Generic Levitra Professional (Vardenafil)

Introduction

Levitra Professional is an oral tablet that contains the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor vardenafil. It is approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. The product is supplied as a 20 mg film-coated tablet and belongs to the class of selective PDE-5 inhibitors, which also includes medications marketed under brand names such as Levitra, Staxyn, and Zioptan. While its primary indication is ED, limited clinical evidence has explored off-label applications, which are discussed later in this article.

What is Levitra Professional?

Levitra Professional is a pharmaceutical preparation that delivers a fixed 20 mg dose of the active ingredient vardenafil. It is manufactured as a solid oral dosage form (tablet) intended for once-daily use as needed before sexual activity. The formulation includes inactive excipients that enable rapid disintegration and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.

The drug belongs to the PDE-5 inhibitor class, first introduced in the early s to address erectile dysfunction. Vardenafil was developed by GlaxoSmithKline and later licensed to various pharmaceutical companies for generic production. Levitra Professional is one of the licensed generic versions that provide the same therapeutic effect as the original branded formulations.

How Levitra Professional Works

Vardenafil selectively blocks the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5, which normally degrades cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the corpora cavernosa of the penis. During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide released from nerve endings activates guanylate cyclase, raising cGMP levels. Elevated cGMP relaxes smooth muscle, allowing arterial inflow and erection. By inhibiting PDE-5, vardenafil sustains higher cGMP concentrations, enhancing and prolonging the natural erectile response.

Key pharmacokinetic points:

• Onset of action: typically 30-60 minutes after oral intake.
• Peak plasma concentration: reached in about 1 hour.
• Duration of effect: erectile support can last up to 4-6 hours.
• Elimination: primarily hepatic metabolism via CYP3A4; renal excretion of metabolites accounts for a minority of clearance.

Conditions Treated with Levitra Professional

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. Clinical trials have demonstrated that vardenafil improves erection rigidity and frequency compared with placebo. The drug is indicated for men aged 18 years and older with diagnosed ED. Its rapid onset and relatively short half-life make it suitable for on-demand use.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Levitra Professional

• Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) - Small pilot studies have examined PDE-5 inhibitors, including vardenafil, for PAH because of their vasodilatory effect on pulmonary vessels. These investigations remain experimental, and the medication is not approved for PAH in most jurisdictions.
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptom relief - Limited data suggest that PDE-5 inhibition may improve lower urinary tract symptoms in men with concurrent BPH and ED. This use is investigational and should only be considered under specialist supervision.
• Male infertility related to vasculogenic causes - Some researchers have explored whether improved penile blood flow can enhance sperm parameters, but evidence is inconclusive.

Any off-label application must be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider, as safety and efficacy have not been formally established by regulatory agencies.

Is Levitra Professional the Right Medication for You?

Levitra Professional is appropriate for adult men who:

• Have a confirmed diagnosis of erectile dysfunction.
• Do not have contraindications such as concurrent nitrate therapy, severe uncontrolled hypertension, or a history of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
• Are not using potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir) that could raise vardenafil plasma levels.

It may be particularly beneficial for patients who prefer a medication with a rapid onset and a duration shorter than that of some alternative PDE-5 inhibitors. Individuals with severe cardiovascular disease, recent myocardial infarction, or uncontrolled arrhythmias should avoid PDE-5 inhibitors unless cleared by a cardiologist.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Headache
• Flushing (warmth, redness)
• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• Dyspepsia (indigestion)
• Dizziness

Rare

• Visual disturbances (blue-green tint, blurred vision)
• Auditory changes (tinnitus, hearing loss)
• Myalgia or back pain (often transient)

Serious

• Priapism (erection lasting > 4 hours) - requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent tissue damage.
• Cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke) in patients with high baseline risk.
• Sudden vision loss due to NAION.

Drug-Drug Interactions

• Nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate): can cause profound hypotension; concomitant use is contraindicated.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir): increase vardenafil levels, raising the risk of side effects. Dose reduction or avoidance is advised.
• CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin, carbamazepine, St. John’s wort): may reduce efficacy.

Food and Alcohol

• High-fat meals can delay absorption, postponing onset by up to 2 hours.
• Moderate alcohol intake generally does not affect efficacy, but excessive drinking may exacerbate hypotension and dizziness.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard dosing: One 20 mg tablet taken with water, approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour before anticipated sexual activity.
• Maximum frequency: Do not exceed one tablet within a 24-hour period.
• Missed dose: If an erection does not occur, do not take an additional tablet. The medication should be taken only as needed.
• Overdose: Symptoms may include severe hypotension, prolonged erection, and fainting. Seek emergency medical care promptly. No specific antidote exists; supportive measures focus on blood pressure stabilization and monitoring.

