How fast does Levitra work?

Levitra can already work after 25 minutes – this is often a bit faster than Sildenafil. Most men notice the effect within 30 to 60 minutes. The melt tablet does not act faster, but is more practical in application.

What is the difference between Levitra film tablets and melt tablets?

Both contain the same active ingredient Vardenafil. The melting tablet (ODT) dissolves in the mouth and does not need water – practically for on the go or if you want to be discreet. The effect is equally fast and strong for both.

Is Levitra better than Viagra?

Not necessarily better, but different. Some men use Levitra better and report less side effects. Others find no difference. If a drug does not work optimally, it may be useful to try another. Your doctor will gladly advise you.

Can I take Levitra if Viagra didn't work?

Yeah, that's possible. Although all PDE-5 inhibitors act similar, each man reacts individually. If Viagra does not show the desired effect or causes side effects, Levitra may be an alternative. Talk to your doctor.

Is there Levitra as a generic?

Yes, the active ingredient Vardenafil is available as a generic. The generic drugs contain the same active ingredient and are as effective as the original Levitra, but cheaper. Ask for Vardenafil generics.

Levitra

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What is Levitra?

Levitra is a prescription drug for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, originally developed by Bayer and GSK. The active ingredient Vardenafil, like Sildenafil and Tadalafil, belongs to the group of PDE-5-inhibitors.

Levitra was admitted in 2003 and offers an alternative for men, where other PDE-5 inhibitors do not work optimally or are not well tolerated. The impact is often somewhat faster than Sildenafil, and some men report less side effects.

The drug is available in tablet form as well as as as a melt tablet (Levitra ODT). The melt tablet dissolves in the mouth and does not have to be taken with water – practically for on the go.

Vardenafil is now also available as a generic and offers a more cost-effective alternative to the original.

Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action

Active ingredient: Vardenafil

Levitra contains the active ingredient Vardenafil, a second-generation PDE-5 inhibitor. The mode of action is similar to the other medicines of this class, but with some peculiarities.

The mechanism: In sexual excitation, nitric oxide (NO) is released in the penis. This activates the production of cGMP, a messenger that relaxes the vascular muscle. This causes more blood to flow into the penis and an erection.

The enzyme PDE-5 removes cGMP and thus terminates the erection. Vardenafil selectively inhibits this enzyme and thus enables a longer-lasting action of cGMP.

Special features of Vardenafil:

High selectivity for PDE-5 – less influence on other enzymes
Fast action – sometimes after 25 minutes
duration of action 4-5 hours
Less influencing by food intake (with moderate fat intake)

Important: Like all PDE-5 inhibitors, Levitra only works with existing sexual stimulation.

Who is it suitable for?

Levitra is suitable for adult men with erectile dysfunction of various causes:

Specially suitable for:

Men wishing to have a quick impact
Patients who do not well tolerate Sildenafil
Men with diabetes mellitus – in studies Levitra showed good efficacy in diabetic ED
Males after radical prostatectomy (smoothly operated)

Advantage of the melting tablets (Levitra ODT):

Can be taken without water
Discrete application possible
Practical for traveling
Quick resolution in the mouth

Typical applications:

erection disorders with predominantly organic cause
Psychic erection problems
Mixed forms from both causes
Incompatibility or insufficient effect of other PDE 5 inhibitors

Available Dosages

Levitra film tablets:

5 mg – lowest dosage, for certain patient groups
10 mg – Recommended initial dose

Levitra ODT (melting tablets):

10 mg – Only available starch

Dosing recommendations:

Standard start: 10 mg, about 25-60 minutes before sexual intercourse
dose increase: to 20 mg if 10 mg do not have sufficient effect
Dosis reduction: On 5 mg for severe side effects or for certain accompanying diseases

**Adjustment for special patient groups:* *

Men over 65 years: No routine adjustment required
Light to medium liver function disorder: initial dose 5 mg
Kidney function disorder: With severe limitation initial dose 5 mg

Maximaldosis: 20 mg per day, not more often than once a day

How to Take

Levitra film tablets:

Take about 25 to 60 minutes before scheduled intercourse
Suck with a glass of water
Can be taken with or without food
A moderately rich meal has no significant influence
Very rich meals can easily delay recording

Levitra ODT (melting tablets):

Put a tablet on the tongue
Releases within seconds
Removable without water
Do not rinse with liquid
Can also be taken with food

Activity: The effect of Levitra lasts about 4 to 5 hours. In this period, erections are possible for sexual stimulation.

Activity: Maximum one dose per 24 hours. Not intended for daily intake (other than Cialis 5 mg).

Alcohol: Moderate alcohol consumption is possible. Larger amounts can reduce the effectiveness and increase side effects.

Contraindications

**Levitra must not be taken at:* *

Nitrate intake: Absolute contraindication! The combination with nitrates (nitrospray, isosorbide) or amyl nitrite (poppers) can cause a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.

Heavy heart disease:

Heart attack in the last 6 months
unstable angina pectoris
Heavy heart failure
Life-threatening heart rhythm disorders
stroke in the last 6 months

More contraindications:

Low blood pressure (under 90/50 mmHg)
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Heavy liver disease
Terminal kidney failure with dialysis obligation
Generic retinal diseases (e.g. retinitis pigmentosa)
Known QT syndrome or taking QT-extending medications
Simultaneous use of Ritonavir or Indinavir
Recent vision loss due to NAION

Preview at:

Anatomical penis deformations
Disorders with Priapism Risk
Blood coagulation disorders
Active gastric ulcer

Possible Side Effects

**Family side effects (1-10%):* *

Headaches
Face redness (Flush)
Blocked nose
Indigestion
Squeeze

**Other side effects (0,1-1%):* *

nausea
Increased light sensitivity
Hidden vision
Tear eyes
Skin rash
muscle pain
Back pain
Increased intraocular pressure

Seltene but serious side effects:

Priapism: Painful erection over more than 4 hours – immediately medical assistance required
Sudden visual loss: Very rare, but immediately consult doctor
Sold hearing loss: Very rare, immediate medical clarification required

**Compared to other PDE-5 inhibitors:* * Levitra tends to cause less visual disorders (blue eggs) than Sildenafil. Headaches and flushes are similar to other medicines of this class.

Interactions

Absolute contraindicated:

Nitrate and NO donors: Life-threatening blood pressure drop possible
Ritonavir and Indinavir: Strong HIV protease inhibitors increase Vardenafil levels extremely

Important interactions:

Other HIV protease inhibitor:Delimiting dose of Levitra to a maximum of 2.5 mg in 72 hours

CYP3A4 inhibitor (Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Erythromycin): Increase the vardenafil concentration. Dose reduction required.

Alpha blocker: Increased blood pressure reduction possible. Levitra only start after stable alpha blocker setting. Time interval of 6 hours recommended.

QT-extending medication: contraindicated for increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias

Other PDE-5-Hemmer: No combination

Grapefruit juice: Can increase vardenafil level

Frequently Asked Questions

Similar Medications

Sildenafil

Viagra

Cialis

Avanafil

Is Levitra right for you?

A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.

Start therapy

Important Notice

This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.