Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (also known asPDE5 inhibitors) are a class of drugs commonly used to treat ED.
Two drugs in this class are Levitra (vardenafil) and Viagra (sildenafil).
This article will review important information about both medications.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Levitra is no longer available as a brand-name drug in the United States.
How Do Vardenafil and Viagra Work?
PDE5 inhibitors, including vardenafil and Viagra, work in the same way.
When combined with sexual stimulation, they help increase blood flow to the penis.
The increased blood flow can lead to an erection.
It is important to note that these medications do not cure ED.
They also do not prevent pregnancy orsexually transmitted infections (STIs).
How Long Do They Take to Work?
How Long Do They Last?
Both medications can last up to about four hours after taking them.
Does Food Affect How ED Drugs Work?
Some research has shown vardenafil to be affected by ahigh-fat meal.
However, changes in dosage or food intake are not required based on clinical studies.
The prescribing information states that vardenafil can be taken with or without food.
Like vardenafil, Viagra can also be taken with or without food.
However, taking Viagra with a high-fat meal can make the medication take about an hour longer to work.
They include Stendra (avanafil) andCialis(tadalafil).
Which One Is More Effective?
There are few studies directly comparing vardenafil with sildenafil.
One older study compared three ED drugs: vardenafil, sildenafil, and tadalafil.
The study found that vardenafil was more potent (strong) than sildenafil.
However, both drugs were found to be similarly effective in treating ED.
Notably, tadalafil, the ingredient in Cialis, was preferred, possibly because it lasted longer.
However, it was still similarly effective as the other ED medicines.
Another studyfound that both vardenafil and sildenafil were well-tolerated, with vardenafil performing better than sildenafil.
Overall, both medications are generally effective for treating ED.
Lifestyle changes that may help include dietary changes and increased exercise.
Side Effects: Which One Is More Tolerable?
Also, tell your healthcare provider if you have had any heart problems.
Vardenafil or Viagra should never be taken with nitrate drugs such as isosorbide mononitrate or nitroglycerin.
You may need a higher or lower dose or a different medication.
Vardenafil vs. Viagra vs. Cialis
Cialis is a commonly prescribed medication for ED.
Its active ingredient is tadalafil.
However, Cialis can last much longer.
One dose of Cialis may last up to 36 hours.
There are two ways to take Cialis.
Cialis can also be taken at a low dose once a day regularly, without regard to sexual activity.
Then, sexual activity can occur at any time in combination with stimulation.
Summary
Vardenafil and Viagra are commonly prescribed drugs used to treat ED.
In combination with sexual stimulation, they can help with achieving and maintaining an erection.
Both of these medications are part of a class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors.
PDE5 inhibitors work by increasing blood flow to the penis.
Because they are in the same drug class, they have many similarities but also some differences as well.
Overall, there is no “best” treatment for ED since all PDE5 inhibitors are generally effective options.
you might also try other methods, such as lifestyle changes.
Consult your healthcare provider for more information and medical advice on what might work for you.
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Merck Manual.Oral phosphodiesterase pop in 5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction.
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Doggrell SA.Comparison of clinical trials with sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil in erectile dysfunction.Expert Opin Pharmacother.
