Levitra (vardenafil) — evidence-based overview (not medical advice)

Quick summary

• Levitra is a prescription medicine (vardenafil) used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
• It belongs to the PDE‑5 inhibitor class, similar to sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis).
• Strong clinical evidence shows it can improve erections for many men when sexually stimulated.
• It does not increase sexual desire and does not work without arousal.
• Side effects are usually mild but can be serious in specific health conditions.

What is known

What Levitra is

Levitra is the brand name for vardenafil, a medication approved by major regulatory agencies
for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. ED is the persistent difficulty in achieving or maintaining
an erection sufficient for sexual activity.

How it works (mechanism of action)

Levitra works by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE‑5). This helps increase blood flow
to the penis during sexual stimulation. Importantly, it does not cause an automatic erection;
sexual arousal is still required.

Effectiveness based on research

Randomized controlled trials and long‑term studies show that vardenafil significantly improves erectile
function scores compared with placebo. Benefits have been observed across different causes of ED,
including vascular disease and diabetes, although response varies by individual.

Onset and duration

Clinical studies suggest Levitra typically begins to work within about 30–60 minutes for many users.
Its effects generally last several hours, but it is not intended for continuous or daily effect unless
specifically directed by a clinician.

Common side effects

The most frequently reported side effects include headache, facial flushing, nasal congestion,
indigestion, and dizziness. These effects are usually temporary and mild to moderate in intensity.

Serious risks and contraindications

Levitra can be dangerous for people taking nitrate medications (commonly used for chest pain),
as the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Caution is also advised in people
with certain heart conditions, liver disease, or specific eye disorders.

What is unclear / where evidence is limited

Despite extensive research, some areas remain uncertain:

• Long‑term daily use: While intermittent use is well studied, long‑term safety data
  for continuous use are more limited.
• Comparative superiority: Evidence does not clearly show that Levitra is consistently
  superior to other PDE‑5 inhibitors; individual response varies.
• Use in complex medical conditions: People with multiple chronic illnesses are often
  underrepresented in trials.
• Psychological contributors to ED: Medication alone may not address stress,
  anxiety, or relationship factors.

Overview of approaches

Management of erectile dysfunction usually involves a combination of medical evaluation,
lifestyle considerations, and patient preferences.

Medication approach

Levitra is one of several PDE‑5 inhibitors available. Typical dosing ranges are described in the
official prescribing information, but individual decisions must be made by a licensed clinician.
For authoritative details, see the

U.S. FDA prescribing information for Levitra
.

Lifestyle and risk‑factor management

Evidence suggests that addressing cardiovascular risk factors—such as smoking, physical inactivity,
obesity, and poorly controlled diabetes—can improve erectile function and overall health.

Psychological and relationship support

Counseling or sex therapy may be helpful, especially when anxiety, depression, or relationship stress
contributes to ED. Medications like Levitra do not replace psychological care when it is needed.

Evidence confidence overview

Statement	Confidence level	Why
Levitra improves erectile function compared with placebo	High	Supported by multiple randomized controlled trials and regulatory approval
Levitra works better than all other ED medications	Low	No consistent head‑to‑head evidence showing clear superiority
Side effects are usually mild and temporary	Medium–High	Consistent reporting across clinical trials and post‑marketing data
Lifestyle changes alone can fully replace medication	Low–Medium	Helpful but often insufficient without medical treatment

Practical recommendations

These general measures are intended for education, not personal medical advice:

• Seek medical evaluation if erectile difficulties persist for more than a few months.
• Discuss all medications and supplements with your doctor to avoid interactions.
• Consider ED as a possible early sign of cardiovascular disease and request appropriate screening.
• Prepare for appointments by noting symptom patterns, lifestyle factors, and health history.

You may find related educational articles helpful, such as our overview of
erectile dysfunction causes,
a comparison of
PDE‑5 inhibitors,
guidance on
talking to your doctor about sexual health,
or lifestyle insights from our
men’s health blog.

Sources

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Levitra (vardenafil) Prescribing Information.
• European Association of Urology (EAU). Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health.
• American Urological Association (AUA). Erectile Dysfunction Clinical Guidelines.
• National Institutes of Health (NIH). MedlinePlus: Vardenafil.