Levitra (Vardenafil) vs. Other ED Meds: Detailed Comparison
Sep, 28 2025
ED Medication Comparison Tool
Compare Levitra and other ED medications based on key features:
| Drug | Active Ingredient | Onset Time | Duration | Cost per Pill | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levitra | Vardenafil | 15-30 min | 4-5 hrs | $30 (brand) | Headache, flushing, nasal congestion |
| Viagra | Sildenafil | 45-60 min | 4-5 hrs | $20 (brand) | Headache, dyspepsia, visual changes |
| Cialis | Tadalafil | 30-60 min | 24-36 hrs | $35 (brand) | Back pain, muscle aches, flushing |
| Stendra | Avanafil | ≈15 min | ~6 hrs | $40 (brand) | Headache, flushing, nasal congestion |
| Generic Vardenafil | Vardenafil | 15-30 min | 4-5 hrs | $12 | Similar to Levitra |
| Generic Sildenafil | Sildenafil | 45-60 min | 4-5 hrs | $8 | Similar to Viagra |
| Generic Avanafil | Avanafil | ≈15 min | ~6 hrs | $18 | Similar to Stendra |
Key Takeaways
- Levitra (vardenafil) works faster than many rivals, usually within 30 minutes.
- Its effect lasts about 4‑5 hours, shorter than Cialis (tadalafil) but longer than Stendra (avanafil).
- Cost‑per‑tablet is higher than generic sildenafil but lower than brand‑name Viagra.
- Food, especially high‑fat meals, can slow Levitra’s onset; Cialis is less affected.
- Side‑effect profiles are similar across PDE5 inhibitors, with headache and flushing most common.
What is Levitra?
When dealing with erectile dysfunction, Levitra is a prescription pill whose active ingredient is vardenafil, a selective phosphodiesterase‑5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It was approved in the United States in 2003 and quickly became popular because it starts working in as little as 15‑30 minutes and lasts about 4‑5 hours.
How Levitra Works
Levitra belongs to the PDE5 inhibitor class. By blocking the PDE5 enzyme, it keeps cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels high, which relaxes smooth muscle in the penile tissue and allows increased blood flow during sexual stimulation. The mechanism is identical to other pills in this group, but the molecular structure of vardenafil gives it a slightly quicker onset.
Common Alternatives
Below are the most widely used ED drugs that compete with Levitra. Each name is introduced with microdata for easy knowledge‑graph mapping.
- Viagra (Sildenafil) is the original PDE5 blocker, usually effective within 45‑60 minutes and lasting up to 5 hours.
- Cialis (Tadalafil) is known for its long 24‑36‑hour window, making it a “weekend pill.”
- Stendra (Avanafil) boasts the fastest onset-about 15 minutes-though its duration is roughly 6 hours.
- Generic Vardenafil offers the same active ingredient as Levitra at a lower price point.
- Generic Sildenafil provides a cost‑effective version of Viagra.
- Generic Tadalafil mirrors Cialis’s long‑lasting profile without the brand price.
- Generic Avanafil brings Stendra’s rapid kick at a reduced cost.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Drug | Active Ingredient | Typical Starting Dose | Onset | Duration | Average Cost (US$) per Pill | Food Interaction | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levitra | Vardenafil | 10mg | 15‑30min | 4‑5hrs | ≈$30 (brand) | High‑fat meals may delay | Headache, flushing, nasal congestion |
| Viagra | Sildenafil | 50mg | 45‑60min | 4‑5hrs | ≈$20 (brand) | Food can slow onset | Headache, dyspepsia, visual changes |
| Cialis | Tadalafil | 10mg | 30‑60min | 24‑36hrs | ≈$35 (brand) | Minimal food impact | Back pain, muscle aches, flushing |
| Stendra | Avanafil | 100mg | ≈15min | ~6hrs | ≈$40 (brand) | Little effect from food | Headache, flushing, nasal congestion |
| Generic Vardenafil | Vardenafil | 10mg | 15‑30min | 4‑5hrs | ≈$12 | Same as brand | Similar to Levitra |
| Generic Sildenafil | Sildenafil | 50mg | 45‑60min | 4‑5hrs | ≈$8 | Same as brand | Similar to Viagra |
| Generic Avanafil | Avanafil | 100mg | ≈15min | ~6hrs | ≈$18 | Minimal food impact | Similar to Stendra |
Decision‑Making Criteria
When picking a pill, most men weigh four core factors:
- Speed of onset: How quickly you can expect an erection after taking the dose.
