What Is Levitra? Benefits, Side Effects, and Comparison to Other ED Pills

Levitra is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It's a lot like Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil), but a bit less well-known.

And it works: Vardenafil has been consistently found to effectively improve sexual function in a range of demographics.

Although the brand name Levitra is no longer sold in Canada, generic vardenafil is widely available and provides the exact same active ingredient, dosage, and therapeutic effects.

In this guide, we explain exactly what is vardenafil: how it supports erectile function, how quickly it works, its effectiveness, side effects, comparisons, and how to get it safely in Canada through licensed clinicians.

Looking for an effective ED treatment? Buy Vardenafil Online.

Brief background: How erectile dysfunction happens

ED is extremely common. It happens when there is a disruption in the chemical and blood flow signals that create an erection.

When you become sexually aroused, the brain sends messages to the penis through nerve cells and hormones, which cause the release of a natural chemical called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide then tells the smooth muscles in the blood vessels of the penis to relax, allowing more blood to flow into the erectile tissue.

That blood brings with it another messenger—cGMP—which helps keep those blood vessels relaxed long enough for a firm erection to form. Higher levels of active cGMP make it easier to achieve and maintain an erection.

Over time, the body naturally releases an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which breaks down cGMP. As cGMP levels fall, the blood vessels begin to tighten, blood flow decreases, and the erection gradually fades.

What is Levitra and vardenafil?

Levitra is a prescription medication that treats erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis. It comes in a pill form, and the standard doses are 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg.

(Remember, Levitra is just the brand name of vardenafil—they are the same chemical substance, it's just that one is branded.)

How vardenafil and Levitra work

Like Viagra (brand name sildenafil) and Cialis (brand name tadalafil), Levitra is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. These medications work by blocking the PDE5 enzyme, the same enzyme that breaks down cGMP. When PDE5 is temporarily inhibited, cGMP can stay active longer, allowing the blood vessels in the penis to stay relaxed and open and let in more blood.

In practical terms, this means:

• Improved blood flow during sexual stimulation.
• Easier time getting an erection.
• Better ability to maintain firmness throughout sex.

(Heads up: Vardenafil doesn't cause spontaneous erections or affect libido. Instead, it supports the biological pathway that allows erections to happen in the first place.)

Effectiveness of Levitra (vardenafil)

Research consistently finds that vardenafil is significantly more effective than placebo at improving erectile function, increasing the number of erections firm enough for penetration, and boosting overall sexual success rates in men with erectile dysfunction.

The research found that benefits were consistent across standard dosing ranges; in other words, there wasn't a significant difference in effect between men who took 10 mg and those who took 20 mg.

Most men who try Levitra find that it works reliably. A review of clinical evidence has found that approximately 70–80% of men obtain better, easier erections with vardenafil.

It's been found to work for men who:

• Struggle with chronic ED
• Have high blood pressure
• Have diabetes
• Have high blood lipid levels (dyslipidemia)
• Are older

Levitra even works in men who didn't see any benefit from Viagra. In one two-year study of over 500 men, improvements in erectile function were not only significant and sustained over time, but vardenafil also showed clear benefits in men who had previously not responded to sildenafil. This indicates it can be an effective option even when other ED medications haven't worked.

How quickly Levitra (vardenafil) works and how long it lasts

One reason Levitra is popular is its balance of speed and flexibility.

• Onset: Most people feel effects within 30 to 60 minutes (some as fast as 15 minutes).
• Duration: Typically lasts 4 to 5 hours, sometimes slightly longer.
• Effect window: Improves responsiveness to sexual stimulation rather than causing a constant erection.

Once active, Levitra helps your body respond more easily to sexual arousal during that window.

In comparison, vardenafil lasts about as long as sildenafil (generic Viagra), and is much shorter-acting than tadalafil (generic Cialis). Many men choose sildenafil or vardenafil when they want reliable ED support without the extended or next-day effects that can come with longer-acting options.

Learn more: Cialis vs Levitra: Which ED medication is better in Canada?

Does food affect vardenafil?

You can take Levitra with or without food, although a very heavy, high-fat meal may slow how quickly it starts working. For many men, this flexibility makes vardenafil easier to use than ED medications that require stricter timing around meals.

Overall, Levitra is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction.

It is fast-acting enough to feel spontaneous, but not so long-lasting that it carries into the next day like longer-acting options such as Cialis. For men who want ED treatment that feels predictable, natural, and easy to fit into real life, Levitra is a strong option.

More potent and targeted than other ED medications

Some men who've tried Viagra report that Levitra feels steadier or more predictable. This may be because vardenafil is more selective in how it targets the PDE5 enzyme, which can lead to a smoother, more consistent response.

For many people, this combination of reliable performance, a comfortable window of effectiveness, and a familiar on-demand format makes Levitra a strong choice for supporting confidence without disrupting the natural flow of intimacy.

Side effects of Levitra (vardenafil)

Levitra is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause some side effects, most of which are mild and temporary. The most common reactions include things like:

• A warm flush in the face
• A mild headache
• Nasal stuffiness
• Upset stomach or indigestion

These typically fade as the medication wears off and often improve as your body becomes habituated to the dose.

Serious side effects with vardenafil are very rare and can include chest pain, sudden vision changes, or an erection that lasts longer than four hours (priapism). If any of these are experienced, seek immediate medical attention.

Learn more: Vardenafil Safety Information

Potential Interactions

Vardenafil can also interact with certain medications, so it's important to review what you're taking before starting treatment. In general, avoid vardenafil if you are currently taking any of the following medications:

• Nitrates (for chest pain or heart conditions): These should never be taken with vardenafil, as the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
• Some heart or blood pressure medications: Certain drugs may increase the risk of side effects or require dose adjustments.
• Prostate medications (such as alpha-blockers): These can also lower blood pressure when combined with vardenafil.
• Certain antibiotics and antifungals: Some can affect how vardenafil is metabolized in the body.
• HIV medications: These may increase vardenafil levels and raise the risk of side effects.

