Vardenafil (Levitra) Guide: Dosage, Onset and Side Effects

What vardenafil is and how it works

Vardenafil is the generic name for Levitra, a medication prescribed for erectile dysfunction. It does not cause an erection on its own; sexual arousal is still needed for it to work.

The medicine blocks an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This helps relax blood vessels in the penis and increases blood flow, which can make it easier to get and keep an erection suitable for sex.

Vardenafil is taken by mouth and is usually used only when needed, not on a fixed daily schedule unless a clinician specifically advises otherwise.

• Prescription ED medicine
• Requires sexual stimulation to work
• Not an aphrodisiac or hormone

Typical vardenafil dosage

For most adults, the usual starting dose of vardenafil is 10 mg taken about 60 minutes before sexual activity. A clinician may adjust the dose based on how well it works and how well it is tolerated.

Some people may need a lower dose, such as 5 mg, especially if they are older, have liver problems, or take certain other medicines. In some cases, the dose may be increased to 20 mg if the lower dose is not effective and side effects are manageable.

Do not take more than one dose in a 24-hour period. Taking extra doses will not make the medicine work better and may raise the risk of side effects.

• Common starting dose: 10 mg
• Dose range often: 5 mg to 20 mg
• Do not take more than once daily

How long vardenafil takes to work

Vardenafil usually starts working in about 30 to 60 minutes, though some people may notice effects a little sooner or later. The best response is often seen when the medicine is taken on an empty stomach or after a light meal.

A heavy or high-fat meal may delay how quickly vardenafil works. Alcohol can also make it harder to get an erection and may increase the chance of dizziness or low blood pressure.

The effects may last for several hours, but that does not mean an erection will last that long. If an erection lasts longer than 4 hours, seek emergency care.

• Onset: about 30 to 60 minutes
• Food, especially high-fat meals, may slow onset
• Emergency care needed for an erection lasting over 4 hours

Common and serious side effects

Like all medicines, vardenafil can cause side effects. The most common include headache, flushing, stuffy nose, upset stomach, dizziness, and sometimes back pain or an upset stomach.

Most side effects are mild and temporary, but some can be serious. Get medical help right away if you have chest pain, severe dizziness, fainting, sudden vision loss, sudden hearing loss, or an erection that will not go away.

A sudden drop in blood pressure can occur if vardenafil is taken with nitrates or certain other medicines. This can be dangerous and is one reason it is important to share your full medication list with your prescriber.

• Common: headache, flushing, nasal congestion
• Less common: dizziness, indigestion
• Urgent: vision changes, hearing loss, chest pain, priapism

Who should not take vardenafil

Vardenafil is not safe for everyone. It should not be taken by people who use nitrate medicines for chest pain, including nitroglycerin in any form, because the combination can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure.

People who take guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat should also avoid vardenafil. Caution is also needed for those with serious heart disease, very low blood pressure, recent stroke or heart attack, or certain eye conditions.

If you have liver disease, kidney disease, a history of long QT syndrome, or take medicines that strongly affect liver enzymes, your clinician may need to choose a different dose or a different treatment altogether.

• Do not combine with nitrates
• Tell your doctor about heart problems
• Discuss kidney, liver, and eye conditions

Practical tips for safer use

Take vardenafil exactly as prescribed and avoid taking more than recommended. If you miss a planned dose for as-needed use, simply take it when needed before sexual activity; do not double up.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor whether your other medicines could interact with vardenafil. Common interaction concerns include nitrates, alpha blockers, some antifungal drugs, some antibiotics, HIV medicines, and certain blood pressure medicines.

Lifestyle changes can also support erectile health. Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, being physically active, and managing diabetes, blood pressure, and stress may improve sexual function and overall health over time.

• Take only as directed
• Check for drug interactions
• Healthy habits can support ED treatment

Common questions