Levitra (vardenafil) facts

Levitra has been shown to be effective in treating ED in a broad range of men, including men with diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, spinal cord injury and those who have had their prostate gland removed. ⁽¹⁾

• 74% of ED patients achieve full sexual intercourse with their first Levitra tablet ⁽²⁾
• 87% of ED patients achieve penetration with their first Levitra tablet ⁽²⁾
• 75% of men with diabetes and ED achieved penetration with their first Levitra tablet ⁽³⁾
• 84% of men with hypertension and ED achieved penetration with their first Levitra tablet ⁽³⁾
• 84% of men with dyslipidaemia and ED achieved penetration with their first Levitra tablet ⁽³⁾

In order for a man to attain an erection he needs to be sexually aroused.

Once he is stimulated; nitric oxide (NO) diffuses into the smooth muscle cells activating guanylate cyclase (GC) to change guanosine triphosphate (GTP) into cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The cGMP causes a decrease in intracellular calcium inducing smooth muscle relaxation, allowing more blood to flow into the vessels of the penis, making the penis rigid and erect.

NO > GC > GTP > cGMP > Increased blood flow to the penis

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) is responsible for reducing cGMP in the penis. This reduction causes the smooth muscle surrounding the blood vessels to contract, resulting in blood being forced out of the penis and the erection becoming flaccid.

As a PDE-5 inhibitor, Levitra blocks the action of PDE-5, preventing it from breaking down cGMP. This results in an improved blood flow to the penis maintaining the erection.

A recent International post-marketing surveillance study in over 30,000 patients has shown Levitra to be well-tolerated in most men. The most common side-effects reported were headache, flushing and nasal congestion. ⁽⁴⁾

As with all PDE-5 inhibitors, patients taking nitrates (a treatment for a specific heart problem) should not take Levitra and it may not be suitable for some patients with serious heart conditions or when sexual activity is inadvisable. ⁽¹⁾

However, as with all prescription medicines, men should consult their healthcare professional who will advise them accordingly.

High first time success, good results in patients with co-morbidities, and a tolerable safety profile are important factors in identifying the most appropriate PDE5 inhibitor. ⁽⁵⁾ Recent research has shown that first dose efficacy has been reported as the most important treatment attribute, alongside speed of action, by men with ED treated with a PDE5 inhibitor. ⁽⁵⁾

74% of ED patients achieve full sexual intercourse with their first Levitra tablet. ⁽²⁾