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How does Levitra work?

Levitra, containing the active ingredient vardenafil, is a PDE5 inhibitor that works by blocking the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) enzyme in the penis. During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide is released, leading to the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow to the penis for an erection. By preventing PDE5 from breaking down cGMP, Levitra sustains higher cGMP levels, prolonging the blood flow and helping maintain the erection.

Key points:

• Vardenafil blocks the PDE5 enzyme that breaks down cGMP.
• Sexual stimulation releases nitric oxide, boosting cGMP to relax penile blood vessels.
• Sustained cGMP levels increase and trap blood in the penis for erection.
• It requires sexual arousal to work and does not cause erection on its own.
• Levitra was discontinued by the manufacturer in 2021.

This text has been fact-checked for accuracy by Sorin Romaniuc, Pharmacist at medino.