How Long Does It Take for Vardenafil (Levitra) to Work? Plus, 5 More Vardenafil FAQs
Key takeaways:
Vardenafil is a first-choice medication for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). It works by blocking phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), a protein in your body that can prevent an erection from happening.
It may take vardenafil as little as 10 minutes to work. People typically experience full effects of the medication about 1 hour after taking it.
On average, vardenafil lasts for about 5 to 7 hours. But you should only have an erection if you experience sexual stimulation. If you have an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours, get immediate medical help.
There are ways to save on vardenafil. With GoodRx, you can save over 80% off the average retail price at certain pharmacies.
Table of contents
Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects about 30 million U.S. men. If you’ve experienced ED, you know it can be troubling and negatively affect relationships. Thankfully, many treatments are available to help. Vardenafil is one example.
Vardenafil is an “as-needed medication,” meaning you only need to take a dose when you plan to have sex. But how long does it take for vardenafil to work? And when will it wear off? Knowing more about the medication can help you get the most out of it. Below, we’ll answer five frequently asked questions about vardenafil.
Good to know: Vardenafil used to be available under two different brand names: Levitra (an oral tablet) and Staxyn (an orally disintegrating tablet). While these brand names are no longer made, generic versions for each are available. But many people still refer to vardenafil by these names.
1. How long does it take for vardenafil to work for erectile dysfunction?
Some studies suggest that Vardenafil starts working in as little as 10 minutes for some people. On average, people experience its full effects about 1 hour after taking it. This is why it’s recommended to take vardenafil about an hour before you plan to have sex.
Keep in mind that vardenafil only helps you achieve an erection. It doesn’t cause it to happen. You need to be sexually stimulated after taking the medication for an erection to occur.
Good to know: You can take vardenafil with or without food. But high-fat foods can lower the amount of medication your body absorbs. Consider taking vardenafil on an empty stomach to get the most out of your dose. If you do decide to eat, try to keep it to a low-fat meal or snack.
Compare options: Vardenafil is one of the available ED pills. Read about how vardenafil compares to other popular options, including sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis).
Recommended dosages: Vardenafil has a standard starting dosage. But drug interactions can impact how much is recommended to take.
Possible side effects: Read about vardenafil’s side effects — from flushing to low blood pressure — and how to manage them.
2. How long does vardenafil last?
Vardenafil typically lasts between 5 to 7 hours. But everyone’s experience is unique. One study suggests that vardenafil may keep working for up to 8 hours for some people. There’s even reports of it lasting as long as 12 hours. But you should only take one dose of vardenafil in a 24-hour period. Taking more than prescribed can raise your risk of side effects.
As mentioned above, you need to be sexually stimulated for vardenafil to help you get an erection. If you have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, seek emergency medical attention. This is a condition called priapism, and it can lead to permanent damage of the penis if left untreated.
3. How does vardenafil work?
Vardenafil is a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It works by blocking PDE5, a protein in your body that can prevent an erection from happening. By blocking PDE5, vardenafil allows certain muscles in and around the penis to relax. It also allows the penis to fill with blood, leading to an erection when you become aroused.
4. Is vardenafil better than sildenafil (Viagra)?
Experts consider both vardenafil and sildenafil (Viagra) to be first-choice medications for treating ED. They’re similarly safe and effective. And they’re also both available as lower-cost generics. The major differences between vardenafil and sildenafil have to do with how fast they work and how long they last.
Below, you’ll find a table that highlights some things to consider when comparing vardenafil versus sildenafil:
Vardenafil | Sildenafil | |
How long do they take to work? | As fast as 10 minutes (full effects after 1 hour) | As fast as 30 minutes (full effects after 1 hour) |
How long do they usually last? | About 5-7 hours | About 4-8 hours |
What are the most common side effects? | Flushing Stuffy nose Stomach upset Dizziness | Headache Upset stomach Stuffy nose Nose bleeds |
5. Can women take vardenafil?
It’s not recommended for women to take vardenafil. It hasn’t been well studied for safety or effectiveness in women. It’s also only approved for use in men at this time. It’s a similar scenario when it comes to women taking sildenafil.
There are two FDA-approved treatment options for women with low sex drive: Addyi (flibanserin) and Vyleesi (bremelanotide). There are also a number of medication-free strategies — such as sex therapy and practicing mindfulness to help reduce stress — that may help give your sex life a boost. Speak with a healthcare professional to see which options might be right for you.
How to save on vardenafil
There are ways to save on vardenafil, which is only available as a generic medication. GoodRx can help you save over 80% off the average retail price of the generic version. The price for five of the 10 mg vardenafil tablets at certain pharmacies is as low as $25.10 with a free GoodRx discount.
The bottom line
Vardenafil may start working for erectile dysfunction (ED) in as little as 10 minutes. Full effects are typically expected about an hour after taking it. And it lasts for about 5 to 7 hours for most people.
Vardenafil works by blocking phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), a protein in your body that can prevent an erection from happening. Vardenafil doesn’t cause an erection unless you’re sexually aroused. If you experience an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, seek emergency medical care.
Why trust our experts?
References
Bryant Ranch Prepack. (2024). Vardenafil hydrochloride tablets [package insert].
Burnett, A. L., et al. (2018). Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline. Journal of Urology.
Evans, J. D., et al. (2015). A comparison of the available phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A focus on avanafil. Patient Preference and Adherence.
Huang, S. A., et al. (2013). Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors in the management of erectile dysfunction. Pharmacy & Therapeutics.
Montorsi, F., et al. (2004). Earliest time to onset of action leading to successful intercourse with vardenafil determined in an at‐home setting: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017). Definition & facts for erectile dysfunction. National Institutes of Health.
Porst, H., et al. (2006). Extended duration of efficacy of vardenafil when taken 8 hours before intercourse: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. European Urology.
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