Levitra Professional: Facial flushing | Viagra: Visual disturbances | Cialis: Back pain | Stendra: Fewer side effects
Your Best Match
Based on your priorities, the medication that best fits your needs is:
out of 25 points
Why this is the best choice for you:
How It Compares
Onset Time
Duration
Food Sensitivity
Cost
Side Effects
When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction (ED), Levitra Professional has carved a niche for men who want a fast‑acting, reliable option. Levitra Professional is a brand‑name formulation of vardenafil, a phosphodiesterase‑5 (PDE5) inhibitor approved by the FDA in 2005. It’s marketed in New Zealand as a 20 mg tablet that can be taken about 30 minutes before sexual activity.
How Levitra Professional Works
Vardenafil belongs to the PDE5 inhibitor family, which also includes sildenafil, tadalafil and avanafil. These drugs block the enzyme phosphodiesterase‑5, allowing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) to build up in the smooth muscle of the penis. The higher cGMP level relaxes blood vessels, boosting blood flow and producing an erection when sexual stimulation occurs.
Key Differences Between Levitra Professional and Other ED Drugs
Below is a side‑by‑side look at how Levitra Professional stacks up against the most common alternatives on the market.
ED medication comparison
Medication
Active ingredient
Typical dose
Onset
Duration
Food interactions
Price range (NZD)
Levitra Professional
Vardenafil
20 mg
30 min
4-6 h
High‑fat meals may delay onset
≈ $30‑$45 per tablet
Viagra
Sildenafil
50 mg
30-60 min
4-5 h
Heavy meals can reduce effectiveness
≈ $25‑$40 per tablet
Cialis
Tadalafil
10 mg
30 min
Up to 36 h
Minimal food impact
≈ $35‑$55 per tablet
Stendra
Avanafil
100 mg
15 min
6 h
Less affected by food
≈ $40‑$60 per tablet
Key takeaways:
Levitra Professional kicks in a bit faster than Viagra and matches its duration.
Cialis offers the longest window, which some men prefer for spontaneity.
Stendra boasts the quickest onset, but it’s the priciest.
Side‑Effect Profile
All PDE5 inhibitors share a core set of possible side effects because they work through the same pathway. The differences are subtle and often tied to dosage or individual metabolism.
Vardenafil may cause facial flushing, nasal congestion, and mild headache.
Sildenafil is also linked to visual disturbances, especially a blue‑tint perception.
Tadalafil can lead to back pain or muscle aches, particularly after the first dose.
Avanafil usually results in fewer side effects, though dizziness can appear at higher doses.
Rare but serious reactions-such as sudden vision loss or priapism (an erection lasting longer than 4 hours)-require immediate medical attention. FDA advises callers to report any unexpected symptoms.
How to Choose the Right Option
Picking an ED medication isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all decision. Consider the following factors before settling on a brand.
Speed of onset. If you need spontaneity, Stendra’s 15‑minute window may be attractive.
Duration of effect. Men who value a longer “window” often lean toward Cialis.
Food sensitivity. Heavy meals can slow down Levitra Professional and Viagra; Cialis and Stendra are more forgiving.
Cost. Generic vardenafil is cheaper than the branded product, while avanafil generally carries the highest price tag.
Health considerations. If you have cardiovascular disease, talk to a Pharmacy or doctor before starting any PDE5 inhibitor.
Many men try a short trial of each medication (under medical supervision) to see which feels best. Because the active ingredients are similar, side‑effect patterns often overlap, making personal tolerance a key driver.
Practical Checklist Before Buying
Confirm a prescription is required in New Zealand; over‑the‑counter options are limited.
Check with your health‑care provider about drug interactions-especially nitrates and certain blood pressure meds.
Compare prices at local Pharmacy chains, online dispensaries, and bulk‑purchase programs.
Ask whether a generic version of vardenafil is available; it offers the same efficacy at a lower cost.
Be aware of the return policy and any tele‑health consultation fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Levitra Professional the same as generic vardenafil?
Yes. Levitra Professional contains the same active ingredient as generic vardenafil tablets. The main differences are branding, price and sometimes the shape or color of the pill.
Can I take Levitra Professional with alcohol?
Moderate alcohol usually doesn’t cause a problem, but heavy drinking can lower blood pressure and blunt the drug’s effect. Keep alcohol consumption moderate to get the best result.
How does Levitra Professional compare to Cialis for daily use?
Cialis is approved for a daily low‑dose regimen (2.5‑5 mg) that maintains steady blood levels, making spontaneous activity possible without timing a dose. Levitra Professional isn’t marketed for daily use, so its benefit is limited to on‑demand situations.
What should I do if I get a painful erection that lasts more than four hours?
Seek emergency medical care right away. Priapism can damage penile tissue permanently if not treated promptly.
Are there any age limits for taking Levitra Professional?
Clinical trials included men up to 70 years old, and doctors often prescribe it to older patients if cardiovascular health allows. Always discuss age‑related risks with your clinician.
Choosing the right ED medication involves balancing speed, duration, side‑effects, cost and personal health status. Levitra Professional offers a solid middle ground-quick onset, moderate duration, and a side‑effect profile that many men find tolerable. By comparing it side‑by‑side with sildenafil, tadalafil and avanafil, you can make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle.
Levitra Professional is essentially just a brand‑name version of vardenafil, so the pharmacology is identical to the generic. The 20 mg dose is the standard strength you’ll see on the New Zealand market, and it generally kicks in within half an hour if you’ve avoided a heavy‑fat meal. Compared with sildenafil, the onset is similar but some users report a slightly sharper peak, which can feel more natural. The side‑effect profile is mild – you might notice a warm flush or a mild headache, but serious reactions are rare. If you’re weighing cost, the generic can shave off a few dollars per tablet, but the branded pill isn’t massively overpriced when you factor in the convenience of a known product.
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