Levitra

Overview

How Levitra Works

Levitra belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It works by:

Blocking the action of PDE5, an enzyme that breaks down cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate)
Increasing levels of cGMP, which relaxes and widens blood vessels in the penis
Enhancing blood flow to the penis, resulting in improved erections

Levitra is taken orally, typically 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. Its effects can last up to 4-5 hours.

Effectiveness and Safety

Several clinical studies have demonstrated Levitra’s efficacy in treating ED:

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 805 men with ED, 76% of participants taking Levitra 20mg reported improved erections, compared to 39% in the placebo group.
Another study found that Levitra significantly improved erectile function scores and sexual satisfaction in men with diabetes-related ED.
A meta-analysis of 3,325 patients from 7 clinical trials concluded that Levitra is a safe and effective treatment for ED, with a favorable side effect profile.

Common side effects of Levitra include:

Headache
Flushing
Nasal congestion
Back pain
Indigestion

Serious side effects are rare but may include priapism (prolonged erection), sudden vision loss, or hearing loss. Men taking nitrates or alpha-blockers should not use Levitra due to potential drug interactions.

Dosage and Administration

Levitra is available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets. The recommended starting dose is 10mg, which can be adjusted based on individual response and tolerability. Some important points to remember:

Take Levitra as needed, approximately 1 hour before sexual activity
Do not take more than one dose per day
Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it may increase drug levels in the blood
Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions

Levitra DosageOnset of ActionDuration of Effect

5mg 30-60 minutes Up to 4-5 hours
10mg (standard) 30-60 minutes Up to 4-5 hours
20mg 30-60 minutes Up to 4-5 hours

Comparison with Other ED Medications

Levitra is one of several PDE5 inhibitors used to treat ED, along with sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis). While all three medications work similarly, there are some differences:

Viagra and Levitra have similar onsets of action (30-60 minutes) and durations of effect (4-5 hours)
Cialis has a longer onset of action (30-45 minutes) but can last up to 36 hours, earning it the nickname “the weekend pill”
Levitra may be more potent than Viagra at equivalent doses, potentially requiring lower doses for similar effects

Ultimately, the choice of ED medication depends on individual preferences, response, and medical history. Consult with your doctor to determine which option is best for you.

Levitra is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated treatment for erectile dysfunction. By improving blood flow to the penis, Levitra helps men achieve and maintain erections suitable for satisfactory sexual intercourse. If you are experiencing ED, talk to your doctor about whether Levitra may be an appropriate treatment option for you.