Written by Dr. Heribert Bohlen MD
Last Updated on May 28, 2026
Levitra is a vardenafil-based medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which a man has difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for sexual activity.
The active ingredient, vardenafil, belongs to a group of medicines known as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, or PDE-5 inhibitors. It helps improve blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, supporting a natural erectile response.
Levitra does not cause an automatic erection. Sexual arousal is required for the medication to work effectively.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Before using Levitra, consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have heart disease, blood pressure problems, liver or kidney disorders, eye conditions, or take other medications.
Indications
Levitra is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men over 18 years of age. It may be recommended in cases such as:
- Complete absence of erection
- Insufficient erection for sexual intercourse
- Difficulty maintaining an erection
- Erectile problems related to anxiety, a new sexual partner, or a long break in sexual activity
The medication may help improve sexual performance by supporting blood flow to the penile tissue. However, it works only when sexual stimulation is present.
How Levitra Works
Levitra works in line with the body’s natural physiological processes. During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide is released in the penile tissue. This helps relax the smooth muscles of the corpora cavernosa and increases blood flow into the penis.
As the cavernous bodies fill with blood, the veins that normally drain blood from the penis are compressed. This helps maintain a firm and lasting erection.
Vardenafil helps support this process by blocking the PDE-5 enzyme, which normally breaks down substances involved in the erectile response. As a result, blood flow to the penis may improve, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual activity.
After sexual intercourse, the penis gradually returns to a relaxed state.
Method of Administration and Dosage
Levitra tablets are taken orally and should be swallowed whole. The medication may be taken with or without food.
The usual starting dose is 10 mg. Depending on effectiveness and tolerability, the dose may be adjusted by a doctor. The recommended maximum dose is 20 mg per day.
In some cases, a lower starting dose may be recommended. Elderly patients or people with liver impairment may need to start with 5 mg.
The dosage should be selected individually for patients with kidney or liver problems or those taking medications such as ketoconazole, erythromycin, or similar drugs. In such cases, Levitra should be used only under medical supervision.
Do not take more than one dose per day.
| Dosage | Quantity | Price | Price per Pill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mg | 10 pills | $28.99 | $2.90 |
| 10 mg | 20 pills | $37.99 | $1.90 |
| 10 mg | 30 pills | $47.99 | $1.60 |
| 10 mg | 60 pills | $98.99 | $1.65 |
| 10 mg | 90 pills | $143.99 | $1.60 |
| 10 mg | 120 pills | $172.99 | $1.44 |
| 10 mg | 180 pills | $233.99 | $1.30 |
| 10 mg | 270 pills | $318.99 | $1.18 |
| 10 mg | 360 pills | $337.99 | $0.94 |
| 20 mg | 10 pills | $33.99 | $3.40 |
| 20 mg | 20 pills | $53.99 | $2.70 |
| 20 mg | 30 pills | $67.99 | $2.27 |
| 20 mg | 60 pills | $126.99 | $2.12 |
| 20 mg | 90 pills | $170.99 | $1.90 |
| 20 mg | 120 pills | $203.99 | $1.70 |
| 20 mg | 180 pills | $276.99 | $1.54 |
| 20 mg | 270 pills | $374.99 | $1.39 |
| 20 mg | 360 pills | $445.99 | $1.24 |
| 40 mg | 10 pills | $36.99 | $3.70 |
| 40 mg | 20 pills | $55.99 | $2.80 |
| 40 mg | 30 pills | $74.99 | $2.50 |
| 40 mg | 60 pills | $134.99 | $2.25 |
| 40 mg | 90 pills | $181.99 | $2.02 |
| 40 mg | 120 pills | $217.99 | $1.82 |
| 40 mg | 180 pills | $294.99 | $1.64 |
| 40 mg | 270 pills | $399.99 | $1.48 |
| 40 mg | 360 pills | $478.99 | $1.33 |
| 60 mg | 10 pills | $41.99 | $4.20 |
| 60 mg | 20 pills | $62.99 | $3.15 |
| 60 mg | 30 pills | $84.99 | $2.83 |
| 60 mg | 60 pills | $151.99 | $2.53 |
| 60 mg | 90 pills | $205.99 | $2.29 |
| 60 mg | 120 pills | $246.99 | $2.06 |
Note: Prices may vary depending on availability, shipping options, and current promotions.
Onset and Duration of Action
Levitra may begin to work within approximately 30 minutes after intake. In some men, the full effect may be noticeable within about one hour.
The effect may last from 8 to 12 hours, depending on individual response, dosage, metabolism, and overall health. During this period, a man may be able to achieve an erection again with sexual stimulation without taking another tablet.
Food, Grapefruit, and Alcohol
Levitra may be taken regardless of meals. However, grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided, as they may affect the way vardenafil is processed in the body and may increase the risk of side effects.
Alcohol is not recommended while using Levitra. Alcohol may reduce the effectiveness of the medication and may increase the risk of dizziness, low blood pressure, flushing, and other unwanted effects.
