Vardenafil (Levitra) Uses

Vardenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) (impotence or the inability to achieve and sustain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse). 

There may be other uses of vardenafil—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Vardenafil (Levitra) Mechanism of Action

Vardenafil works by blocking the action of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) and increasing blood flow to the penis to achieve an erection. In the presence of sexual stimulation, the cells in the penis release nitric oxide, which leads to the formation of a substance called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the smooth muscle of the penis. cGMP triggers relaxation of the penile smooth muscle, allowing increased blood flow to the penis, resulting in an erection. The enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) breaks down cGMP. Vardenafil blocks PDE-5 and makes more cGMP available, thereby enhancing erectile function. These effects occur only in the presence of sexual stimulation, which is required for the release of nitric oxide.

Vardenafil (Levitra) Doses

Vardenafil is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets taken by mouth. It is also available as a 10-mg orally disintegrating tablet. 

The usual recommended dose of vardenafil is a single dose of 10 mg by mouth 1 hour before sexual activity. The dose can be adjusted to 5 mg or 20 mg as needed based on the response and side effects. A starting dose of 5 mg is recommended for men 65 years of age and older and those with reduced liver function. The maximum dose is 20 mg. The maximum dosing frequency is once every 24 hours. Vardenafil does not work in the absence of sexual stimulation.