Levitra (Vardenafil) for Erectile Dysfunction: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

If you’re dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED), you’ve probably heard of medications like Viagra or Cialis. However, there’s another equally effective option that many men overlook: Levitra(Vardenafil). Vardenafil belongs to a group of drugs called PDE-5 inhibitors and works by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the penis, which is essential for an erection. When you’re sexually stimulated, Levitra enhances your body’s natural response, which helps men get erections easily. In this article, we’ll explore how Levitra works, its proper dosage, levitra price in India, common side effects, drug interactions, and how it compares with other ED medications.

What Is Levitra (Vardenafil)?

Levitra, known by its generic name Vardenafil, is a prescription medicine that treats erectile dysfunction, a condition where men have difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sexual activity. It belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors), which also includes drugs like Viagra and Cialis. When you’re sexually aroused, Vardenafil helps more blood flow into the penis, which makes it easier to get and keep an erection naturally.  However, it works only when there is sexual stimulation and does not create arousal by itself. Multiple clinical trials show that oral PDE5 inhibitor therapy significantly improves scores on: 

• International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) [1]
•  Sexual Encounter Profile [2]
•  Global Assessment Questionnaire (GAQ) [3]

Patients also report high patient satisfaction and improved erectile hardness.

How Does Levitra Help with Erectile Dysfunction?

Vardenafil works by helping the blood vessels in your penis relax and open up more easily. This lets more blood flow in when you’re aroused, which makes it easier to get and keep an erection. Normally, an enzyme called PDE5 (phosphodiesterase-5 enzyme) interferes with healthy blood flow through various processes. But Levitra blocks those processes, so the blood stays where it needs to be, helping the penis stay firm enough for sexual intercourse. It’s important to know that Levitra only treats physical causes of ED, not psychological ones.

Levitra Works Best for Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction:

Levitra is most helpful when ED is caused by physical health problems: the kind that affect blood flow, nerves, or circulation in the penis. It’s often prescribed for men whose ED is linked to conditions like:

• Diabetes mellitus
• High blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease:
• Recovery after surgery, like Radical Prostatectomy
• Other vascular conditions: Atherosclerosis, obesity, or high cholesterol.
• Certain medications or age-related decline

If your erection problems are linked to stress, anxiety, or relationship issues, the medication alone might not fix the problem completely. Combining medical treatment with psychotherapy often gives the best results for ED caused by psychological causes.

How Does Levitra Work For Erections?

• After taking Levitra, most men begin to notice its effect within 25 to 60 minutes. [4]
• For many men, the effect of Levitra can last for around 4 to 5 hours, although this can vary depending on your age, overall health, metabolism, and level of sexual desire.
• You may take Levitra with or without food.

Please note:

• Levitra only works when you’re sexually aroused
• Don’t take it more than once a day
• If your erection lasts longer than 4 hours (a condition called priapism), seek medical help right away to avoid long-term complications

Dosage of  Levitra for ED

Levitra is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is available in oral tablets (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg) and as an orally disintegrating tablet.

• Usual starting dose: 10 mg taken about 1 hour before sexual activity.
• Can be adjusted between 5 mg and 20 mg depending on response and tolerance.
• Older adults (65+) are usually prescribed 5 mg to start.

Note:

• Disintegrating tablets should not be swallowed with water. Let them dissolve on your tongue.
• Do not split or crush the tablets.
• Avoid consuming grapefruit juice and Seville oranges as they can raise blood levels of vardenafil, increasing the risk of adverse effects. [5]

Levitra Price in India 

The brand-name “Levitra” was discontinued in some markets, but generic vardenafil is still widely available.

• In India, vardenafil typically sells in a price range from ₹ 29 to ₹ 300 per tablet* (depending on brand, strength, and formulation) 
• The branded version tends to be on the higher end, while generic vardenafil is usually more affordable.
• When comparing ED treatments, the Levitra price in India generally falls between Viagra (higher-priced) and Cialis (similar range).

Important:

 Don’t confuse Levitra for ED with Levitra 500 mg (Anticonvulsant)

• Levitra (Vardenafil): The one we’re talking about in this article is a medicine for erectile dysfunction.
• Levitra 500 mg: Refers to Levetiracetam, which is an anticonvulsant used to control seizures and epilepsy. It has nothing to do with sexual health or erectile function.

Always buy vardenafil from a licensed pharmacy and check the package insert, manufacturer details, and expiry date to ensure you’re getting a genuine, safe product. *Prices are approximate and based on average Indian market listings.

Risks, Side Effects, and Drug Interactions

Like any prescription medicine, vardenafil can cause some side effects or interact with other drugs if not used correctly.

Common Side Effects:

Most men tolerate Levitra well, but mild side effects can occur:

• Headache
• Flushing or facial warmth
• Nasal congestion
• Indigestion
• Dizziness
• Back pain
• Upset stomach
• Flu-like symptoms

These effects are short-lived and often improve as your body adjusts.

Serious Side Effects:

Seek immediate medical help if you experience:

• Allergic reactions (hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, skin irritation, difficulty breathing)
• Vision loss or visual disturbances (blurred vision, blue tint)
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• Painful or prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours
• Heart attack symptoms (chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath)
• Irregular heartbeat or fainting (QT prolongation)

Medicines You Shouldn’t Take with Vardenafil:

Avoid combining Levitra with:

• Nitrate medicines (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, glyceryl trinitrate) 
• Riociguat, bepridil, or certain antifungal drugs (ketoconazole, itraconazole).
• Medications for irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure.
• HIV antivirals, macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin).
• Other PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra, Cialis, or Stendra.

Precautions:

Do not take Levitra if you:

• Have had a heart attack in the past 3 months or stroke/heart failure in the past 6 months.
• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure or severe heart disease.
• Have liver problems or liver disease, or are on kidney dialysis.
• Have Peyronie’s disease, sickle cell anemia, or leukemia.
• Have an inherited eye disorder like retinitis pigmentosa.
• Are allergic to Vardenafil or any ingredient in its formulation.

If you have heart disease or take nitrate medicines, always talk to your doctor before using Levitra.

How Vardenafil Compares to Other ED Medicines

Vardenafil is in the same group of medicines as Viagra and Cialis, all designed to improve blood flow and help you get an erection when you’re aroused. The table below shows the differences between these drugs: 

Feature

Vardenafil (Levitra)

Sildenafil (Viagra)

Tadalafil (Cialis)

When it starts working

About 25–60 minutes

About 30–60 minutes 

About 30–45 minutes 

How long it lasts

Around 4–5 hours

Around 4–5 hours

Up to 36 hours (“weekend pill”)

Dosage range

5 mg – 20 mg

25 mg – 100 mg

5 mg – 20 mg

Typical price range in India

₹ 29 – ₹ 300 per tablet (varies by brand)

₹ 200 – ₹ 500 per tablet

₹ 300 – ₹ 600 per tablet

Conclusion

Levitra (Vardenafil) remains a reliable and clinically proven option for men seeking effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. It helps improve blood flow, enhances confidence during sexual activity, and offers flexibility with oral tablets or disintegrating forms. However, like all medicines, it must be used under medical supervision, especially if you have heart problems, liver disease, or take medications that affect blood pressure. If you’re considering treatment, discuss concerns with your healthcare provider. Safe, informed choices lead to better sexual health.