Levitra (Vardenafil): Complete Guide to Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Interactions
Levitra (Vardenafil) is a prescription drug used for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) by boosting blood flow to the penis.
Vardenafil starts working in about 30–60 minutes and can last up to 5 hours.
Common side effects of Levitra include headache, flushing, and nasal congestion.
Avoid alcohol, grapefruit, and nitrates while using Levitra.
Levitra is one of the well-known oral ED medications that works effectively for many men.
In this blog, we’ll cover how Levitra works, the right dosage, possible side effects, and interactions to avoid.
Also, explore affordable alternatives for Levitra.
What Is Levitra?
Levitra is a prescription drug to treat male impotence or erectile dysfunction (ED) that contains Vardenafil, a PDE-5 inhibitor.
It enhances blood flow to the male sexual organ penis, helping men achieve and maintain erections during sexual stimulation.
Vardenafil tablets relax blood vessels in the penile area, allowing better circulation.
It offers effects that can last up to 4 hours, allowing for multiple erections during that time.
How Does Levitra Work?
Levitra contains Vardenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor that helps boost blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal.
Vardenafil works by blocking the PDE5 enzyme, which normally tightens blood vessels.
This allows the vessels to relax and widen, increasing circulation to the penis.
Vardenafil also boosts cGMP levels, a chemical that controls blood vessel dilation.
This helps you achieve and maintain an erection when sexually stimulated.
In short, Levitra supports a natural erection by improving blood flow and relaxing penile blood vessels.
What is the Dosage Information for Levitra (Vardenafil)?
For Adults with Erectile Dysfunction:
- Starting dose: 10 mg taken orally, as needed, about 60 minutes before sex
- Adjustment: Can be increased to 20 mg or reduced to 5 mg based on effectiveness and side effects
- Maximum dose: 20 mg once daily
- Note: Sexual stimulation is required for the medicine to work
If Taking Alpha-Blockers:
- Start with 5 mg once daily
- You should maintain a proper timing gap between the alpha-blocker and Levitra doses to avoid low blood pressure
For Men Aged 65 and Older:
- Start with 5 mg once daily, as needed
- Increase only under a doctor’s supervision
Note: Levitra should only be used with a doctor’s prescription and is approved for men 18 years or older.
Always follow the doctor's advice for safe and effective use.
How Do You Take Levitra (Vardenafil)?
Take Levitra only as prescribed and in the exact strength your doctor recommends.
Don’t substitute it with Staxyn, which is a different form of Vardenafil.
Read the prescription label carefully and follow all the instructions.
You can take Levitra with or without food, but avoid consuming heavy or high-fat meals, as they may slow down the absorption.
Take the pill 25 to 60 minutes before sex. It works within an hour, but only with sexual stimulation.
Levitra does not protect against STDs, so use protection like condoms for safe sex.
What happens if I miss a dose of Levitra?
Since Vardenafil(Levitra) is a medicine used on a need basis, likely before an hour of having sex.
So, the chances of missing a dose are less, but you need to take a double dose within 24 hours.
What happens if I overdose on Levitra?
If you consume an overdose of Vardenafil(Levitra), you are likely to face potential side effects of this ED pill.
Seek emergency medical attention or call a doctor if you take an overdose by mistake and experience unwanted effects on your body.
How long does Levitra last?
Levitra(Vardenafil) effects last for about 5 hours after intake.
You need to take Levitra as needed, about 60 minutes before sexual intercourse.
As you have read, Levitra and other ED pills only work when under sexual stimulation to help you get an erection.
What Should I Avoid While Using Vardenafil?
Avoid grapefruit and Seville oranges:
These can interfere with how Vardenafil is absorbed and increase the risk of side effects.
Limit or avoid alcohol:
Alcohol may reduce the effectiveness of Vardenafil.
Also, combining alcohol and Levitra can raise the risk of side effects like dizziness or trouble getting an erection.
Don’t mix with other ED medications:
Using Vardenafil with other PDE5 inhibitors can lead to serious health risks.
Stick to one ED treatment as prescribed.
What Are the Side Effects of Levitra (Vardenafil)?
Like many medications, Levitra may cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them.
Most are mild and temporary, but some may require medical attention.
Avoid using Levitra if you’re allergic to Vardenafil or its generic versions.
