The Efficacy and Safety of Flexible-Dose Vardenafil (Levitra®) in a Broad Population of European Men

Nicknamed the “weekend pill,” tadalafil (generic for Cialis®) is the longest-lasting ED drug on the market.

• Clinical studies demonstrate improved ability to achieve and maintain erection.
• The drug's molecular structure differs slightly from sildenafil and tadalafil.
• Patients should avoid taking it with other vasodilators.
• May cause a small, temporary decrease in blood pressure.
• Sexual activity may pose cardiac risk for those with pre-existing heart disease.
• The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.

Tadalafil has a half-life of 17.5 hours and remains active in the body for up to 36 hours.

What Side Effects Can You Expect From These Medications?

Ready to “get ur freak on,” Missy Elliott-style? Here’s what you need to know. Take vardenafil 60 minutes before sexual activity to ensure your erection is ready when it’s go-time. Also, don’t take more than a single dose within a 24-hour period. If your erection does last longer than four hours (a condition known as priapism), seek medical advice right away.

What should I do if I miss a dose of vardenafil?

Levitra can be taken with or without food, so don’t sweat about going out for a bite to eat before the big event. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience vision loss, which could be a sign of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). And let a healthcare professional sex erection tablet know if you have a severe allergic reaction. It’s important to discuss any medications or supplements you’re currently taking with your healthcare provider before starting vardenafil. Levitra can potentially interact with numerous medications, including: Alpha blockers and other medications used to manage blood pressure Alpha blockers and other medications used to manage blood pressure Other PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra or Cialis Other PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra or Cialis Levitra also shouldn’t be used by those undergoing renal dialysis.

Drug Interactions

And if you have a medical condition that heightens your risk of priapism (like leukemia, multiple myeloma or sickle cell anemia), your provider may not prescribe it. Though Levitra is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, it’s not your only option. Otherwise known as generic Viagra®, sildenafil is another PDE5 inhibitor that treats erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil was approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) to treat erectile dysfunction back in 1998, making it the oldest of the three most widely prescribed ED medications used today. Avanafil (and brand-name Stendra®) has one of the shortest half-lives of these common ED drugs. This medication drops to about half its initial concentration in your body within three to five hours. Many FDA-approved ED medications come as oral tablets. You can also get chewable hard mints that combine Sildenafil and Tadalafil.

Although Levitra, Viagra and other medications are effective treatments, it’s best to also treat any psychological causes of ED such as depression or sexual performance anxiety. Talk therapy can help you deal with stress or anxiety that may be causing or exacerbating your erectile dysfunction and find healthy ways to manage your mental well-being. You can work with a licensed mental health professional via online therapy or telehealth counseling. If you’re looking for an erectile dysfunction treatment, Levitra is just one of several options available. What should you know about Levitra dosages? Levitra is an FDA-approved treatment for ED containing the active ingredient vardenafil.

What is sildenafil (Viagra®)?

Talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine. erection that lasts longer than 4 hours sudden severe loss of vision (see below for more information) changes in color vision (seeing blue tinge on objects, difficulty telling the difference between blue and green, or difficulty seeing at night) swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. Some patients experienced a sudden loss of some or all of their vision after they took vardenafil or other medications that are similar to vardenafil. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( or by phone (1-800-332-1088). Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Patient resources

Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information.

Which erectile dysfunction drug is best?

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911. Do not let anyone else take your medication. A typical dose of Levitra starts at 10 mg daily, but it also comes in 5-mg and 20-mg dosages.

• Vardenafil may interact with medications for blood pressure or prostate issues.
• Patients with heart problems should discuss risks with their doctor before use.
• The medication is not intended for use by women.
• Avoid taking vardenafil with fatty meals to improve absorption time.

Your dosage will be determined based on certain health factors.

This includes blood pressure, liver problems, risk of heart attack and use of other medications, which can increase the risk of side effects. It’s recommended to take Levitra about 60 minutes before sexual activity. Our complete guide to vardenafil side effects covers everything you should know about the possible adverse effects of this medication.

