So you’re interested in trying erectile dysfunction (ED) therapy, but you have questions about which drug to choose. There are two popular ED medications that you should know about: Viagra and Levitra. Which one is right for you? Here, we’ll outline the various benefits and risks of each medication.
Viagra
You may know that Viagra is a popular prescription medication used to treat ED and other cardiovascular conditions. It’s also the world’s best-selling drug. The reason behind its popularity is undoubtedly its amazing track record of safely and effectively treating ED. In fact, it’s been shown in studies to be more effective and have fewer side effects than other ED medications. Some of its main active ingredients, sildenafil and tadalafil, are among the world’s most-prescribed medications. (2)
If you’re interested in trying out Viagra, you should know that it is generally considered to be a safe and effective ED treatment, particularly for elderly men and those with cardiovascular conditions. However, it carries with it the risk of liver toxicity, which occurs in fewer than 1% of patients. If you have preexisting liver problems or take other medications that may cause liver toxicity, then you should probably avoid Viagra. Also, since it interacts with a variety of other medications, you should consult your doctor before taking it if you’re on any other medication that may cause severe adverse effects or interactions with Viagra. (3)
Levitra
Similar to Viagra, Levitra is another popular prescription medication used to treat ED. It’s also been shown in studies to be more effective and have fewer side effects than other ED medications. Unlike Viagra, which is a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, Levitra is a third-generation, competitive inhibitor of the enzyme endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) helps to regulate blood flow to the penis and, in turn, help men grow and maintain an erection. (4)
Based on its active ingredient, Levitra is considered to be a safer and more effective treatment for ED than Viagra. However, as with any medication, it’s not right for everyone. For example, men who are taking nitrates or nitric oxide blockers (e.g., organic nitrates, oral nitrates, or sodium nitrite) may experience adverse effects. (5)
Although it’s been around for a while, Levitra is still considered a new drug and, as such, carries with it the risk of unknown side effects, especially in older patients and those with cardiovascular diseases. Like Viagra, it also carries with it the risk of liver toxicity in a small percentage of patients. If you have liver problems or take other medications that may cause liver toxicity, then you should probably avoid Levitra. (6)
If you’re interested in trying out a medication for ED, then you should consult your doctor to ensure that it’s safe for you to try and to identify potential side effects. The best treatment for ED may be different for each person, so it’s important to find the one that’s right for you.