Because of these potential interactions, it's important to tell your clinician about all medications and supplements you take—even ones that don't seem related.

Fewer side effects than other PDE5 inhibitors

Some research has found that vardenafil causes slightly less intense side effects than some of its rival medications.

For example, PDE5 inhibitor medications (including sildenafil and tadalafil, as well as vardenafil) can cause muscle aches, light sensitivity, or a slight change in colour perception. These are usually short-lived and not harmful, but they can occur. This can happen because, in addition to inhibiting PDE5, they also inhibit other enzymes that have an effect on muscles and colour perception.

Interestingly, because vardenafil better targets PDE5 and not other enzymes, it may be less likely to cause these side effects than sildenafil and tadalafil.

How to minimize vardenafil side effects

Experiencing side effects?

A clinician can also adjust the dose, switch the medication, or check for interactions if something feels off. The goal is always to find a treatment that supports your sexual health and feels good for your body.

If it's not the right fit, you might also consider trying a different ED medication like sildenafil or tadalafil.

Learn more: What is Tadalafil? The Complete Guide

Levitra vs. alternative ED medications

Levitra sits alongside sildenafil and tadalafil as one of the most trusted prescription treatments for erectile dysfunction. All three are proven to work, helping men across a range of ED severities achieve and maintain an erection during sexual activity:

• Sildenafil (generic Viagra): A fast-acting, on-demand ED medication that typically works within 30–60 minutes and lasts about 4–5 hours. It's widely prescribed and well studied, but its timing can be more affected by heavy meals.
• Tadalafil (generic Cialis): A longer-acting ED medication that can last up to 36 hours, offering more flexibility and spontaneity. It's available as an on-demand option or as a low-dose daily pill for continuous support.
• Essential Ignite: A prescription ED treatment offered by Essential Clinic that combines proven active ingredients in a single tablet to support stronger, more reliable erections. It's designed for men who want a simplified, clinic-guided option tailored to modern telehealth care.

Each one has a different feel in terms of timing, duration, and user experience. Here's how all four options compare at a glance:

Vardenafil offers a balanced, middle-ground between experience by working fast enough to feel spontaneous but not long enough to carry into the next day. Viagra works similarly but can feel less consistent for some men, especially when taken with food. Cialis stands apart for its long duration, making it ideal if you prefer not to plan around timing. And Essential Ignite blends the best of both.

Learn more: Sildenafil vs. Tadalafil vs. Tadalafil Daily: Which Is Best for ED?

For many men, vardenafil strikes the right mix of reliability, comfort, and timing, especially when they want something that supports their confidence without affecting the rest of their day.

Is Levitra better than generic vardenafil?

In Canada, brand-name Levitra is no longer available, but generic vardenafil works exactly the same way as its brand-name version. Both contain the same active ingredient, in the same doses, and go through the same regulatory standards for safety and effectiveness.

In practice, the two are interchangeable. Generic vardenafil offers the same benefits as Levitra, which include:

• Steady, predictable results
• Familiar 30–60 minute onset
• 4–6 hour window of effectiveness
• Similar side-effect profile, and
• Reliable performance for a wide range of ED causes

Generic vardenafil is typically more affordable, which is why most men in Canada use the generic version. For anyone who has used Levitra in the past or has heard positive experiences from others, generic vardenafil delivers the same experience without the brand-name price tag.

How to get vardenafil in Canada

Vardenafil is available in Canada, but only as a prescription medication. The easiest way to get it is through a licensed provider who can review your health history and make sure the medication is safe for you.

You can do that online at Essential Clinic. Simply complete a short online assessment. A clinician will review your information, and, if it's a good fit, your ED medication is shipped discreetly to your door.

Start an online visit for vardenafil.

It's private, fast, and avoids the awkwardness of in-person appointments.

(You're welcome.)

References

_{Hatzichristou, D. G., Aliotta, P., Auerbach, S., Barkin, J., Lording, D., Murdock, M., ... & Patient Response with Vardenafil in Sildenafil Non-Responders (PROVEN) Study Group. (2005). Erectile response to vardenafil in men with a history of nonresponse to sildenafil: a time-from-dosing descriptive analysis. Clinical therapeutics, 27(9), 1452-1461.}

_{Francis, S. H., & Corbin, J. D. (2011). Structure and function of PDE5. International Journal of Impotence Research, 23(1), 1–15.}

_{Goldstein, I., Young, J. M., Fischer, J., Bangerter, K., & Segerson, T. (2003). Vardenafil, a new phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2(1), 88–95.}

_{Gupta, M., Kovar, A., & Meibohm, B. (2005). The clinical pharmacokinetics of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 45(9), 987–1003.}

_{Kloner, R. A. (2009). Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular risk factors. International Journal of Impotence Research, 21(5), 299–306.}

_{Markou, S., Perimenis, P., Gyftopoulos, K., Athanasopoulos, A., & Barbalias, G. (2004). Vardenafil (Levitra) for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trial reports. International journal of impotence research, 16(6), 470-478.}

_{Mayo Clinic. (2023). Vardenafil (oral route) – Description and side effects.}

_{Morales, A. M., Mirone, V. Dean, J., & Costa, P. (2009). Vardenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: an overview of the clinical evidence. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 4, 463-472.}

_{Schwartz, B.G. & Kloner, R.A. (2010). Drug interactions with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension. Circulation, 122(1), 88-95.}

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.