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🧬 What is vardenafil? Effects, uses, dosage and risks
Vardenafil is a medication designed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), which is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfactory intercourse. It is one of the so-called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, as well as, for example, sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis).
The active ingredient vardenafil improves blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, thus enabling a natural erection. It is intended only for men and its use should always be under the supervision of a doctor.
💊 Levitra – brand name of vardenafil
Levitra is the trade name of one of the most well-known drugs with the active ingredient vardenafil. It is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Bayer and is available in film-coated tablet form in doses of 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg.
Levitra has a rapid onset of action (approx. 25 to 60 minutes) and is active for approximately 4-5 hours. It is popular for its high effectiveness even at lower doses and better tolerance in some men, such as those with diabetes or blood pressure problems.
🧪 How does vardenafil work?
Vardenafil works by blocking the enzyme PDE5, which normally breaks down the substance responsible for relaxing smooth muscle in the blood vessels of the penis. By blocking this enzyme, blood flow to the erectile glands increases, leading to an erection – but only in the case of sexual stimulation.
Without sexual arousal, the drug will not produce an erection on its own.
📋 Dosage and use
- The usual starting dose of vardenafil (e.g. Levitra) is 10 mg
- The tablet is taken about 25 to 60 minutes before planned intercourse
- The effect lasts for about 4 to 5 hours
- The maximum recommended frequency is 1 tablet per 24 hours
The tablets are taken orally, with water. The drug can be taken with or without food, but fatty food can slow down the onset of action.
⚠️ Possible side effects
As with any medication, side effects may occur when taking vardenafil. Some of the most common include:
- Headaches
- Redness of the face
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- Digestive disorders
- Dizziness
Rare but serious side effects include:
- Priapism – long-lasting and painful erection (requires immediate treatment)
- Sudden loss of vision or hearing
- Heart problems (especially in patients at risk)
Vardenafil must not be combined with nitrate products (for example, in patients with angina) because it can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
❗ Contraindications and warnings
Vardenafil is not suitable for everyone. It should be used with caution or not at all in the following cases:
- Heart or vascular disease
- Liver and kidney disorders
- Low or high blood pressure
- Congenital eye diseases (e.g. retinitis pigmentosa)
- Allergy to vardenafil or other ingredients
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will weigh the potential risks and benefits.
🤔 Vardenafil vs. Viagra vs. Viagra Cialis
| Drug | Active ingredient | Onset of action | Duration of action | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levitra | Vardenafil | 25–60 minutes | 4–5 hours | Also suitable for diabetics |
| Viagra | Sildenafil | 30–60 minutes | 4–5 hours | The most famous brand |
| Cialis | Tadalafil | 30 minutes | Up to 36 hours | Longer effect, daily dosage possible |
✅ Summary
Vardenafil (Levitra) is an effective erectile dysfunction drug that helps men regain self-confidence and improve their quality of sex life. It acts quickly, is well tolerated and is also suitable for some risk groups. Nevertheless, it is necessary to follow the doctor’s instructions, not to take the drug without consultation and to monitor for possible side effects.
