous testing, and their active ingredients vary widely.
Is it safe to take Levitra daily?
Daily dosing isn’t standard for Levitra; most guidelines suggest taking it only when needed. If you need daily coverage, tadalafil (2.5 mg) is the approved option.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Since Levitra is taken on‑demand, there’s no “missed” dose. Just wait until you’re ready for sexual activity, then take a tablet at least 15 minutes beforehand.
Can I use Levitra if I have high blood pressure?
Most men with controlled hypertension can use Levitra safely, but you must avoid combining it with blood‑pressure meds that cause severe hypotension (like nitrates). Always get a doctor’s clearance.
