What is Levitra and what is in it?
Levitra is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction, that is, problems getting and maintaining an erection (ED) in adult men. It contains the active ingredient vardenafil.
How does it work?
Vardenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5) and works by relaxing the muscles in the penis to allow more blood to flow through the blood vessels. The extra blood in the penis results in a firm erection for sexual intercourse.
How do I take Levitra?
A tablet should be swallowed whole with water about 25-60 minutes before intended sexual activity. Levitra will not work without sexual stimulation. The recommended initial dose is 10mg once a day maximum, which can be adjusted according to how you respond to the medicine.
How long does Levitra take to work?
The drug acts with the presence of sexual stimulation approximately 25-60 minutes after taking the dose.
How long does Levitra last?
Levitra remains in the body for around 4-5 hours.
Does food have an effect on its activity?
You can take a pill with or without food but eating a capsule with a high-fat meal can delay the action of the drug and reduce its effectiveness.
What are the risks of taking Levitra?
There are certain risks for those also taking alpha-blockers found in high blood pressure medication, nitrates used in cardiovascular drugs and other phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors including Viagra or Cialis.
What is the difference between Levitra and Viagra?
Both drugs work in the same way but have different active substances. Levitra has vardenafil as its prime ingredient and lasts about 5 hours while Viagra contains sildenafil and can last approximately 4 hours.
Is there a generic version of Levitra?
Yes, Levitra is now available in its generic version vardenafil.
Can I buy Levitra over the counter?
No. You can only buy Levitra from some UK pharmacies after a consultation with your pharmacist. However, not all pharmacists and pharmacies offer this service.
| Levitra (Vardenafil) |
|---|
| Strength
| 5 mg
10 mg
20 mg |
| How long it lasts
| Up to 5 hours |
| Dosage
| One tablet 30 minutes before |
| How fast it works
| 30 minutes |
| Active Ingredient
| Vardenafil |
A headache is the most common side effect that occurs when taking Levitra, occurring in more than 1 in 10 users. Other common side effects include:
- pain in your back/muscles/head
- migraines
- getting flushed/going red
- indigestion
- feeling and or being sick
- getting a blocked or runny nose
- vision disturbances
Information Leaflet
Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.
Important: We advise you to always read the patient information leaflet inside the medication box, as the generic medication may not always entirely match the patient information leaflet listed. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Written and reviewed by our qualified team
Authored by:
Carolina Goncalves
Superintendent
Pharmacist
Reviewed by:
Rehma Gill
Pharmacy
Manager
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Content last updated: 14 Sep 2023