Levitra vs Viagra vs Cialis: Which ED Medication Works Best for You?

Last Updated on December 17, 2025

Choosing an erectile dysfunction medication can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re comparing Levitra vs Viagra vs Cialis. All three work well, but understanding their differences helps you find the right fit for your situation and lifestyle.

Let’s break down how these medications compare in terms of effectiveness, duration, side effects, and cost. This guide will help you have a more informed conversation with your doctor about which option might work best for you.

How Levitra, Viagra, and Cialis Work

All three medications – Levitra (vardenafil), Viagra (sildenafil), and Cialis (tadalafil) – belong to the same drug class called PDE5 inhibitors. They work by improving blood flow to help you achieve and maintain an erection when sexually aroused.

The important thing to remember: these medications enhance your body’s natural response to sexual stimulation. They don’t create automatic erections – you still need arousal for them to work.

If you want a deeper dive into how these medications work at a chemical level, check out our detailed Sildenafil vs Tadalafil comparison.

Levitra vs Viagra vs Cialis: Side-by-Side Comparison

The Key Differences Explained

Duration: How Long Each Medication Lasts

This is often the deciding factor when comparing Levitra vs Viagra vs Cialis:

Levitra and Viagra: Both last about 4-5 hours, making them ideal for planned intimacy. You take them when you need them, and the effects wear off relatively quickly.

Cialis: The longest-lasting option at up to 36 hours. Many men prefer this “weekend pill” for the spontaneity it allows. You don’t need to plan as precisely around when you take the medication.

Food Interactions

Viagra: High-fat meals can delay how quickly it works and reduce effectiveness. Best taken on an empty stomach or after a light meal.

Levitra: Less affected by food than Viagra, though very heavy meals might slow absorption slightly.

Cialis: Can be taken with or without food with no impact on effectiveness.

Effectiveness: Which Works Best?

Here’s the honest answer: all three medications work well for most men, with success rates around 70-85%. Clinical studies show similar effectiveness across all three options.

However, some men find one medication works better for them personally. If one doesn’t work well after several attempts, trying another option often helps. Bodies respond differently, and finding the right fit sometimes takes experimentation.

Why Consider Levitra?

When looking at Levitra vs Viagra, Levitra offers some unique advantages:

• Less affected by food: More flexible meal timing compared to Viagra
• May work for some when Viagra doesn’t: Different chemical structure means different response
• Potentially fewer vision changes: Some men report less color vision disturbance than with Viagra
• Effective in diabetes patients: Studies show good results in men with diabetes-related ED

Levitra is particularly worth considering if you’ve tried Viagra without success or experienced bothersome side effects.

Side Effects Comparison

All three medications share similar common side effects:

• Headache (most common)
• Facial flushing
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Indigestion
• Dizziness

Medication-Specific Side Effects:

Viagra: Temporary blue-tinted vision in some users

Levitra: Slightly less likely to cause vision changes than Viagra

Cialis: Back pain and muscle aches in 10-15% of users (usually mild and temporary)

Most side effects are mild and decrease as your body adjusts. If side effects feel bothersome or don’t improve, talk to your doctor about trying a different medication or adjusting your dose.

Cost Comparison: Levitra vs Viagra vs Cialis

All three medications are expensive at US retail pharmacies, but prices vary:

US Pharmacy Prices (Brand Name)

• Levitra 20mg: $50-70 per pill
• Viagra 50mg: $70-90 per pill
• Cialis 10mg: $60-80 per pill

Generic Options

• Generic Vardenafil: $10-30 per pill
• Generic Sildenafil: $10-25 per pill
• Generic Tadalafil: $8-20 per pill

Affordable International Options

Licensed international pharmacies like Tel Aviv Pharma offer significant savings on all three medications. Operating under Israeli Ministry of Health oversight ensures quality while government price controls keep costs much lower than US retail prices.

Many men save 60-80% by purchasing through legitimate international sources. Generic versions provide the same effectiveness as brand names at even lower costs.

Learn more about safely ordering ED medications online to make treatment more affordable.

Which Medication Should You Choose?

Consider Levitra if:

• Viagra didn’t work well for you
• You want flexibility with meal timing
• You experienced vision changes with Viagra
• You have diabetes-related ED

Consider Viagra if:

• You prefer the most-studied option (approved since 1998)
• You want medication that clears your system relatively quickly
• Generic sildenafil fits your budget best

Consider Cialis if:

• You value spontaneity over strict planning
• You want the option of daily low-dose treatment
• The 36-hour window appeals to your lifestyle
• Meal timing flexibility is important

Important Safety Information

All three medications have the same critical safety warnings:

• Never combine with nitrates: Used for chest pain – combination can cause dangerous blood pressure drops
• Don’t mix ED medications: Taking two at once increases serious side effect risk
• Seek immediate help for erections lasting 4+ hours
• Tell your doctor about all medications: Including supplements and over-the-counter drugs

These medications aren’t suitable for everyone. Discuss your complete health history with your doctor, especially if you have heart conditions, take blood pressure medications, or have had recent strokes or heart attacks.

Making Your Decision

The Levitra vs Viagra vs Cialis comparison ultimately comes down to personal preference and how your body responds. Many men try different options before finding their best fit.

Don’t get discouraged if the first medication you try doesn’t work perfectly. It often takes a few attempts with proper timing and dosing to see full benefits. Your doctor can help you adjust doses or switch medications if needed.

Beyond medication, lifestyle factors play a big role in erectile function. Regular exercise, maintaining healthy weight, managing stress, limiting alcohol, and not smoking all improve results with ED medications.

For more information about treating erectile dysfunction, explore our comprehensive guides and affordable medication options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Levitra vs Viagra?

Levitra and Viagra are very similar – both last 4-6 hours and work within 30-60 minutes. The main difference is that Levitra is less affected by food and may cause fewer vision changes. Some men who don’t respond well to Viagra find Levitra works better due to slightly different chemical structure.

Can I switch between Levitra, Viagra, and Cialis?

Yes, you can try different ED medications under your doctor’s guidance. Many men try all three to find which works best. Never take two different ED medications on the same day, and always wait at least 24 hours (or longer for Cialis) before switching.

Which ED medication lasts the longest?

Cialis lasts the longest at up to 36 hours. Levitra and Viagra both last about 4-6 hours. If you want extended spontaneity, Cialis is typically the best choice. For planned intimacy, Levitra or Viagra work well.

Are generic versions as effective?

Yes, generic vardenafil, sildenafil, and tadalafil contain the same active ingredients and work identically to brand-name versions. Generics typically cost 60-80% less, making them a smart choice for ongoing treatment.

Why doesn’t my ED medication work every time?

Several factors affect ED medication effectiveness: stress levels, alcohol consumption, meal timing, adequate sexual stimulation, and proper dosing. It often takes 4-6 attempts before judging if a medication works for you. If problems persist, talk to your doctor about dose adjustment or trying a different medication.

Can I take ED medications with other prescriptions?

It depends on your specific medications. ED pills are safe with most prescriptions but dangerous with nitrates and some blood pressure medications. Always tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and health conditions before starting ED treatment.

How much do these medications cost?

US retail prices range from $50-90 per pill for brand names. Generic versions cost $8-30 per pill domestically. International pharmacies offer even lower prices – often 60-80% less than US retail – while maintaining quality through government health oversight.