Levitra and Viagra compared

Levitra vs Viagra: what are the similarities?

Levitra and Viagra are both PDE5 inhibitors used to help men achieve and maintain an erection adequate to engage in sexual intercourse. They work by increasing blood flow to the penis, improving erectile function.

PDE5 inhibitors can not permanently cure erectile dysfunction, and they require you to be sexually stimulated for them to work. 

These taken-as-needed medications are designed to be taken before sexual activity to allow you to achieve and maintain an erection within the duration of the medication's effectiveness. 

There are no known reasons why Levitra or Viagra can’t be used as a long-term treatment. However, it's always best to try and find any underlying cause of erectile dysfunction with your GP. These causes can include underlying health conditions, stress and anxiety, smoking, and illicit drug use or depression. 

For more information on the psychological and physical causes of erectile dysfunction, read our article Erectile Dysfunction: What You Need to Know.

Levitra vs Viagra: what are the differences?

PDE5 inhibitors like Levitra and Viagra all have the same purpose and function, but they vary in their duration of action, onset time, side effects and active ingredients. 

A significant difference between Levitra and Viagra is their active ingredient. Both are brand names for the active ingredients vardenafil (Levitra) and sildenafil (Viagra).

Every man is different and has a different reason for their erectile dysfunction, as well as different allergies, contraindications, and preferences for erectile dysfunction treatment. 

It’s best to get to know the available options as best you can before deciding on the most appropriate treatment for you and your lifestyle. 

Compare and explore the pros and cons of other erectile dysfunction medications in our article Cialis vs Viagra: Understanding the Differences.

Levitra (vardenafil): pros and cons

Levitra and Viagra are similar in price, duration of action, effectiveness and side effects. 

Although they are very similar, the slight differences between the two medications could make one a slightly better option for you.  

Levitra pros:

• Slightly quicker onset time than Viagra (25 minutes to 1 hour)

• Can be taken with or without food, however heavy or high fat meals may delay its effects

Levitra cons:

• Doesn't have a daily or version you can buy over the counter available

The faster onset time and the lower interaction with food can make Levitra an appealing option.

If you are allergic to Viagra (sildenafil) or any of its ingredients, Levitra could be an available solution for you if your GP deems it appropriate for you.

Viagra (Sildenafil): pros and cons

Both Viagra and Levitra are not intended for continuous daily use. The benefit of Viagra is that it is available in an over-the-counter version.

Viagra Connect could provide a more convenient solution if you prefer non-prescription medications. 

Viagra pros:

• Available over the counter (Viagra Connect) which can be purchased in a pharmacy without a GP appointment

Viagra Cons:

• To be taken on an empty stomach

• Slightly longer onset action than Levitra

If you are allergic to Levitra (verdenafil) and any of its ingredients, Viagra could be an available solution for you if your GP deems it a better treatment for you.

How to find the best erectile dysfunction medication?

Your GP will assess if you are eligible for erectile dysfunction medication and will suggest ones appropriate for you.

You won’t know whether the medication is the best option until you have tried it. Everyone reacts differently to medications and so some may experience more side effects than others. It is also normal to need a few tries of any erectile dysfunction medication before judging if it works for you.

Whilst most erectile dysfunction medications sold in registered UK pharmacies are effective and well tolerated, there is the chance that they may not work for you at all or that you will experience side effects.

If this is the case, your GP can reassess your medication to see if you need to increase your dosage or switch to a different erectile dysfunction medication or treatment.

Where can I purchase Levitra and Viagra?

You can only access Levitra and Viagra with a GP prescription. 

Viagra Connect is available over the counter, but you must first consult with your GP or local pharmacist  to ensure you’re eligible. 

At Pharmacy2U, we offer a prescription service that allows us to deliver repeat and one-off prescriptions straight to your door once we receive your GP's prescription request. 

Take a further look at our prescriptions service for more information.

Advice and information to help erectile dysfunction