Medications are effective in improving erectile dysfunction (ED), but ED medications are not available at drugstores and must be prescribed by a physician.
There are many different types of ED drugs, but Levitra is a strong choice when compared in terms of effectiveness and rapidity of action.
In this article, we will introduce what effects can be expected from Levitra and how it differs from other ED drugs.
What is Levitra for the treatment of ED?
Levitra is a drug for the treatment of ED and was developed by Bayer AG, a German pharmaceutical company.
It was created in 2003 and approved in Japan in April 2004, but sales ended in November 2021, so generic drugs are now widely available.
Levitra is available in two types, 10 mg and 20 mg. 20 mg, which has a higher amount of active ingredient, has a longer duration of effect, but is also prescribed with consideration of the risk of side effects.
How Levitra works
To understand why Levitra is effective in treating ED, it is necessary to understand the mechanism of erection as a prerequisite.
When men are sexually stimulated, their bodies release nitric oxide and produce a substance called cGMP (guanosine monophosphate).
cGMP has the ability to dilate blood vessels, which increases blood flow in the penis, thereby maintaining an erection.
Later, when sexual arousal subsides, an enzyme called PDE5 is secreted, which breaks down cGMP and causes the erection to subside.
The active ingredient in Levitra, vardenafil, has the effect of inhibiting the action of PDE5, which breaks down cGMP, and by sustaining increased blood flow, it improves erection strength and persistence.
See also: [Doctor's Supervision] What foods help improve erectile dysfunction?
Who can expect Levitra to be effective
Who can expect Levitra to be highly effective? We especially recommend it for people with the following symptoms and problems
Those who are concerned about hardness and staying power of erection
Levitra is an ED drug suitable for those who are concerned about hardness and duration of erection.
The active ingredient vardenafil may improve blood flow to the corpus cavernosum penis and provide sufficient hardness.
Inhibition of PDE5 also helps maintain erections for longer periods of time.
If you suffer from what is known as "mid-stroke," or loss of hardness during sexual intercourse, Levitra can provide relief.
Those seeking immediate results
Levitra is particularly suited to those who want immediate results.
In many cases, the effect appears 15 to 30 minutes after administration, making it easy to time the dose.
In the case of Viagra, which is also a well-known ED drug, it often takes about an hour for its effects to appear, so Levitra has the advantage in terms of immediate effect.
The drug is easily adaptable to sudden changes in circumstances and can be used with ease even when time is not available for preparation.
Those who did not feel the effects of other ED medications.
There are many different types of ED drugs, and they differ in the way they work.
For example, the drug "Serious" is characterized by its mild effect and its ability to maintain natural hardness, but some people may not find it effective enough.
Levitra can be expected to produce better results even when other treatments have been less effective.
How to take Levitra effectively
If any medication is taken incorrectly, it is not only unlikely to be fully effective, but may also pose a health risk.
To get the most out of Levitra, know how to take it properly.
Timing of dosing is 15-30 minutes before sexual activity
About 45 minutes after taking Levitra, the blood concentration of the active ingredient vardenafil reaches its peak.
Therefore, it is recommended that the dose be taken 15 to 30 minutes before sexual activity.
If the timing of the dose is off, the patient will not be able to maintain an erection at the time of insertion.
Preferably taken on an empty stomach
Although Levitra is considered to be less affected by food, it is recommended to take it on an empty stomach for higher efficacy.
This is because after a fatty meal, the small intestine is coated with oil, which may inhibit the absorption of the active ingredient in Levitra.
Taken with water or lukewarm water
In general, medicines should be taken with water or lukewarm water for easy absorption into the body and full effect.
In the case of Levitra, special care should be taken with fatty beverages and grapefruit juice.
Fatty beverages such as milk and café au lait are absorbed at a reduced rate due to the oil adhering to the small intestine, as mentioned earlier.
In addition, grapefruit juice suppresses drug-metabolizing enzymes, which may not be fully effective when taken together.
No problem when used with small amounts of alcohol
A glass of alcohol can be consumed before or after taking Levitra.
However, drinking strong whiskey, shochu, or large quantities of alcoholic beverages may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, and alcohol may also make it difficult to achieve an erection.
Dosage is limited to once a day.
As a rule, Levitra should be taken no more than once a day, and consecutive doses are strictly prohibited.
It can be taken daily as long as the interval is at least 24 hours.
It is possible to take two low-dose (10 mg) Levitra tablets per day, but seek medical advice to reduce the risk of side effects.
See also: Can AGA be cured in your 20s? The Importance of Starting Treatment Early
Side Effects of Levitra
One thing to keep in mind when taking Levitra is the risk of side effects.
Although not all people will experience symptoms, typical side effects include the following
- a glow
- headache
- nasal congestion
- indigestion
- Dizziness, etc.
As we discussed in "How Levitra Works," Levitra stimulates erections by dilating blood vessels.
Therefore, a temporary increase in blood flow may cause the symptoms described above.
Hot flashes and headaches are relatively mild and usually subside with time, but palpitations, visual abnormalities, and dizziness may also appear, depending on one's constitution.
In addition, if the erection does not cease after several hours of taking Levitra, there is a possibility of a side effect called persistent erectile dysfunction, which requires urgent treatment.
Precautions when taking Levitra
When taking Levitra for the first time, it is important to keep the following precautions in mind
Contraindications for concomitant use
If you are taking medications that contain ingredients such as nitroglycerin, amyl nitrite, isosorbide nitrate, or nicorandil, you may experience a sudden drop in blood pressure when used with Levitra.
In particular, some antiarrhythmic drugs, angina pectoris drugs, and CYP3A4 inhibitors contain these ingredients and should not be used together.
Those at risk
If you fall into any of the following categories, please be sure to consult your physician as taking Levitra may cause serious side effects or health problems.
- Cardiovascular disease
- Patients with severe hepatic or renal dysfunction
- Untreated hypertension and hypotension
The vardenafil in Levitra dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow, increasing the risk of myocardial infarction if the above conditions are present.
Beware of counterfeit products
Levitra is also sold through international mail-order sites and can be obtained cheaply through private importation.
However, some Levitra sold on the Internet often contains counterfeit products, and health and legal risks are also a concern.
Therefore, be sure to use genuine products prescribed by a reputable medical institution.
The Men's Pride Clinic also offers online medical care for those who are too far away to come to the clinic or who are not comfortable with face-to-face consultations.
See also: effects and price of generic Levitra vardenafil
Comparing the Effectiveness of Levitra and Other ED Drugs
Finally, we have compiled a list of the differences between the typical ED medications and Levitra discussed in this article.
Let us help you choose the right ED drug for you from among multiple options.
(data) item | levitra | Cialis | Viagra |
Strength of Effect | Very high | slightly weak | high |
main ingredient | vardenafil | tadalafil | sildenafil |
Duration | 5-6 hours | 24-36 hours | 4-5 hours |
immediate effectivity | Very high | low-born | high |
Price | medium level | expensive | inexpensive |
summary
Levitra is a fast-acting and effective ED treatment for those suffering from erectile dysfunction.
Although the brand-name drug Levitra has already been discontinued, Levitra generics are now available and can be obtained at a lower cost.
Although it is possible to purchase the product through personal import from overseas mail order sites, it is recommended to visit a medical institution and have a genuine product prescribed in order to avoid health hazards and legal risks caused by counterfeit products.
If you are too far away to come to the clinic or feel uncomfortable with face-to-face consultations, please use Men's Pride Clinic's online medical service.