Levitra vs Sildenafil: How These Drugs Compare

Introduction

Most of the people around the US are facing problems like Erectile Dysfunction(ED). There might be different reasons for this problem such as diabetes, depression, anxiety, heart disease, high blood pressure, excess consumption of alcohol, spinal cord or nerve-related injuries, etc. 

According to the official website of the US National Library of Medicine, 18.4% of men who are either 20 years old or above are found to deal with the problem of Erectile Dysfunction(ED).

Here in this blog, we are going to describe two types of drugs that are used for treating erectile dysfunction. 

What is Erectile Dysfunction(ED)?

Erectile dysfunction is mentioned as the incapability to achieve penis erection with decreased sexual performance. 

What is Levitra?

Levitra is the brand name of the medicine and vardenafil is the generic name of it. It belongs to the drug class of impotence agents. 

This is a drug that is used to treat erectile dysfunction in an individual. The drug is discontinued in the US by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)

How Does Levitra Work?

Levitra is a medicine that increases the flow of blood in specific parts of the body. The drug increases the blood flow in the penis during sexual arousal and causes erection. 

Important Note: The medicine is not a cure for the problem, does not stop pregnancy, and also does not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).

Dosage and Strength 

An oral dosage of 10 mg is suggested to be consumed once a day and should be taken 60 minutes before sexual activity.

The maximum dosage of the medicine is 20 mg 

People who are above 65 years are suggested to consume the drug 5 mg orally once a day.  

 The medicine is orange for both the dosage and round in shape.

Side Effects of Levitra 

Side effects of the medicine can be seen if you are allergic to the active ingredients present in the medicine. Signs of allergy are as follows:

• Difficulty breathing 
• Hives 
• Swelling on the faced 
• Swelling on the lips 
• Swelling on the tongue 

You need to immediately stop consuming the medicine if there are symptoms such as:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting. 
• Pain in jaw or shoulder.
• Pain in the chest.
• Poor vision. 
• Painful erection lasts up to 4 hours. 
• Sweating.
• Heart attack

Consuming the wrong dose can lead to adverse side effects and stop consuming the medicine if you experience any of the symptoms after the consumption of Levitra, which are as follows: 

• Unexpected loss of hearing
• Fluctuation in heartbeat 
• Multiple episodes of seizure

Some common side effects of Levitra are as follows:

• Sinus pain 
• Back pain
• Severe headache 
• Dizziness
• Flatulence 
• Fervent 

What other drug interactions can affect Levitra?

Avoid using Levitra with similar drugs such as avanafil (Stendra) or sildenafil (Viagra) etc.

Inform your consulting healthcare professional if you are taking medicines such as:

• HIV/ Aids medicine.
• Antifungal medicine (Ketoconazolem, Itraconazole).
• Antibiotics such as (Erythromycin and clarithromycin).
• Medicines that are used to treat blood pressure.
• Heart medicines (Dronedarone, Amiodarone, Procainamide).

What is Sildenafil?

Sildenafil is the generic name of the drug and is sold under the brand name Revatio, viagra. It belongs to the drug class of impotence agents, agents for pulmonary hypertension. 

It is used to treat erectile dysfunction in an individual. And helps to achieve an erection during sexual intercourse.

This drug was approved by the FDA in the US on March 27, 1998.

Note that: Consult a medical healthcare expert if your erection is longer than four hours or if you have pain while erection. 

Dosage and Strength

It is suggested to take Sildenafil as per the prescription of an expert medical practitioner and follow all the instructions as guided by the medical healthcare professional.

The medicine is available in the following strengths:

• 20 mg 
• 25mg
• 50 mg
• 100 mg

The 100 mg of the medicine is oval in shape and white in color.  

Side Effects of Sildenafil

Allergic reactions to the medicine may be due to the presence of active ingredients present in the drug. 

Allergic signs may be as follows:

• Problem while breathing.
• Painful erection lasts longer than 4 hours.
• Swelling ankles
• Multiple episodes of seizure 
• Arrhythmia 
• Feeling light-headed
• Instantaneous hearing loss 
• Swelling in the feet 

Some common side effects of Sildenafil are as follows:

• Headache 
• Dizziness 
• Blurry vision
• Sleeping disorders
• Bleeding from the nose 

What other drug interactions affect Sildenafil?

You should inform them about your medical history so the expert can advise you on suitable medicine. 

It is necessary to inform medical healthcare experts if you have consumed similar kinds of medications or are dealing with erectile dysfunction.

Avoid using nitrate drugs such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide, dinitrate, isosorbide, and mononitrate that are used for treating chest pain or heart problems. 

Consumption of nitrate-based drugs can have serious side effects and lead to a sudden decrease in blood pressure. 

Avoid using the following drugs with Sildenafil:

• Drugs that are used to treat prostate problems.
• Antifungal medicine.
• Medicine is used to treat high blood pressure.
• Drugs that are useful in treating HIV.

Conclusion

The medicines mentioned above help treat erectile dysfunction. It is suggested that the medicine be consumed based on a doctor’s prescription. 

Follow the necessary guidelines as guided by your medical healthcare professional.