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Levitra vs Cialis
Levitra vs Cialis
Dr Clare Morrison
Dr Clare Morrison
13 October 2014 | Updated: 5 July 2019
5 July 2019
Levitra and Cialis are two popular erectile dysfunction treatments. Read on to discover which treatment works best for you! First, a quick look at the differences:
| Levitra | Cialis | |
|---|---|---|
| MedExpress Price | From £40 | From £40 |
| Prescription required? | Yes | Yes |
| Active ingredient | Vardenafil | Tadalafil |
| Dosage | Available in 5, 10 and 20mg tablets | Available in 5, 10 and 20mg tablets |
| How fast does it work? | Can work in just 15 minutes, though normally takes effect within 30 minutes | Can take anywhere between 30 minutes to two hours to work |
| How long does it last? | Effects can last up to five hours | Effects can last up to 36 hours |
| How to take | May be taken with or without food, 60 minutes beforehand | May be taken with or without food. Be careful to avoid taking with greasy or fatty foods, or eating or drinking grapefruit, as this can affect how the drug works |
| Selling point | Can be effective very quickly, and may be used as an alternative to Viagra | Is available in lower doses and is long-lasting - which means you won't need to time your sexual activity |
| Side effects | Facial flushing, headache, indigestion, and a stuffy or runny nose | Facial flushing, headache, indigestion, and a stuffy or runny nose |
What is Levitra?
Levitra is a prescription erectile dysfunction treatment, and is the brand name of the drug Vardenafil . Levitra has performed well in many clinical trials, and has proven to be very effective in treating the physical effects of erectile dysfunction.
What is Cialis?
Cialis is sometimes known as "The Weekend Pill" and has been licensed in the UK for more than ten years. It is the brand name of the drug Tadalafil. Lilly pharmaceutical company currently has the patent, although that is set to run out soon, meaning that other companies can make a generic version of the drug. Its prolonged duration and the option to take a daily low dose tablet, means that Cialis is increasingly popular and widely prescribed.
How does it work?
Levitra and Cialis both belong to a class of drugs known as PDE-5 inhibitors. They work by relaxing muscles in the walls of the blood vessels and increasing the blood flow to the penis.
Does Levitra work more quickly than Cialis?
Levitra can work in just 15 minutes; but it usually takes around 30 minutes to take effect. It should be taken about an hour before it's needed, whereas Cialis may take up to two hours before it's effective.
Winner: Levitra
Does Levitra last longer than Cialis?
Levitra's effects are not as long-lasting as Cialis. Most people find that Levitra remains active for around five hours, whereas Cialis may last for up to 36 hours.
Winner: Cialis
Does Levitra have fewer side effects than Cialis?
The side effects of Levitra are almost identical to those you might experience with Cialis or Viagra, with headache, facial flushing and a stuffy or runny nose being the most common. Because Levitra may interact with other medications it's important to ensure that your doctor or pharmacist is aware if you're taking other drugs.
Winner: Draw
Conclusion
Levitra is a fast-acting erectile dysfunction treatment which remains active for around five hours. Chemically, Levitra is very similar to Viagra, and so Viagra may be prescribed as an alternative to Levitra if you find that for some reason this medication does not work for you. Consider Cialis if you are looking for a longer-lasting treatment. Remember to discuss your treatment options with your doctor, and keep them informed of any side effects you may experience.
Next scheduled review date: 5 July 2022
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Authors
Written by: Dr Clare Morrison
Dr Clare Morrison
Note from the experts
Remember: This blog shouldn’t be regarded as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We make sure everything we publish is fact checked by clinical experts and regularly reviewed, but it may not always reflect the most recent health guidelines. Always speak to your doctor about any health concerns you have.