Levitra Professional (Vardenafil) vs. Other ED Meds: Quick Comparison

When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction (ED), men often hear a laundry list of pill names and wonder which one actually fits their lifestyle. The market is packed with brand‑name options, generics, and even some natural supplements. If you’re weighing Levitra Professional against the rest, here’s what matters: speed of onset, duration, cost, side‑effect profile, and how the drug interacts with other health conditions.

TL;DR

• Levitra Professional (vardenafil) works in 25‑60 minutes and lasts about 4‑6 hours.
• Viagra (sildenafil) is slightly slower to start (30‑90min) and lasts 4‑5 hours.
• Cialis (tadalafil) can be taken daily or as needed; its effect lasts up to 36hours.
• Stendra (avanafil) is the fastest (15‑30min) with a 6‑12hour window.
• Generic vardenafil matches brand performance at a lower price.
• Herbal L‑arginine may help mild cases but isn’t a substitute for prescription PDE‑5 inhibitors.

What Is Levitra Professional?

Levitra Professional is a branded formulation of vardenafil, a phosphodiesterase‑5 (PDE‑5) inhibitor that enhances blood flow to the penis by relaxing smooth muscle tissue. It was launched in the UK in 2003 and quickly gained a reputation for a slightly quicker onset than the original sildenafil (Viagra). The “Professional” label denotes a higher‑dose tablet (20mg) meant for men who need a stronger punch without waiting too long.

How Vardenafil Works

Vardenafil belongs to the PDE‑5 inhibitor class, which prevents the breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). More cGMP means the blood vessels in the penis stay relaxed longer, allowing an erection to develop when sexual stimulation occurs.

Unlike a hormone, vardenafil requires a sexual cue; it won’t cause an erection on its own. The drug peaks in the bloodstream within 30‑60minutes, making it a solid middle‑ground choice for men who want a reliable effect without the ultra‑long window of tadalafil.

Key Comparison Criteria

• Onset: How quickly the medication begins working after ingestion.
• Duration: The window during which the drug remains effective.
• Dose flexibility: Availability of low‑dose and high‑dose options.
• Side‑effect profile: Common adverse reactions and rare but serious risks.
• Cost & availability: Price per tablet in the UK and whether a generic version exists.
• Drug interactions: Compatibility with nitrates, alpha‑blockers, and common chronic conditions.

Alternative #1: Viagra (Sildenafil)

Viagra is the original sildenafil citrate tablet that opened the modern ED market in 1998. It’s typically prescribed in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg strengths. Onset ranges from 30 to 90minutes, and the effect lasts about 4‑5hours.

Viagra’s main advantage is its longstanding track record and wide insurance coverage. However, some men report a slight “metallic” taste and a higher incidence of visual disturbances compared with vardenafil.

Alternative #2: Cialis (Tadalafil)

Cialis contains tadalafil, another PDE‑5 inhibitor known for its long half‑life. It can be taken as a 2.5mg, 5mg (daily) pill or a 10mg/20mg as‑needed tablet. The onset is usually 30‑60minutes, and the effect can last up to 36hours, earning it the nickname “the weekend pill.”

The daily low‑dose option is ideal for men with frequent sexual activity, while the high‑dose version suits occasional use. Tadalafil may cause back pain and muscle aches more often than other PDE‑5 inhibitors.

Alternative #3: Stendra (Avanafil)

Stendra is a brand name for avanafil, the newest member of the PDE‑5 class. Doses are available at 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg. It boasts the fastest onset-around 15‑30minutes-and an effective window of 6‑12hours.

Avanafil’s rapid action makes it attractive for spontaneous encounters, but the higher price point can be a barrier. Side effects are generally mild, with headache and flushing being most common.

Alternative #4: Generic Vardenafil

When the brand name feels pricey, generic vardenafil offers the same 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg tablets at roughly half the cost of Levitra Professional. Bioequivalence studies confirm identical plasma concentration curves, meaning you get the same onset (25‑60minutes) and duration (4‑6hours).

Choosing generic vardenafil is a smart move for men who have already tried the brand and are comfortable with its effect profile.

Alternative #5: Herbal Supplements - L‑Arginine

L‑Arginine is an amino acid that the body converts to nitric oxide, a molecule that also relaxes penile blood vessels. Typical doses range from 1g to 5g daily. Some small studies suggest modest improvement in mild ED, but the evidence is far weaker than prescription PDE‑5 inhibitors.

Herbal options have the advantage of being over‑the‑counter and having minimal drug interactions, yet they rarely achieve the robust erections that vardenafil or sildenafil provide.

Side‑Effect Snapshot

All PDE‑5 inhibitors share a core set of side effects, but the frequency and intensity can differ. Below is a quick glance:

• Headache - most common across all brands.
• Flushing - slightly higher with avanafil.
• Indigestion - reported more often with vardenafil.
• Visual changes - more frequent with sildenafil.
• Back pain - notable with tadalafil.
• Rare but serious: sudden vision loss or hearing loss (any brand).

Always discuss heart conditions, nitrate medication, or blood pressure issues with a pharmacist or GP before starting any ED drug.

Cost Comparison (UK, 2025)

Choosing the Right Option for You

Think of the decision like picking a car. If you need a quick sprint to the finish line, Stendra gives you the fastest acceleration. If you prefer a reliable sedan that gets you there without surprise, Levitra Professional or its generic version fit the bill. Want a vehicle that can double‑park for a weekend getaway? Cialis’ 36‑hour window is unmatched.

Ask yourself these quick questions:

1. How spontaneous are your sexual encounters? (Fast onset matters.)
2. Do you plan ahead for a planned night? (Long duration helps.)
3. Is cost a major factor? (Generic options win.)
4. Do you have heart disease, nitrate meds, or low blood pressure? (Check contraindications.)
5. Do you experience visual disturbances with any medication? (Try vardenafil if sildenafil bothers you.)

Answering honestly will narrow the field dramatically. Most men start with one prescription, see how it feels, then adjust dose or switch brand under medical guidance.

Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Taking too much: More mg does not guarantee a stronger erection, but it raises side‑effect risk.
• Mixing with alcohol: A few drinks are fine, but heavy bingeing can blunt the drug’s effect.
• Skipping the “with food” rule: High‑fat meals can delay onset for vardenafil and sildenafil.
• Ignoring contraindications: Nitrate users must avoid all PDE‑5 inhibitors due to dangerous blood‑pressure drops.
• Self‑diagnosing: Not every erection issue is purely physiological; stress, hormones, and relationship factors matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Levitra Professional work compared to Viagra?

Levitra Professional usually starts working in 25‑60minutes, whereas Viagra can take 30‑90minutes. The difference may feel like a few extra minutes, but for spontaneous plans it can matter.

Is the generic version of vardenafil as safe as the brand?

Yes. Generic vardenafil is required by the MHRA to meet the same bioequivalence standards as Levitra Professional, meaning safety and efficacy are essentially identical.

Can I take Levitra Professional daily?

Levitra Professional is meant for as‑needed use. Daily dosing is not recommended because the drug’s half‑life is short, and daily exposure increases the chance of side effects. If you need daily coverage, discuss low‑dose tadalafil with your GP.

Does food affect how Levitra Professional works?

A heavy, fatty meal can delay absorption slightly, pushing the onset from 25 minutes toward the 60‑minute end. Light meals or fasted states give the quickest response.

Are there any serious drug interactions I should watch for?

Never combine any PDE‑5 inhibitor with nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) - it can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Alpha‑blockers for prostate issues may need dose adjustments. Always list all medications to your pharmacist.