Can I Take Levitra With Food?

Erectile dysfunction is a common issue that affects many men, and effective treatments like Levitra (Vardenafil) are widely available. Alongside Viagra, Levitra is a trusted medication that is well-tolerated by most users. However, many people have questions about the best way to take erectile dysfunction medications, including whether they can be taken with food.

Key Takeaways:

Can you eat before taking Levitra?

Yes, you can take Levitra with or without food. But avoid big, greasy meals, as they can slow down how quickly the medicine works. For faster results, take it on an empty stomach or after a light meal.

How to use Levitra

Take a 10mg tablet about 30–60 minutes before sexual activity. It works for up to 5 hours, but only when you’re sexually aroused. Avoid more than one dose in 24 hours and follow your doctor's advice.

Be careful with alcohol and side effects

Heavy drinking can make Levitra less effective. Some people may feel mild side effects like headaches or dizziness. If you have a painful erection lasting over 4 hours, get medical help immediately.

Can Levitra be taken with food?

Yes, Levitra can be taken with or without food. The patient information leaflet specifies that food does not prevent the medication from working (EMC, 2023). However, what you eat can affect how quickly and effectively the medicine is absorbed by your body.

Does food impact Levitra’s effectiveness?

While food does not make Levitra unsafe to take, a large, heavy, or high-fat meal may slow down its absorption. This can delay the onset of its effects and reduce its potency (He, Z.; 2005). For example:

• A greasy meal may prevent Levitra from being absorbed as quickly.

• A full stomach can make the medicine take longer to work.

For optimal results, it’s best to take Levitra on an empty stomach or after a light meal.

What about alcohol?

Excessive alcohol consumption, particularly binge drinking, can also reduce Levitra’s effectiveness. Heavy drinking can interfere with your ability to achieve or maintain an erection, even with the help of medication.

How should I take Levitra?

Always follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist and the patient information leaflet included with your medication.

Initial Dose

• The recommended starting dose of Levitra is 10mg, taken orally.

• Your doctor may adjust this dose based on your medical history or specific needs (Drugs.com, 2023).

Maximum Dose

• The maximum dose is 20mg in a 24-hour period, and this should not be exceeded.

Timing

• Take the tablet 30 to 60 minutes before engaging in sexual activity.

• To achieve the best results, avoid taking Levitra immediately after a heavy meal.

Once the medication takes effect, it will remain active for up to 5 hours, allowing flexibility in timing sexual activity. Note that Levitra does not cause a continuous erection—it only works when you are sexually aroused.

What if I experience side effects?

Levitra is generally well-tolerated, but some side effects may occur, such as:

• Mild headaches

• Dizziness

• Indigestion

If you experience a prolonged or painful erection lasting more than 4 hours (a condition called priapism), seek immediate medical attention (NHS, 2023). This is a rare but serious side effect.

Is Levitra (Vardenafil) a prescription-only medication?

Yes, Levitra is a prescription-only medication, meaning you will need a doctor’s approval to purchase it. You can obtain a prescription by:

• Visiting your GP.

• Using a discreet online clinic service like UK Meds. Through an online consultation, a registered independent prescriber will assess your suitability for the medication. If approved, your treatment can be delivered straight to your door.