Levitra (Vardenafil)

Wat is Levitra?

Levitra (vardenafil) is a prescription-only oral medicine approved by the Europees Geneesmiddelenbureau (EMA) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. It belongs to the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor class — the same family of medicines as sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis) — but has a distinct molecular structure that gives it some differentiated pharmacological properties, including a relatively fast onset of action.

Hoe werkt Levitra work?

Levitra inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), an enzyme found primarily in penile smooth muscle tissue. This mechanism of action is shared with other PDE5 inhibitors, but vardenafil is considered more potent at the molecular level — it inhibits PDE5 at lower concentrations than sildenafil.

During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide is released in the erectile tissue of the penis, stimulating the production of cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate). cGMP causes smooth muscle relaxation in the penile blood vessels, increasing blood flow and producing an erection. In men with ED, PDE5 degrades cGMP too quickly for a sufficient erection to develop. By inhibiting PDE5, vardenafil allows cGMP to accumulate, restoring the capacity for a normal erection in response to sexual stimulation.

Levitra does not produce an erection in the absence of sexual stimulation. Arousal is required for the medicine to be effective.

Vardenafil’s higher selectivity for PDE5 relative to other PDE subtypes (particularly PDE6 in the retina) may contribute to a lower incidence of visual side effects compared to sildenafil, though direct head-to-head clinical comparisons are limited.

Voor wie is Levitra for?

Levitra is indicated for adult men with erectile dysfunction. It may be particularly considered for:

• Men for whom sildenafil (Viagra) has been insufficiently effective
• Men with ED secondary to diabetes mellitus (both type 1 and type 2), where clinical evidence supports vardenafil’s efficacy
• Men who require a faster onset of action than sildenafil typically provides
• Men for whom high-fat meals are a practical concern (vardenafil’s onset can be mildly slowed by high-fat meals, but less so than sildenafil)

Levitra is not appropriate for all men. Contraindications include:

• Concurrent use of nitrate medicines in any form
• Concurrent use of potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir or ketoconazole (which can significantly increase vardenafil plasma levels)
• Severe hepatic impairment
• End-stage renal disease requiring dialysis
• Hereditary degenerative retinal disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa
• History of NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy)

Dosering

Levitra is taken orally, approximately 25 to 60 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. It is available in three strengths:

Dose	Typical Use
5 mg	Men with hepatic impairment (mild to moderate), men aged 65 or over, or those with significant drug interactions
10 mg	Standard starting dose for most adult men
20 mg	If 10 mg is well-tolerated but insufficiently effective

The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg per 24-hour period. Levitra should not be taken more than once per day.

Food effect: A standard meal does not significantly affect the absorption of vardenafil. However, a very high-fat meal (>57% fat content) may reduce the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and delay onset. Taking Levitra with a light or moderate meal is generally recommended.

Bijwerkingen

As with all medicines, Levitra may cause side effects.

Veel voorkomende bijwerkingen (kunnen meer dan 1 op 10 personen treffen)

• Headache
• Flushing (facial warmth and redness)
• Nasal congestion
• Dyspepsia (indigestion)

Minder vaak voorkomende side effects (kunnen tot 1 op 10 personen treffen)

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Visual disturbances (blurred vision, altered colour perception)
• Back pain

Ernstige bijwerkingen — zoek onmiddellijk medische hulp

• Priapism: An erection unrelated to sexual stimulation lasting more than 4 hours is a medical emergency. Without prompt treatment, permanent damage to erectile tissue may occur.
• Sudden vision loss: Rare cases of NAION have been reported in association with PDE5 inhibitor use. Discontinue immediately and seek urgent medical care.
• Sudden hearing loss: Stop treatment and contact a doctor immediately.
• Severe hypotension: Risk is markedly increased if vardenafil is taken with nitrates. This combination is absolutely contraindicated.
• QT prolongation: Vardenafil should be used with caution in patients with known QT prolongation and in those taking medicines that can prolong the QT interval.

Refer to the EMA-approved product information for a complete list of side effects.