• Patients should be aware of potential low blood pressure from vardenafil.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
• The medication may cause dizziness; avoid driving if affected.
• Adjustments in diet or lifestyle may enhance vardenafil effectiveness.

You can also explore the cost of Levitra, compare Levitra versus Cialis and browse more erectile dysfunction medications. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors In the Management of Erectile Dysfunction.

5 Conclusion

PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) is an enzyme that breaks down cGMP, thereby decreasing blood flow throughout your body, including to your penis. Originally developed as treatments for cardiovascular conditions such as angina (chest pain) and hypertension (high blood pressure), PDE5 inhibitors like vardenafil work to block the actions of the PDE5 enzyme to make it easier to get an erection. Since blood flow is essential to the erection process (among other things), there’s a connection between how the medication works in your body and what else is going on with your body at the time — from your medical history to other medications you use. As noted, a few factors affect the Levitra or vardenafil dosage you’re prescribed. A healthcare provider will consider a starting dosage of 5 mg if you’re 65 or older due to increased vardenafil concentrations in elderly men.

Less common

Men who deal with certain medical conditions, like sex with tablet low blood pressure, Peyronie’s disease (deformed penis shape) or heart disease, for example, may be prescribed a lower vardenafil dosage. Your dose of Levitra may need adjusting if you’re taking CYP3A4 (cytochrome P450 3A4, another enzyme in the body) inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, ritonavir, indinavir or clarithromycin. If you’re taking medication for blood pressure — like alpha blockers — your provider may recommend the lowest starting dose. If you have liver problems, especially if you’re 65 or older, 5 mg (the lowest dosage) may be the recommended dose. How long do different Levitra dosages last?

Can I use Levitra or Cialis with alcohol?

Does a higher vardenafil dosage of 40 mg last longer than 5 mg? You might think the higher the dosage, the more effective Levitra will be. However, a vardenafil dosage of 40 mg not only increases the risk of serious side effects but won’t get you the rock-hard, ready-for-action erection you’re looking for. Despite which dosage you take, vardenafil lasts the same amount of time. Vardenafil can remain active in the body anywhere between five to seven hours. P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management, 38(7), 407–419. A comparison of the available phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a focus on avanafil.

Patient preference and adherence, 9, 1159–1164. Can erectile dysfunction drug use lead to ischaemic optic neuropathy?.

What special precautions should I follow?

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies. Be ready for sex whenever you're in the mood If you’re reading this article, we bet your chances of dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED) are fairly high. You’re also probably looking for a solution ASAP.

Professional resources

Perhaps you’re curious about what your treatment options are. Or maybe your healthcare provider recommended Levitra®, a medication you may not have heard of before and want to learn more about. Levitra — one of two brand names for the active ingredient vardenafil — is a common ED treatment that can help you get your mojo back. (Staxyn® is the other brand name vardenafil is sold under.) Wondering what Levitra dosage is right for you? We’ll answer all your questions, go over vardenafil dosages, discuss how this ED drug works and offer pointers for getting the best results.

Other Examples of PDE5 Inhibitors

Levitra, a film-coated oral tablet, is typically available in three dosages: 5-mg tablets, usually the lowest dose 5-mg tablets, usually the lowest dose 10-mg tablets, the most common starting dose 10-mg tablets, the most common starting dose 20-mg tablets, a typical vardenafil max dose 20-mg tablets, a typical vardenafil max dose A 2.5-mg (milligram) dosage is sometimes prescribed, depending on various factors, which we’ll cover below. To understand the factors affecting what dose of Levitra you may be prescribed, let’s first take a look at how the medication works. Vardenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor that improves blood flow to the penis — a vital part of getting an erection — during sexual stimulation. When you become sexually aroused, your brain sends a message to the blood vessels in your penis to release a chemical called nitric oxide. This enables the formation of cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) to relax blood vessels in your penis and allow more blood flow. The British journal of ophthalmology, 90(2), 127–128. Sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: an overview of the clinical evidence.