Levitra (Vardenafil)
Levitra is a prescription medication containing vardenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor used by adult men with erectile dysfunction. Tablets come in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. Marketed by Bayer with onset and duration similar to sildenafil but somewhat higher PDE5 selectivity.
- Active ingredients
- Vardenafil
- Manufacturer
- Bayer
- Dosage forms
- tablet
- Available dosages
- 5mg, 10mg, 20mg
- Category
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
What is it?
Levitra is the original brand name for vardenafil, an oral medication first approved in 2003 for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men. It is manufactured by Bayer and was the third PDE5 inhibitor to reach the market after sildenafil and tadalafil. The drug does not cause an erection on its own — sexual stimulation is required — and it is available only on prescription in most countries. Levitra is positioned as an alternative to other PDE5 inhibitors with a similar duration of action to sildenafil.
Active ingredients
Each Levitra tablet contains vardenafil hydrochloride as the active ingredient, supplied in three commercial strengths: 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. Vardenafil is a selective PDE5 inhibitor with a higher in vitro selectivity ratio than sildenafil for related enzymes such as PDE6 and PDE11, although the clinical relevance of this difference is modest. Tablet appearance is round and orange in the original Bayer presentation.
Forms and dosages
Levitra is supplied as round, orange, film-coated tablets. The typical adult starting dose is 10mg taken approximately one hour before planned sexual activity. Depending on tolerability and effect, the dose may be lowered to 5mg or increased to 20mg by a prescribing physician. The maximum dosing frequency is once per 24 hours. Tablets can be taken with or without food, although high-fat meals may delay onset of action by approximately one hour.
Indications
Levitra is indicated in adult men for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It is not approved for benign prostatic hyperplasia, pulmonary arterial hypertension or use in women, paediatric patients or men without a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction. According to the manufacturer's prescribing information, treatment should be considered only after a clinician has assessed underlying causes, cardiovascular fitness and current medications.
How it works
During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide is released in the corpus cavernosum and activates an enzyme that produces cyclic GMP, which relaxes smooth muscle and increases blood flow to support erection. Vardenafil inhibits PDE5 and prevents cyclic GMP breakdown, prolonging its action. Onset is typically within 30 to 60 minutes after dosing, with effects lasting up to four hours according to clinical trials — similar to sildenafil, with sexual stimulation remaining a prerequisite.
Frequently asked questions
How does Levitra compare to Viagra and Cialis? ▾
Levitra and Viagra have similar onset (30-60 minutes) and effect duration (up to 4 hours), as both have short half-lives. Cialis differs significantly with a 36-hour effect window. According to head-to-head studies, Levitra produces comparable erectile response to Viagra at equivalent doses. Some patients report fewer visual side effects with Levitra due to its higher PDE5 selectivity, though clinical differences are modest.
How long does Levitra take to work? ▾
According to clinical trials, onset of action is typically 30 to 60 minutes after a dose taken on an empty stomach. A high-fat meal can delay this onset by approximately one hour. Sexual stimulation is required for the medication to produce an effect — the tablet alone does not cause an erection. The published prescribing information states that the effect can last up to four hours, although individual response varies.
What dose of Levitra should I start with? ▾
The typical adult starting dose is 10mg taken approximately one hour before sexual activity. Depending on tolerability and response, the prescribing physician may reduce the dose to 5mg or increase it to 20mg. The maximum dosing frequency is one tablet per 24 hours. Elderly patients and those taking interacting medications may start at 2.5mg. Decisions about the starting dose should always be made by a clinician familiar with the patient's medical history.
Is Levitra the same as generic vardenafil? ▾
Levitra is the original brand of vardenafil manufactured by Bayer. Generic vardenafil contains the same active ingredient at the same strengths and is held to the same regulatory bioequivalence standards in markets where it is approved. Differences may include excipients, tablet shape, colour and price. According to regulators, an authorised generic should produce comparable clinical effects, although individual response can vary.
Are there special interactions for Levitra? ▾
Yes. Beyond the standard PDE5 inhibitor contraindications (nitrates, guanylate cyclase stimulators), vardenafil has a measurable effect on the QT interval. It is contraindicated in patients with congenital long-QT syndrome and should be used cautiously alongside class IA or III antiarrhythmics. Other clinically important interactions include alpha-blockers, certain antifungal and HIV medications and large quantities of grapefruit juice. According to the prescribing information, all current medications should be reviewed before starting Levitra.
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The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.