Levitra vs alternatieven

All four PDE5 inhibitors listed below are EMA-approved for erectile dysfunction. This table is provided for informational purposes only. Clinical suitability must be assessed by a qualified doctor.

Medicine	Active Ingredient	Onset	Duration	Dosing
Levitra	Vardenafil	25–60 min	4–5 hours	On demand
Viagra	Sildenafil Citrate	30–60 min	4–6 hours	On demand
Cialis	Tadalafil	30–60 min	Up to 36 hours	On demand or daily
Generic Viagra	Sildenafil	30–60 min	4–6 hours	On demand

Key differences:

• Levitra vs Viagra: Both have a similar duration of effect (4–5 hours versus 4–6 hours). Levitra may have a slightly faster onset in some patients and may be effective for men who respond inadequately to sildenafil. Vardenafil’s higher molecular potency for PDE5 inhibition is a pharmacological distinction, though clinical superiority in unselected populations has not been demonstrated.
• Levitra vs Cialis: Tadalafil’s defining advantage is its duration of action — up to 36 hours versus 4–5 hours for vardenafil — and the availability of a daily dosing option. Levitra has a potentially faster onset. Tadalafil is also approved for BPH; vardenafil is not.
• Levitra vs Generic Sildenafil: The primary differences are in molecular potency and onset speed. Both have a comparable duration of effect.

Hoe krijgt u toegang tot Levitra online in Europa krijgen

Levitra is a receptplichtig geneesmiddel (POM) in all EU-lidstaten. A valid prescription from a licensed medical professional is required before it can be legally dispensed.

Prescrivia operates as a technology intermediary: we do not prescribe medicines, employ doctors, or sell medicines. Our platform connects patients with independent EU-registered doctors who can conduct confidential online health assessments.

The process works as follows:

1. Vul een gezondheidsbeoordeling in: Answer structured health questions covering your medical history, current medications, cardiovascular history, and relevant lifestyle factors.
2. Beoordeling door arts: An independent EU-registered doctor reviews your assessment. If vardenafil is clinically appropriate, they may issue a prescription. If it is not appropriate, the doctor will explain why.
3. Recept en levering: If a prescription is issued, it is sent to a licensed EU pharmacy partner, which dispenses and ships the medicine to you.

Important: Prescrivia garandeert niet that a prescription will be issued. All prescribing decisions are made independently by qualified medical professionals.

Belangrijke veiligheidsinformatie

Gebruik niet Levitra if you:

• Take nitrate medicines in any form (including glyceryl trinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate, or nitrate-containing recreational drugs)
• Take potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir, indinavir, or ketoconazole (400 mg daily)
• Have severe liver impairment
• Have end-stage renal disease on dialysis
• Have retinitis pigmentosa or a history of NAION
• Are allergic to vardenafil or any excipient in Levitra

Informeer uw arts before starting Levitra if you have:

• Any history of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, or stroke
• A QT prolongation condition or use medicines that prolong QT
• Bleeding disorders or active peptic ulceration
• Sickle cell anaemia, multiple myeloma, or leukaemia
• Peyronie’s disease or other anatomical penile deformity
• Mild to moderate hepatic impairment (dose reduction required)

Geneesmiddelinteracties: Vardenafil has significant interactions with nitrates (absolutely contraindicated), potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (ritonavir, ketoconazole), alpha-blockers (risk of hypotension), antihypertensives, and QT-prolonging medicines. Always provide a complete and current medication list to the reviewing doctor.

Bronnen

Medical information on this page is based on the following sources:

• Europees Geneesmiddelenbureau (EMA). Levitra (vardenafil) — Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: ema.europa.eu
• Europees Geneesmiddelenbureau (EMA). Assessment report: Levitra. EMEA/H/C/000475.
• Wereldgezondheidsorganisatie (WHO). Sexual health — Fact sheet. who.int
• Hellstrom WJG, et al. Vardenafil for treatment of men with erectile dysfunction: efficacy and safety in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Androl. 2002;23(6):763-771.

This content is reviewed periodically to reflect updated clinical guidance. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice relevant to your individual health circumstances.