ED Medication Comparison Tool
Select Medication to Compare
Levitra Professional often shows up when men search for a fast‑acting, reliable solution to erectile dysfunction. Below is a quick‑hit list so you can tell at a glance if it’s the right pick for you.
- Onset: about 30minutes
- Duration: up to 5hours
- Food impact: high‑fat meals may delay effect
- Typical price: £0.80-£1.20 per tablet (UK market)
- Best alternative if you need a longer window: Cialis (tadalafil)
What is Levitra Professional?
When you see the name Levitra Professional is a prescription‑only ED medication that contains the active ingredient vardenafil. It was launched in 2005 as a premium version of the original Levitra, offering a higher dose (20mg) for men who need a stronger response. Vardenafil works by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, which lets blood flow into the penis when sexual stimulation occurs.
Because it’s a PDE5 inhibitor, its safety profile looks a lot like its siblings - Viagra, Cialis and Stendra - but the nuances matter when you compare effectiveness, side‑effects, and lifestyle fit.
How does vardenafil differ from other PDE5 inhibitors?
Vardenafil’s chemical structure is slightly bulkier than sildenafil’s, which gives it a marginally faster onset for many users. In practice, most men notice an erection within 30minutes, compared with 45minutes for Viagra. The duration sits neatly between the shorter 4‑hour window of sildenafil and the 36‑hour stretch of tadalafil.
Another practical advantage: vardenafil is less affected by alcohol than sildenafil, though you still want to keep drinking moderate.
Key criteria for comparing ED pills
Before we jump into the side‑by‑side table, keep these six factors in mind:
- Onset speed - how fast the pill works after you swallow it.
- Duration of effect - how long you stay ready for intimacy.
- Food interactions - whether a big meal slows you down.
- Dosage flexibility - can you adjust the dose for a lighter or heavier night?
- Side‑effect profile - headaches, flushing, visual changes, etc.
- Cost and availability - retail price, insurance coverage, online pharmacy options.
Side‑by‑side comparison of the main alternatives
| Medication | Active ingredient | Typical dose | Onset | Duration | Food impact | Average cost per tablet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levitra Professional | Vardenafil | 20mg | ≈30min | 4‑5hrs | High‑fat meals may delay 15‑30min | £0.80-£1.20 |
| Viagra | Sildenafil | 50mg | ≈45min | 4‑5hrs | High‑fat meals can delay up to 1hr | £0.60-£0.90 |
| Cialis | Tadalafil | 10mg (as needed) / 2.5‑5mg (daily) | ≈30min (as needed) | Up to 36hrs | Minimal food effect | £0.70-£1.00 |
| Stendra | Avanafil | 200mg | ≈15min | 6‑12hrs | Low‑fat meals fine; heavy meals may add 10‑15min | £1.10-£1.50 |
| Generic Vardenafil | Vardenafil | 10mg-20mg | 30‑45min | 4‑5hrs | Similar to Levitra Professional | £0.30-£0.60 |
| L‑Arginine (herbal) | L‑Arginine | 500mg-1000mg | 2‑3hrs | Variable | None | £0.10-£0.20 |
Who should consider Levitra Professional?
If you’ve tried Viagra or generic vardenafil and felt the punch was a bit weak, the 20mg dose of Levitra Professional might give you the extra edge without waiting longer for results. It’s also a solid pick if you’re looking for a drug that tolerates moderate alcohol better than sildenafil.
Men with mild to moderate cardiovascular disease can usually take vardenafil, but you must clear it with a doctor if you’re on nitrates. If you need a pill that works for a whole weekend, Cialis or the daily low‑dose regimen is a better fit.
Safety, side‑effects and contraindications
The most common complaints across all PDE5 inhibitors are mild headaches and facial flushing. Vardenafil adds a slightly higher chance of nasal congestion, which some users notice after a dose.
Rare side‑effects - such as vision changes or priapism (an erection lasting more than 4hours) - require immediate medical help. Men with severe liver or kidney impairment should stick to the lowest possible dose and be monitored closely.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not a target audience for these drugs, but partners should be aware that some lubricants contain non‑prescribed PDE5 inhibitors that can cause unexpected reactions.
Buying Levitra Professional safely online
In the UK, a prescription is mandatory for any brand‑name ED pill, including Levitra Professional. Reputable online pharmacies will ask for a valid GP prescription or an electronic repeat prescription. Look for the Online Pharmacy badge on the site, a UK address, and a Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) registration number.
Beware of “no‑prescription” offers that promise a discount. Those products are often counterfeit, with unknown dosing or harmful fillers. If a price looks too good to be true - for example, a 20‑mg tablet for pennies - walk away.
Using a legitimate online pharmacy not only guarantees the correct dosage, it also protects your personal data and gives you a clear refund policy if the medication arrives damaged.
Quick decision checklist
- Need a fast‑acting pill (15‑30min)? → consider Stendra or Levitra Professional.
- Looking for a single‑dose weekend window (up to 12hrs)? → Stendra or higher‑dose Levitra.
- Prefer a “ready‑when‑you‑are” approach (up to 36hrs)? → Cialis.
- Budget‑tight and okay with 10mg dose? → Generic vardenafil.
- Prefer natural supplement with no prescription? → L‑Arginine, but expect modest results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does Levitra Professional work?
Most men feel an erection within 30 minutes, though a high‑fat meal can push that to about 45 minutes.
Can I take Levitra Professional with alcohol?
Moderate drinking (one or two units) is generally safe, but heavy binge drinking may reduce effectiveness and increase side‑effects.
Is Levitra Professional safer than Viagra?
Both have similar safety records. Vardenafil (Levitra) may cause slightly less visual disturbance but a bit more nasal congestion compared with sildenafil (Viagra).
Do I need a prescription for the generic version?
Yes. In the UK, any vardenafil tablet, branded or generic, requires a doctor’s prescription.
Can I combine Levitra Professional with other medications?
Avoid combining it with nitrates (often prescribed for chest pain) because the interaction can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Always check with your GP if you’re on alpha‑blockers or antihypertensives.
Comments
Levitra Professional definitely stands out for its quick onset, especially if you’re not planning a big meal beforehand.
At about 30 minutes you’re usually ready, which puts it ahead of a lot of the older options.
The price point in the UK is reasonable too, so it won’t break the bank for occasional use.
Just keep an eye on any high‑fat foods that might push the timing a bit.