Contraindications
Levitra should not be used in the following cases:
- Age under 18 years
- Allergy or hypersensitivity to vardenafil or any component of the medication
- Use of medications containing nitrates
- Severe heart or vascular disease
- Recent heart attack or stroke
- Severe liver or kidney impairment
- Certain inherited retinal disorders
- Uncontrolled high or low blood pressure
- Arrhythmias or unstable angina
- Stomach ulcer during an active flare-up
- Tendency to bleeding
- Priapism or a history of prolonged erections
- Anatomical deformity of the penis
- Simultaneous use of alcohol
- Use of other medications for erectile dysfunction unless prescribed by a doctor
A healthcare professional should evaluate whether sexual activity is safe for patients with cardiovascular disease.
Possible Side Effects
Levitra is generally well tolerated, but side effects may occur. They may be mild, moderate, or, in rare cases, serious.
Possible side effects include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Facial flushing
- A sensation of warmth
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Back pain or lower back pain
- Muscle pain
- Drowsiness
- Anxiety
- Changes in blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
- Blurred vision
- Increased tearing
- Conjunctivitis
- Sensitivity to light
- Skin redness or hypersensitivity
Rare but serious reactions may include fainting, chest pain, severe vision or hearing changes, and an erection lasting longer than 4 hours.
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience chest pain, severe dizziness, fainting, sudden loss of vision or hearing, or a prolonged and painful erection.
Overdose
Taking more than the recommended dose may increase the risk and severity of side effects.
Possible overdose symptoms may include:
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Back pain
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Nausea
- Painful erection
- Nasal irritation
- Sudden flushing of the face and neck
- Increased sweating
- Sudden changes in blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Swelling
- Indigestion
- Vision changes
- Nosebleeds
- Increased anxiety
If you suspect an overdose of vardenafil, seek medical attention immediately. Treatment is usually supportive and based on symptoms.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Levitra is not intended for use in women. It is not indicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Levitra may interact with certain medications. Before using it, tell your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products you take.
Important interactions may include:
- Nitrates and nitric oxide donors
- Alpha-blockers
- Certain antiarrhythmic drugs
- Ketoconazole
- Itraconazole
- Indinavir
- Ritonavir
- Erythromycin
- Clarithromycin
- Other medicines for erectile dysfunction
Vardenafil may affect the QT interval and should be used with caution in patients with congenital QT prolongation or those taking medications that affect heart rhythm.
Levitra should not be combined with other erectile dysfunction medications unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional.
Special Precautions
Before taking Levitra, consult a doctor if you have or have had:
- Congenital prolongation of the QT interval
- Anatomical deformation of the penis
- Peyronie’s disease
- Conditions that increase the risk of priapism
- Sickle cell anemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Leukemia
- Severe liver disease
- End-stage kidney disease
- Low blood pressure
- Recent stroke
- Recent myocardial infarction
- Unstable angina
- Hereditary degenerative retinal disease
- A tendency to bleeding
- Active peptic ulcer disease
- Aortic stenosis
- Hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
A medical evaluation is recommended before starting treatment for erectile dysfunction, especially in patients with cardiovascular risk factors.
FAQ
What is Levitra used for?
Levitra is used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It may help achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation.
What is the active ingredient in Levitra?
The active ingredient is vardenafil, a PDE-5 inhibitor that helps improve blood flow to the penis.
How quickly does Levitra work?
Levitra may begin to work within approximately 30 minutes. In some men, the full effect may appear after about one hour.
How long does Levitra last?
The effect may last from 8 to 12 hours, depending on individual response and overall health.
Does Levitra cause an erection automatically?
No. Sexual stimulation is required. Levitra supports the natural erectile response but does not cause an erection without arousal.
What is the usual starting dose?
The usual starting dose is 10 mg. A doctor may adjust the dose depending on effectiveness and tolerability.
What is the maximum daily dose?
The recommended maximum dose is 20 mg per day. Do not take more than one dose within 24 hours.
Can Levitra be taken with food?
Yes. Levitra may be taken with or without food. However, grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided.
Can Levitra be taken with alcohol?
Alcohol is not recommended. It may reduce the effectiveness of the medication and increase the risk of side effects.
Can Levitra be combined with nitrates?
No. Levitra should not be used with nitrates or nitric oxide donors because this combination may cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Is Levitra safe for everyone?
No. Levitra may not be suitable for people with serious heart disease, recent heart attack or stroke, severe liver or kidney disease, certain eye disorders, blood pressure problems, or those taking interacting medications.
When should I seek urgent medical help?
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience chest pain, fainting, sudden vision or hearing loss, severe allergic symptoms, or an erection lasting longer than 4 hours.
Safety Notice
Levitra should be used responsibly and only after considering possible contraindications, side effects, and drug interactions. If you have any medical condition or take prescription medication, consult a healthcare professional before use.