Carevitra & Vilitra (Vardenafil) – Complete Guide to Dosage, Effects and Side Effects

Carevitra and Vilitra are generic medicines for erectile dysfunction containing the active substance vardenafil — the same substance as in the original preparation Levitra. Since the patent for Levitra has expired, other certified pharmaceutical companies can manufacture the same medicine at a lower price without compromising quality or effectiveness.

Vardenafil belongs to the group of PDE-5 inhibitors. During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide is released in the penis, which stimulates the production of cyclic GMP (cGMP). This substance causes blood vessels to relax and allows more blood to flow in and create an erection. Vardenafil blocks the enzyme PDE5 that normally breaks down cGMP — meaning cGMP remains active longer and produces a stronger and more sustained erection. Sexual stimulation is always required for the tablet to work.

There is no difference in effect. All three contain vardenafil in the same amounts. The difference lies only in manufacturer, product name and price — generic alternatives such as Vilitra and Carevitra are considerably cheaper. Levitra is the original brand from Bayer.

The standard dose for most people is 10 mg, taken 25–60 minutes before planned sexual activity. It is recommended to start with the standard dose and adjust if needed.

Vardenafil is available in three standard strengths:

1. 5 mg — the lowest dose, for elderly people (over 65) or those with mild liver or kidney problems
2. 10 mg — the recommended standard dose for most people
3. 20 mg — the maximum dose, if 10 mg provides insufficient effect without side effects

Never take more than one dose per day. A higher dose does not improve effectiveness but increases the risk of side effects.

Yes, vardenafil can be taken with or without food. A very high-fat meal at the time of intake may slightly delay absorption, but the overall effect is not affected. This makes vardenafil more flexible than sildenafil, which is more affected by fatty food.

Yes, but older men (over 65) are recommended to start with a lower dose (5 mg) as the body breaks down the medicine more slowly with age.

The most common side effects are mild and temporary:

• Headache — the most common side effect by far
• Facial flushing or a warm feeling in the face and neck
• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• Dizziness or mild nausea
• Indigestion or acid reflux

Vardenafil carries a lower risk of visual side effects compared to sildenafil.

Vardenafil is contraindicated for people who:

1. Take nitrate medicines — absolutely prohibited, life-threatening combination
2. Have recently had a heart attack, stroke or suffer from severe heart failure
3. Have severely impaired liver or kidney function
4. Suffer from Peyronie’s disease or other penile deformity conditions

A small glass of wine or a beer usually does not ruin the effect, but larger amounts of alcohol should be avoided. Alcohol reduces the natural ability to achieve an erection and increases the risk of side effects such as dizziness and lowered blood pressure. For best results, alcohol should be kept to a minimum.

An erection that is painful or persists for more than 4 hours (priapism) requires immediate emergency medical care. If not treated promptly, it can cause permanent damage to the tissue in the penis.

It depends on the individual. Many prefer vardenafil because it works faster, is slightly less affected by food intake, and causes fewer visual side effects. It is also an alternative for those who do not achieve sufficient effect from sildenafil.

No. Vardenafil must never be combined with other PDE-5 inhibitors such as sildenafil or tadalafil. The combination greatly increases the risk of side effects, in particular a drop in blood pressure. Wait at least 24 hours after a vardenafil dose before switching to another ED medication.

No. These medicines are specifically developed for adult men with erectile dysfunction. They should not be used by women.

Sildenafil is the most well-studied and affordable option for beginners. Vardenafil is a good choice when faster onset and fewer visual side effects are desired. Tadalafil is suitable when a longer effect window of up to 36 hours is preferred.