LEVITRA 20

Vardenafil, the active component of LEVITRA 20, is one of the three "heavyweights" among PDE5 inhibitors. LEVITRA 20 is the maximum recommended daily dose (20 mg), intended for men with moderate to severe erectile dysfunction (ED) who require guaranteed and reliable support.

What is LEVITRA 20?

LEVITRA 20 is the original brand-name medication containing 20 mg of Vardenafil. This dosage is the clinically approved maximum dose for treating ED when the initial 10 mg dose proved insufficient.

1. Key advantages of Vardenafil

Vardenafil has two important advantages that make LEVITRA 20 a preferred choice for many patients:

• High Selectivity: Vardenafil is highly selective for the PDE5 enzyme. Because of this, LEVITRA 20 less frequently causes vision-related side effects (color vision changes) than Sildenafil.

• Speed of Action: The drug often starts working faster than other PDE5 inhibitors, increasing the level of spontaneity.

2. Target audience

LEVITRA 20 is indicated for men with a confirmed diagnosis of ED, including patients with coexisting conditions such as diabetes, where Vardenafil has shown particularly high efficacy.

Detailed mechanism of action of LEVITRA 20

The mechanism of action of LEVITRA 20 is based on blocking the phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme.

1. Sexual Stimulation: Arousal leads to the release of nitric oxide (NO) from nerve endings and vascular endothelium.

2. Chain Reaction: NO activates the synthesis of cyclic GMP (cGMP). cGMP is a smooth muscle relaxant that causes the widening of the penile arteries, ensuring blood inflow.

3. PDE5 Blockade: The PDE5 enzyme normally breaks down cGMP, ending the erection. Vardenafil 20 mg blocks PDE5, allowing cGMP to persist longer. This enhances and stabilizes the natural erectile response, making the erection firm and sustained.

Key Conclusion: The efficacy of LEVITRA 20 is entirely dependent on the presence of sexual arousal.

Instructions for using LEVITRA 20

Strict adherence to the instructions is essential for safety and efficacy.

1. Dosage and timing of intake

• Dosage: 20 mg (one tablet) is the maximum recommended daily dose. It is strictly prohibited to take more than 20 mg of Vardenafil within 24 hours.

• Initiating Treatment: If you are taking Vardenafil for the first time, it is recommended to start with 10 mg, and only use LEVITRA 20 if 10 mg proves insufficient.

• Time of Intake: The tablet should be swallowed whole with water, approximately 25-60 minutes before planned sexual activity. The drug maintains efficacy for up to 4-6 hours.

2. Influence of food and alcohol

• Food: LEVITRA 20 can be taken with or without food. However, a large fatty meal may slightly delay the onset of the drug's action.

• Alcohol: Unlike Sildenafil, Vardenafil 20 mg is considered more compatible with moderate amounts of alcohol, without causing a significant drop in blood pressure. Nevertheless, excessive consumption of spirits always negatively affects erection.

Critical contraindications for LEVITRA 20

A cardiovascular risk assessment must be performed before taking LEVITRA 20.

• Interaction with Nitrates: It is absolutely forbidden to take LEVITRA 20 with any form of organic nitrates or nitric oxide donors (e.g., Nitroglycerin). This causes a critical, life-threatening drop in blood pressure.

• Severe Cardiovascular Diseases: Recent myocardial infarction or stroke (within 6 months), unstable angina, severe heart failure (NYHA Class III or IV).

• Blood Pressure: Persistent hypotension (pressure < 90/50 mmHg) or uncontrolled hypertension.

• Liver and Kidneys: Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) or renal failure requiring dialysis.

• Eyes: Hereditary degenerative retinal diseases (retinitis pigmentosa).

Side effects of LEVITRA 20

LEVITRA 20 is known for good tolerability. Side effects, if they occur, are generally mild and temporary.

• Common: Headache (the most common side effect), facial flushing, nasal congestion.

• Less Common: Dyspepsia (indigestion), dizziness, back pain.

• Visual Risk: Vardenafil has a very low risk of vision-related side effects compared to Sildenafil.

Immediate medical attention is required for: An erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism), or sudden loss of vision/hearing.

Professional advice on using LEVITRA 20

1. Optimal Dose: 20 mg is the maximally effective dose. If 10 mg did not yield results, switching to 20 mg often becomes the solution.

2. Choice for Diabetics: Vardenafil has proven to be one of the most effective PDE5 inhibitors for men with diabetes.

3. Dosing Flexibility: The LEVITRA 20 tablet can be split in half to obtain a 10 mg dose, if the maximum dose causes side effects.

LEVITRA 20: Extended Q&A section

• How long does LEVITRA 20 last? The duration of action of Vardenafil 20 mg averages 4-6 hours.

• What is the difference between LEVITRA 20 (Vardenafil) and Sildenafil 100 mg? In terms of potency, these doses are roughly equivalent. Vardenafil in LEVITRA 20 acts slightly faster, is less dependent on food, and has a lower risk of vision-related side effects.

• Can LEVITRA 20 be taken daily? No. Vardenafil is intended for "on-demand" use, no more than once every 24 hours. Tadalafil 5 mg is generally preferred for daily dosing.

• What should I do if LEVITRA 20 didn't work? If there is no effect, ensure that sexual stimulation was present. In case of repeated inefficacy, discuss with a urologist switching to another medication (Tadalafil) or switching to sublingual Vardenafil forms, which may absorb faster.