- Duration of effect: Whether you need a short window (a single encounter) or a longer window (spontaneous activity over the day).
- Cost and insurance coverage: Brand names can be pricey; generics often give the same result for a fraction of the price.
- Side‑effect tolerance: Some men experience more back pain with tadalafil, while others notice more visual disturbances with sildenafil.
Levitra scores high on speed, middle on duration, and sits somewhere between Viagra and Cialis on price. If you’re okay with a 4‑hour window and want quicker action than Viagra, it’s a solid middle‑ground choice.
Best‑For / Not‑For Summary
| Drug | Best‑For | Not‑Best‑For |
|---|---|---|
| Levitra | Men who want a fast start (<30min) without a full‑day duration. | Those on a tight budget; food‑sensitive individuals. |
| Viagra | First‑time users who prefer a well‑known brand. | Anyone needing a rapid (<30min) effect. |
| Cialis | Men who like spontaneity - weekend or daily low‑dose use. | Those who dislike back pain or want a shorter window. |
| Stendra | Those who need the quickest onset for unexpected plans. | Budget‑conscious users; people on nitrates (all PDE5 inhibitors share this restriction). |
| Generic Vardenafil | Cost‑savers who still want Levitra’s speed. | Patients who require brand‑specific packaging for insurance. |
| Generic Sildenafil | Very price‑sensitive users. | Those needing the fastest onset. |
| Generic Avanafil | Quick‑onset, low‑cost seekers. | People who dislike the higher 100mg dose. |
Practical Tips & Common Pitfalls
- Always take the pill on an empty stomach or after a light meal if you choose Levitra; a greasy burger can push the onset beyond an hour.
- Don’t mix any PDE5 inhibitor with nitrate medications (often prescribed for chest pain). The combo can cause dangerous blood‑pressure drops.
- If you experience persistent headache, try lowering the dose by half before stopping the medication entirely.
- Keep a short log: note dose, timing, food, and erection quality. Patterns emerge quickly and help your doctor fine‑tune the prescription.
Choosing the Right Option for You
Imagine you have a weekend getaway planned. You’ll likely appreciate Cialis’ 24‑hour coverage, letting you enjoy spontaneous moments without a pill each time. Conversely, a weekday dinner date where you know the exact time you’ll be intimate? Levitra or Stendra gives that quick‑fire boost.
Talk to a urologist, bring your activity‑schedule, and discuss insurance coverage. Most doctors will start you on a low dose of a generic (often sildenafil) to gauge tolerance, then switch to a brand like Levitra if you need the speed edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Levitra and Viagra together for extra effect?
No. Both drugs belong to the same PDE5‑inhibitor class, so stacking them doesn’t increase potency and only raises the risk of side effects such as severe headache or low blood pressure.
Is it safe to use Levitra if I have high blood pressure?
Generally yes, but you should discuss dosage with your doctor. Levitra can cause a modest drop in blood pressure, which is usually fine for well‑controlled hypertension. Avoid it if you’re on nitrate therapy.
How does the cost of generic vardenafil compare to brand Levitra?
Generic vardenafil typically runs between $10‑$15 for a 30‑day supply, whereas brand Levitra can cost $30 or more per tablet. The efficacy is the same; the difference is only in packaging and brand markup.
What should I do if I experience a prolonged erection?
A erection lasting longer than four hours (priapism) is a medical emergency. Seek immediate care; treatment may involve medication to relax the penile muscles and restore normal blood flow.
Can alcohol affect Levitra’s performance?
Yes. Moderate alcohol can reduce blood flow to the penis, blunting the drug’s effect. Heavy drinking may also increase the chance of side effects like dizziness.