Practical precautions

• Avoid taking Levitra Professional with grapefruit juice, as it can increase plasma concentrations.
• Do not operate heavy machinery or drive if you experience dizziness or visual disturbances.
• Counsel patients with renal or hepatic impairment to start at a lower dose (e.g., 10 mg) under professional guidance.

FAQ

• What temperature range should I store Levitra Professional in?

  • Store the tablets at room temperature (15 °C-30 °C). Protect them from excess heat, humidity, and direct sunlight to maintain potency.

• Can I travel internationally with a supply of Levitra Professional?

  • Yes, provided the medication is in its original packaging with a clear label, and you comply with the import regulations of the destination country. Carry a copy of the prescription if requested.

• Does the tablet have any distinctive markings or colors?

  • The 20 mg Levitra Professional tablet is typically round, film-coated, and bears a specific imprint (e.g., “V20” or manufacturer-specific code) along with a pale pink or orange hue. Verify the imprint with your supplier.

• Are there any excipients that could trigger an allergic reaction?

  • Inactive ingredients may include lactose, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate. Patients with known sensitivities to these substances should discuss alternatives with a pharmacist.

• How does the onset of Levitra Professional compare with other PDE-5 inhibitors?

  • Vardenafil generally achieves an erection-facilitating effect within 30-60 minutes, slightly faster than sildenafil (≈1 hour) and similar to tadalafil’s 30-minute profile, though tadalafil’s duration is markedly longer.

• Will taking Levitra Professional affect routine blood work?

  • Vardenafil does not typically interfere with standard laboratory tests. However, if you are undergoing hepatic function panels, the drug’s metabolism through CYP3A4 may be noted.

• Is it safe to use Levitra Professional if I have mild asthma?

  • Mild, well-controlled asthma is not a contraindication. Nevertheless, any condition that limits the ability to engage in sexual activity due to respiratory distress should be evaluated by a physician.

• Can I take Levitra Professional with antihypertensive medication?

  • Most antihypertensives are compatible, but concurrent use with alpha-blockers may cause additive blood-pressure lowering. Dose timing and monitoring are recommended.

• What is the difference between the 20 mg tablet and a 10 mg tablet, if available?

  • The 20 mg tablet provides the full standard dose for most patients, while a 10 mg tablet allows for dose titration in individuals who are sensitive to side effects or who have hepatic/renal impairment.

• Does the medication have any impact on sperm count or quality?

  • Current evidence suggests vardenafil does not adversely affect semen parameters; however, definitive conclusions are limited. Men concerned about fertility should discuss this with a specialist.

Glossary

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) Inhibitor

A class of drugs that block the PDE-5 enzyme, preventing the breakdown of cGMP and thereby facilitating smooth-muscle relaxation in the penis.

cGMP (Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate)

A secondary messenger molecule that mediates vasodilation and erection by relaxing smooth muscle tissue.

Priapism

A prolonged, often painful erection lasting more than four hours, unrelated to sexual stimulation; it is a medical emergency.

Buying Levitra Professional from Our Online Pharmacy

Patients who encounter limited availability or high out-of-pocket costs for erectile-dysfunction therapy can obtain Levitra Professional through our online pharmacy. We partner exclusively with licensed, internationally vetted manufacturers to source the medication at prices close to the original production cost.

• Cost-effective access - By bypassing traditional retail mark-ups, we deliver a price that is competitive with bulk-purchase rates.
• Verified quality - Every batch is packaged with a tamper-evident seal and accompanied by a batch-specific quality certificate, ensuring the product meets pharmaco-technical standards.
• Discreet delivery - Orders are shipped in unbranded packaging, with tracking options that respect your privacy. Standard delivery typically arrives within 7 days (express) or 2-3 weeks (economy airmail), depending on the destination.
• Global reach - Our brokerage model enables us to serve patients in regions where generic vardenafil may not be stocked locally, offering a reliable alternative for those with restricted pharmacy access.

By choosing our online pharmacy, you benefit from a secure, confidential channel that prioritizes both affordability and medication integrity.

Disclaimer

The information presented here about Levitra Professional is intended for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Treatment choices, including any off-label applications, should be made under the supervision of a qualified health professional. Readers are presumed to be competent adults capable of making informed health decisions. Our online pharmacy supplies Levitra Professional as a generic option for individuals who may face limited availability or high costs through conventional pharmacy channels. Always discuss any medication changes with a healthcare provider before initiating or discontinuing therapy.