Common side effects:
- Headache
- Stuffy nose
- Sinus pain
- Back pain
- Upset stomach
- Flushing (warmth or redness in the face)
Serious side effects (seek medical help):
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sudden hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in hands, ankles, or feet
- Seizures
- Dizziness or light-headedness
Stop using and seek urgent help if you experience:
- Sudden vision loss or changes
- Chest pain, jaw or shoulder pain, nausea, or sweating (possible heart attack signs)
- Painful or prolonged erection lasting over 4 hours (priapism)
These effects are rare, but it’s important to stay alert.
Most mild side effects fade as your body adjusts.
Always inform your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
What Are the Drug Interactions Related to Levitra (Vardenafil)?
Levitra (Vardenafil) can interact with certain medications and may cause serious side effects or health risks.
Before starting this ED medication, always inform your doctor about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter meds, and herbal supplements you are taking.
Medications that may interact with Vardenafil include:
- HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir) – may increase Vardenafil levels dangerously
- Nitrates (used for chest pain) – can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure
- Alpha-blockers and blood pressure medications – may lead to dizziness or fainting
- Guanylate cyclase stimulators – (e.g., Riociguat) – are not safe to use with ED drugs
- Heart rhythm medications – can enhance the risk of abnormal heartbeat
- Certain antibiotics and antifungals – may raise Vardenafil concentration in the blood
- Other PDE5 inhibitors – (e.g., Viagra, Cialis) should not be combined with Levitra
To stay safe, use only one ED medication at a time and follow your doctor’s guidance closely.
What Are the Disease Interactions for Levitra (Vardenafil)?
Before using Levitra, tell your doctor about any existing medical conditions.
This helps prevent harmful interactions and ensures safe treatment.
Certain health issues may make Vardenafil unsafe or require extra caution.
Inform your doctor if you have:
- Heart conditions: arrhythmia, angina, heart failure, or a history of heart attack or stroke
- Low or high blood pressure (hypotension or hypertension)
- Liver or kidney problems
- Eye issues: NAION, retinitis pigmentosa, or retinal damage
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Blood disorders: sickle cell anaemia, leukaemia, multiple myeloma
- Penile deformities like Peyronie’s disease
- Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia
- Seizures or history of priapism (painful erections lasting over 4 hours)
- Family history of Long QT syndrome
- Stomach ulcers
Even though Levitra is available online, it's important to use it only under medical guidance.
If you observe any unusual or serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention.
Explore the complete guide on Vardenafil interactions
How Much Does Levitra Cost, and How Can You Buy It at a Lower Price?
Brand-name Levitra can be expensive.
A 20 mg tablet costs around $8, and a pack of 30 pills (2.5 mg) may cost up to $1,400.
However, there are more affordable options available without compromising on quality like Generic Vardenafil Tablets.
Here’s how to save on Levitra:
Choose generic Vardenafil:
Generic versions contain the same salt as Levitra and are FDA-approved for safety and effectiveness.
They’re available at much lower prices online and in pharmacies.
Popular generic options include:
Explore other ED medications:
Generic versions of Sildenafil (Viagra) and Tadalafil (Cialis) are also effective and more affordable.
Always consult a doctor before switching medications, and buy only from trusted, licensed sources.
Also Read: Vardenafil Vs Sildenafil for Erectile Dysfunction
Levitra is slightly more potent than Viagra, but both are similarly effective for treating ED. Levitra has an edge in not affecting colour vision, a rare side effect sometimes linked to Viagra. However, depending on individual needs and safety, one can consider any of them by consulting a doctor.
Yes, but only if prescribed and especially, in lower dosages. The usual dose of Levitra(Vardenafil) is 10 mg, taken once daily about an hour before sex. The maximum recommended dose for men with ED is 20 mg per day.
Doses above 20 mg are not recommended; only consider using a higher dose if prescribed by a doctor. While 40 mg was tolerated in studies, but in some people it may increase side effects like back pain or vision issues. So, it would be best to Stick to your doctor’s guidance.
Vardenafil is generally safe and effective but may interact with other medications. Always consult your doctor to ensure it’s appropriate for your health and other prescriptions.
Both are effective for ED with similar side effects. The main difference is duration, Tadalafil lasts longer in the body than Vardenafil.
The brand-name Levitra was discontinued in 2021, but the generic version, Vardenafil, is still available with the same safety, dosage, and effectiveness. Vardenafil tablets are available in the market as generic levitra, which are quite affordable and available at online stores like ours.