ED Medication Comparison Tool
Compare ED medications based on your needs:
Comparison Table
| Medication | Dosage | Onset | Duration | Food Interaction | Monthly Cost (£) |
|---|
Levitra Extra Dosage is a higher‑strength tablet of vardenafil (usually 20mg) meant for men who need a stronger dose to achieve satisfactory erections. While the standard 10mg tablet works for many, the extra dosage aims to improve response time and durability without changing the basic pharmacology. In this article we unpack how it stacks up against other popular erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments, explore who benefits most, and flag the safety points you shouldn’t overlook.
Why Comparing ED Treatments Matters
Every man’s body reacts differently to a PDE5 inhibitor. Factors such as age, cardiovascular health, medication interactions, and even meal timing can swing the result from "good enough" to "great." By laying out the key attributes side‑by‑side you can decide if the extra dose of vardenafil is worth the extra cost, or if another drug fits your lifestyle better.
Core Entities and Their Key Attributes
- Viagra (sildenafil) - the first‑in‑class PDE5 inhibitor, approved in 1998.
- Cialis (tadalafil) - known for its long‑lasting effect, approved in 2003.
- Stendra (avanafil) - a newer agent with rapid onset, approved in 2012.
- Generic Vardenafil - the off‑brand version of Levitra, typically 10mg tablets.
- PDE5 inhibitors - a drug class that blocks the phosphodiesterase‑5 enzyme, promoting blood flow to the penis.
- Erectile Dysfunction - a condition affecting up to 30% of men over 40, linked to diabetes, hypertension and lifestyle factors.
- Dosage Forms - tablets, orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) and on‑demand sublingual sprays used across the market.
- Side‑Effect Profile - includes headache, flushing, visual disturbances and rare cardiovascular events.
Head‑to‑Head Comparison Table
| Medication | Active Ingredient | Typical Dose | Onset | Duration | Food Interaction | Approx. Monthly Cost (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levitra Extra Dosage | Vardenafil | 20mg | 30‑45min | 4‑6h | Reduced with high‑fat meals | £45‑£55 |
| Viagra | Sildenafil | 50mg | 30‑60min | 4‑5h | High‑fat meals delay onset | £38‑£48 |
| Cialis | Tadalafil | 10mg (as needed) or 2.5‑5mg daily | 15‑30min | Up to 36h | Minimal impact | £55‑£70 |
| Stendra | Avanafil | 100mg | 15‑30min | 4‑6h | Less affected by food | £60‑£75 |
| Generic Vardenafil | Vardenafil | 10mg | 30‑45min | 4‑6h | Same as brand | £30‑£40 |
Who Benefits Most from Levitra Extra Dosage?
Clinical reports from 2023-2024 show that men who didn’t respond fully to the 10mg tablet often achieve a 20‑30% improvement in rigidity with the 20mg version. The extra dose shines in three scenarios:
- Higher Body Mass Index (BMI) - heavier men may need more active ingredient to overcome vascular resistance.
- Concurrent alpha‑blockers - the dose can be tweaked to offset mild hypotensive effects.
- Frequent dosing within 24h - the longer half‑life of vardenafil (4-5h) means a higher dose can sustain performance for an extra couple of hours without a second tablet.
However, the increased dose also raises the risk of headache and flushing. Men with uncontrolled hypertension or severe heart disease should stick to the standard 10mg or switch to a lower‑risk agent like tadalafil.
Comparing Safety Profiles
All PDE5 inhibitors share a core set of side effects, but nuances exist. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Levitra Extra Dosage: Headache (12%), facial flushing (9%), rare priapism (0.2%).
- Viagra: Visual disturbances (2%), especially blue‑tint vision, and similar headache rates.
- Cialis: Muscle aches (7%) and back pain due to longer systemic exposure.
- Stendra: Lowest incidence of headache (5%) because of rapid clearance.
If you’re on nitrates, any PDE5 inhibitor is a no‑go. The extra dosage does not change that rule, but it does amplify the drop in blood pressure, so a cardiologist’s clearance is essential.
Cost‑Effectiveness and Insurance Considerations
In the UK, the NHS rarely covers ED meds unless there’s a proven medical necessity (e.g., after prostate surgery). Private prescriptions dominate, and price becomes a decisive factor.
The 20mg tablet costs roughly £50 per pack, while a standard 10mg pack sits at £35. If a patient needs two tablets per month, the extra dosage can actually be cheaper than taking two 10mg tablets (which would be £70). This makes the 20mg option attractive for men who reliably need that stronger effect.
Practical Tips for Choosing the Right ED Medication
Use the following decision tree to narrow down your choice:
- Do you need a fast onset (<15min)?
→ Stendra or high‑dose Levitra (if food isn’t an issue). - Is a long window of spontaneity important?
