What is Levitra (Vardenafil)

Levitra is a brand name for a substance with the chemical name vardenafil. It is used to treat men who experience difficulty having and maintaining an erection to orgasm. It was approved by the FDA on August 20, 2003 and first marketed by Bayer Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline, and Schering-Plough.

The average initial dose of levitra is 10-20 milligrams. As far as chemical structure goes, levitra is very similar to viagra. The main difference being the position of a nitrogen atom, and with viagra, the change of the piperazine ring methyl group to an ethyl group.

As would be expected with the chemical structure of levitra being so similar to viagra, the results and side effects of ingesting either medication is pretty much the same. Both the effects of levitra and viagra last about 4-6 hours, and the per dose cost of each medication at most pharmacies is comparable.

Viagra has been ingested by millions of men from all parts of the globe since it was approved by the F.D.A, in 1998. It has been well tested, with very few side effects. The only reasons for choosing levitra would be if it were available for a lower price than viagra, or if viagra or cialis did not work for you, levitra might.

If you are interested in trying levitra, you can talk to your doctor and ask for a prescription. Alternatively, you can order levitra online. No previous prescription is required, a doctor will write one after you fill out an online medical questionnaire.

Most online pharmacies that sell levitra will also carry viagra. This makes is possible to compare prices prior to purchase. If the cost of medications is a major concern for you, generic levitra (usually marketed as vardenafil) is identical to brand name levitra, at a fraction of the cost.

How Does Levitra Work

Medications like levitra, viagra, and cialis work by inhibiting a chemical called phosphodiesterase type 5. Because of their mode of action, these drugs are commonly referred to simply as PDE5 inhibitors.

When a man gets sexually excited, it triggers cells in the penis to produce nitric oxide. The increase in nitric oxide will in turn cause production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The cGMP causes arteries in part of the penis to relax and allow more blood to flow through them. The increase in blood flow causes an erection.

If the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) is of sufficient quantity, it will attack the cGMP and erection will not be maintained. Levitra and other PDE5 inhibitors reduce the amount of PDE5 available to attack cGMP. With a reduction of PDE5, most men are able to maintain an erection to orgasm.