What Vilitra does

Vilitra contains vardenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. In men with erectile dysfunction, it helps relax blood vessels in the penis, increasing blood flow when there is sexual stimulation. It does not create sexual desire by itself and will not cause an erection without arousal.

Note on sport use: There is no approved indication for athletic performance enhancement. If you are considering Vilitra for any purpose other than ED, speak with a licensed US clinician first and review the US legal status.

How and when to take Vilitra

Follow your prescriber's instructions exactly. Take only the strength and amount your clinician recommends.

  • Timing: Take about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity; some men respond as early as 15 minutes. Effects may last up to 4 to 6 hours.
  • Food: Can be taken with or without food. A very high fat meal can delay onset.
  • Frequency: Do not take more than once per day.
  • Grapefruit: Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice due to interaction potential.

Important dose note: The product strength described here is 60 mg. In US labeling for vardenafil, the usual maximum recommended dose is 20 mg once daily as needed. A 60 mg dose is above typical US dosing and may raise the risk of side effects, including low blood pressure and prolonged erection. Use only if your US prescriber has specifically directed this regimen.

If you use alpha blockers for prostate or blood pressure, a lower starting dose may be needed. See drug interactions.

Precautions and safety tips

Before you start, tell your clinician if you have heart disease, a history of stroke or heart attack, eye disorders (including retinitis pigmentosa), hearing loss, blood cell problems (sickle cell disease, leukemia, multiple myeloma), stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, liver or kidney disease, anatomical deformation of the penis, or a tendency to priapism.

Avoid alcohol excess because it can worsen dizziness or low blood pressure. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel lightheaded or your vision is affected after taking Vilitra.

Who should not use it

  • People using any form of nitrates (for example, nitroglycerin) or recreational nitrites. Dangerous blood pressure drops can occur.
  • Those taking riociguat (a guanylate cyclase stimulator).
  • Individuals with hypersensitivity to vardenafil or any tablet component.
  • Men advised by their clinician to avoid sexual activity due to unstable cardiovascular status.
  • History of long QT syndrome or use of certain antiarrhythmics. See interactions.
  • Not for use by women or by anyone under 18 years of age.

Possible side effects

Most effects are mild and short lived. Seek medical help if symptoms are severe, persistent, or you are worried about them.

  • Headache
  • Nasal congestion
  • Back pain
  • Flushing or a warm feeling in the face, ears, or neck
  • Dyspepsia or indigestion
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Rash
  • Sinus inflammation
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Increased creatinine in blood tests
  • Upset stomach

Serious but rare: sudden vision or hearing loss, chest pain, fainting, or an erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism). If any of these occur, stop use and get emergency care.

Drug and food interactions

Vardenafil is mainly metabolized by CYP3A4, so potent inhibitors can increase its levels. Combining with blood pressure medicines can enhance hypotension. Never use with nitrates.

  • Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors: ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, erythromycin, ritonavir, indinavir. Dose adjustments or avoidance may be needed.
  • Nitrates or nitrites: contraindicated due to severe blood pressure drops.
  • Alpha blockers (such as tamsulosin, doxazosin, terazosin): risk of symptomatic hypotension; use the lowest starting dose and separate timing per prescriber advice.
  • Antiarrhythmics that affect QT interval (for example, amiodarone, quinidine, sotalol): avoid due to potential QT prolongation with vardenafil.
  • Other antihypertensives and alcohol: additive blood pressure lowering effects.
  • Grapefruit or grapefruit juice: can increase vardenafil levels; avoid.
  • Riociguat: do not combine.

For a quick refresher on who must avoid Vilitra entirely, see contraindications.

Missed dose

Vilitra is generally taken as needed, so a missed dose does not apply. If your clinician has placed you on a scheduled regimen for a specific reason, take it when you remember unless it is close to the next planned dose. Do not double up.

Overdose

Taking more than prescribed can cause pronounced dizziness or fainting, severe back or jaw pain, chest pain, vision changes, or a prolonged erection. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Storage

  • Store at controlled room temperature 20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F); short excursions 15 to 30 C (59 to 86 F) are permitted.
  • Keep tablets in the original container, protected from moisture and direct sunlight.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Alternative and similar medications

Other PDE5 inhibitors used for ED include:

  • Tadalafil (Cialis): longer duration up to 36 hours; available as daily low-dose or as-needed dosing.
  • Sildenafil (Viagra): widely available at low generic prices; typical duration 4 to 6 hours.
  • Avanafil (Stendra): rapid onset in some users; often fewer food interactions.

Choice depends on onset preference, duration, side effect profile, medical history, and cost. Speak with a clinician if you do not tolerate vardenafil or if it is ineffective. Never combine two PDE5 inhibitors on the same day.

Approximate prices in the USA (USD)

Retail prices vary widely by pharmacy, location, insurance, and coupon use. Below are rough cash-price ranges per tablet as of recent US retail data:

  • Vardenafil generic 20 mg: about $8 to $25 per tablet at retail; with coupons it can be $10 to $15 or lower in many areas.
  • Vilitra 60 mg equivalent: often supplied as 60 mg outside US labeling; in the US this would correspond to three 20 mg tablets. Estimated cost using generic pricing could be about $24 to $75 total per 60 mg equivalent dose.
  • Levitra brand 20 mg: commonly $70 to $90+ per tablet.
  • Sildenafil generic 50/100 mg: about $0.50 to $3 per tablet at many pharmacies.
  • Tadalafil generic 5/10/20 mg: about $0.80 to $3 per tablet.
  • Avanafil brand (Stendra) 100/200 mg: about $30 to $60 per tablet.

Tip: Prices can change frequently. Check reputable price comparison tools or consult your pharmacist. Insurance and manufacturer savings programs may reduce out-of-pocket costs for some products.