Levitra (Vardenafil) vs. Other ED Medications: Detailed Comparison

Levitra (Vardenafil) vs. Other ED Medications: Detailed Comparison
Sergei Safrinskij 10 October 2025 1

ED Medication Comparison Tool

How This Tool Helps

This tool matches your preferences for timing, duration, cost, and side effects with the best ED medication. It considers Levitra (Vardenafil) alongside Viagra, Cialis, Stendra, and generics to find your optimal choice.

Quick Takeaways

If you’re weighing Levitra against other erectile dysfunction (ED) pills, focus on three things: how fast it works, how long it lasts, and how the price fits your budget. Levitra kicks in in about 30minutes, stays effective for up to 12hours, and sits in the middle of the price range - cheaper than premium brand names but pricier than generic vardenafil.

Other options differ in onset (Stendra is the fastest), duration (Cialis lasts up to 36hours), and side‑effect profile (Viagra can cause visual changes more often). Use the comparison table below to match a drug with the timing you need and the cost you can afford.

How Levitra (Vardenafil) Works

When people talk about Levitra (Vardenafil) is a prescription pill that helps men with erectile dysfunction. It was approved by the FDA in 2003 and comes in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets. The active ingredient blocks the enzyme phosphodiesterase‑5 (PDE‑5), which results in smoother blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation.

Clinical studies show roughly 80% of men achieve satisfactory erections within an hour of taking Levitra. The drug’s half‑life is about 4‑5hours, giving a usable window of up to 12hours, which fits a weekend or an evening out without needing an extra dose.

Key Comparison Criteria

  • Onset time - how quickly you can expect an erection after the pill.
  • Duration of effect - the length of the therapeutic window.
  • Success rate - percentage of men reporting a satisfactory result.
  • Side‑effects - common adverse reactions that might affect your decision.
  • Cost per tablet - average market price in U.S. dollars.
Illustration of penile arteries dilating as Levitra unlocks PDE‑5 enzymes.

Head‑to‑Head Comparison Table

ED medication comparison: Levitra vs. alternatives
Drug (brand) Generic name Typical dose Onset Duration Success rate Common side‑effects Approx. cost (USD)
Levitra Vardenafil 5‑20mg 30‑60min Up to 12hr ≈80% Headache, flushing, nasal congestion $4‑$6
Viagra Sildenafil 25‑100mg 30‑60min 4‑6hr ≈70% Visual tint, upset stomach, muscle pain $2‑$4 (generic)
Cialis Tadalafil 2.5‑20mg ≈30min Up to 36hr ≈80% Back pain, indigestion, muscle aches $5‑$8
Stendra Avanafil 50‑200mg 15‑30min ≈6hr ≈75% Rash, dizziness, nasal stuffiness $6‑$9
Generic Vardenafil Vardenafil 5‑20mg 30‑60min 12hr ≈80% Same as Levitra $1‑$2

Pros and Cons of Each Option

Levitra offers a reliable 12‑hour window and a moderate onset time, making it a solid all‑round choice. Its downsides include a slightly higher price than generic sildenafil and occasional visual side‑effects for a small group.

Viagra was the first oral ED drug on the market and is widely trusted. The drug’s shorter duration can be a benefit for men who only need occasional use, but the visual disturbances and lower success rate may turn some users away.

Cialis shines with its ‘weekend‑pill’ effect - a single dose can cover two full days of intimacy. However, the longer half‑life means some men experience lingering side‑effects, and the price tag is on the higher side.

Stendra is the fastest‑acting option, often working in just 15minutes. It’s great for spontaneous plans, but the newer brand means fewer long‑term safety studies and a higher cost per tablet.

Choosing generic vardenafil gives you the same efficacy as brand‑name Levitra at a fraction of the price. The trade‑off is that you won’t have the brand’s quality‑control reputation, although most reputable pharmacies source the same active ingredient.

Who Should Consider Each Drug?

  • Timing matters: If you need a quick turn‑around for a planned night, Stendra is the clear winner.
  • Long weekend plans: Cialis lets you stay ready for two days without a second dose.
  • Budget‑conscious: Generic vardenafil or generic sildenafil give you the benefits at the lowest cost.
  • Side‑effect sensitivity: Men prone to headaches may lean toward Viagra, while those who dislike back pain might avoid Cialis.
Man at nightstand choosing between different ED medication packs under warm lamp.

Buying Safely Online

When ordering any of these pills, look for a licensed online pharmacy that requires a valid prescription. Australian regulations (Therapeutic Goods Administration) mirror U.S. FDA standards, so a legitimate site will display a pharmacist’s contact, a physical address, and a secure checkout.

Beware of “bottled” products sold without a prescription - they often contain unknown fillers or sub‑therapeutic doses. Always verify the batch number and check that the packaging includes the active ingredient’s name and strength.

Bottom Line: Making the Choice

There’s no one‑size‑fits‑all answer. If you value a balance of speed, duration, and price, Levitra (or its generic) hits the sweet spot. For ultra‑fast action, Stendra wins. For a relaxed, weekend‑ready vibe, Cialis is unbeatable. And if cost is the primary driver, generic sildenafil or vardenafil are the most economical.

Consult your doctor, consider your lifestyle, and then pick the drug that lines up with your personal “quick‑onset vs. long‑lasting” priority. The right choice will make the difference between awkward timing and confident performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take Levitra with alcohol?

Moderate alcohol (one‑two drinks) usually doesn’t interfere with Levitra’s effectiveness. Heavy drinking can lower blood pressure and reduce the drug’s ability to produce an erection.

Is it safe to use Levitra daily?

Levitra is approved for as‑needed use, not daily dosing. For daily therapy, tadalafil (Cialis) has a low‑dose formulation that’s specifically designed for everyday use.

How does Levitra differ from Viagra?

Both block PDE‑5, but vardenafil (Levitra) is slightly more potent at lower doses and tends to cause fewer visual side‑effects. Viagra’s active ingredient, sildenafil, has a longer history and is often cheaper as a generic.

Can I take Stendra and Levitra together?

No. Combining two PDE‑5 inhibitors can lead to dangerously low blood pressure and severe side‑effects. Choose one medication per sexual episode.

What should I do if I experience a prolonged erection?

A erection lasting over four hours (priapism) requires immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care or call your doctor, as prolonged erections can damage penile tissue.

1 Comments

  1. Lauren Carlton

    The article is riddled with inconsistent punctuation-notice the random commas after “Onset” and the stray semicolons in the JavaScript block. Capitalization is erratic; “Select Your Priority” should be “Select your priority”. The bullet list mixes periods and no punctuation, breaking the flow. Moreover, the HTML tags are tangled with inline CSS, which is not best practice. In the comparison table, the “Typical dose” column lacks uniform spacing. Spelling of “vardenafil” is correct, but “Quartz” appears nowhere, suggesting copy‑paste errors. Finally, the FAQ headings are not wrapped in proper heading tags, harming accessibility. Clean up these issues and the piece will read much smoother.

Comments