→ Cialis (daily low dose or 20‑mg as‑needed). - Do you have cardiovascular meds that interact with nitrates?
→ Avoid all PDE5 inhibitors; discuss alternative therapies with a urologist. - Are you on a tight budget?
→ Generic Vardenafil 10mg or Viagra generic may be the most affordable. - Do you weigh over 100kg or have diabetes?
→ Consider the Levitra Extra Dosage for the added potency.
Never self‑adjust the dose without a prescription. The difference between 10mg and 20mg sounds small, but it can shift the pharmacokinetics enough to warrant medical supervision.
Related Concepts and Next Steps
Understanding ED isn’t just about picking a pill. Here are three adjacent topics you’ll likely explore next:
- Lifestyle Modification - Exercise, weight loss, and smoking cessation can improve natural erectile function in up to 30% of cases.
- Hormone Evaluation - Low testosterone can blunt response to PDE5 inhibitors; a simple blood test can guide therapy.
- Psychosexual Counseling - Anxiety and relationship stress are common contributors; therapy often works hand‑in‑hand with medication.
When you’ve ruled out medical contraindications, start with a low dose, monitor response, and then discuss with your GP or urologist whether stepping up to the extra dosage makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Levitra 10mg and the extra dosage?
The extra dosage contains double the amount of vardenafil (20mg vs 10mg). This raises the plasma concentration, leading to a quicker onset for some men and a slightly longer window of effectiveness, but it also increases the chance of headache and flushing.
Can I take Levitra Extra Dosage with alcohol?
Moderate alcohol (one to two drinks) generally won’t interfere, but heavy drinking can worsen side effects like dizziness and lower blood pressure. It’s safest to keep alcohol consumption low on the night you plan to use the medication.
Is the extra dose covered by the NHS?
NHS coverage for ED drugs is rare and usually limited to specific clinical situations, such as after prostate surgery. The extra dosage is treated the same as the standard tablet, so private prescription is the typical route.
How does Levitra compare to Cialis for spontaneous sex?
Cialis offers a much longer window (up to 36hours), which many describe as “the weekend pill.” If you want spontaneity without planning, Cialis is usually the go‑to. Levitra, even at 20mg, peaks within an hour and lasts about 5‑6hours, making it better for shorter, planned encounters.
Are there any long‑term risks with taking the 20mg tablet regularly?
Long‑term data up to 5years show no new safety signals beyond those of the standard dose. The main concerns remain cardiovascular: men with unstable angina or severe heart failure should avoid any PDE5 inhibitor, regardless of dose.
Rama Hoetzlein
September 27, 2025 AT 22:06The real flaw in any ED med comparison is ignoring individual metabolic rates; a 20 mg dose of vardenafil can be overkill for a fast metabolizer and under‑kill for a heavy‑set man. Vardenafil’s half‑life sits around 4‑5 hours, so pushing it to 20 mg simply raises peak plasma levels and amplifies headache and flushing. If you’re already on alpha‑blockers the extra dose can tip blood pressure into dangerous lows. Cost‑effectiveness only makes sense when you actually need the extra punch, otherwise you’re paying for side‑effects. 🍂 Don’t forget that insurance rarely touches these brands, so your wallet feels the sting too.
Lorena Garcia
September 27, 2025 AT 23:06I get where you’re coming from, but the metabolic angle isn’t the only piece of the puzzle. Many men find that a higher dose simply smooths out occasional “off” nights without adding a huge side‑effect burden, especially when taken on an empty stomach. It’s also worth noting that the price difference shrinks when you compare a single 20 mg tablet to two 10 mg ones. So rather than dismissing the extra dosage outright, consider it as a flexible option for those rare low‑response days.
Dietra Jones
September 28, 2025 AT 00:53i think vardenfil 20mg is just a pricey copy of the 10mg.
Victoria Guldenstern
September 28, 2025 AT 03:40So you spent hours building a shiny table of pills and expect it to solve every bedroom dilemma. The truth is that erections are not just a chemical equation. They depend on nerves, blood flow, mood and the random whims of a tired body. A 20 mg tablet simply forces more of the same molecule into the bloodstream. It does not magically rewrite the underlying vascular story. If you ignore diet and exercise, the drug will only mask the problem for a few hours. People love to worship the brand name like it is a miracle. Levitra, Viagra, Cialis, Stendra – they are all siblings in the PDE5 family. Their differences are mostly marketing fluff and price tags. The onset times listed in the table are averages from clinical trials, not guarantees for you. High‑fat meals will still slow absorption no matter how you dress the pill. The side‑effect profile scales with dose, so expect more headaches. And if you have heart issues, none of these are a free pass. Bottom line: choose a drug that fits your lifestyle, not the one that looks best on a spreadsheet. Otherwise you will end up paying extra for a marginal gain and still be unsatisfied.