Viagra vs. Levitra- Comparison

Viagra the wonder drug for curing erectile dysfunction has been used by over 20 million men globally since it was launched. The drug was cleared by the US FDA in the year of March 27, 1998. Pfizer the company manufacturing the drug has aggressively marketed the drug and the drug has become synonymous with curing ED. About 5 years later in 2003 another similar drug marketed by an equally big drug manufacturer was cleared by the FDA in the USA. The brand name of this drug is Levitra and it was manufactured by Glaxo SmithKline. Now let us compare these two drugs on different parameters to get a broad idea.

The generic name of Viagra is Sildenafil citrate whereas the generic name of Levitra is Vardenafil hydrochloride. Glaxo SmithKline is the manufacturer of Levitra while Pfiizer is the manufacturer of Viagra. Now we may have a question in our minds that both of these are manufactured by a reputed company so which one should be better for use. To get an answer to this question you should always visit a physician to understand which of these drugs a better option is for you. It is suggested that if you are facing problems of erectile dysfunction you should always visit a physician before starting on the use of any drug. Both Viagra and Levitra are prescription drugs. Now let us understand how fast these drugs will work once you have taken them. The FDA approved package insert in Viagra says that it takes 30 minutes to 120 minutes, but new studies say it takes less than 15 minutes in most men. For Levitra it says, to take it 60 minutes before sexual activity, but studies have shown it can work in as little as 16 minutes. The drug may show more effect when it is taken for the first time. There is a need for us to understand how these drugs work to enhance the sexual urge of men and help them enjoy a heightened sexual life. Both these drugs Inhibits an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5), making muscle in the penis more likely to relax and allowing blood to flow in, causing an erection.

Once we have broader understanding of the two drugs let us see how these two are fighting it out in the marketplace. The 2004 sales of Viagra were $919 million and for Levitra it was $174 million. Many analysts are of the opinion that the new drugs may eat into the market share of Viagra and not necessarily create a new market. Analysts also see U.S. sales of Levitra and another erectile dysfunction drug, Cialis, developed by Eli Lilly to be only half of the annual sale of Viagra.

If you are facing ED, it is imperative to get a health check done before you start on the use of any of these drugs. Your doctor is the only person to decide which of these two will best suit your body requirements.

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