Levitra Super Active vs. Other ED Medications: Vardenafil Comparison

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Levitra Super Active is a fast‑acting oral tablet that contains the PDE5 inhibitor Vardenafil, designed for erectile dysfunction treatment. If you’ve tried several pills for ED and still wonder which one truly meets your needs, this guide breaks down how Levitra SuperActive measures up against the most common alternatives.
Key Takeaways
- Levitra Super Active delivers onset in 15‑30minutes, faster than standard Levitra and most sildenafil products.
- Its duration (4‑6hours) sits between sildenafil (4‑5hours) and tadalafil (up to 36hours).
- Food‑high‑fat meals affect sildenafil more than Vardenafil, but a light meal won’t delay Levitra SuperActive.
- Cost in Australia ranges from AU$3‑5 per tablet; generic vardenafil offers a cheaper route.
- Safety profile is similar across PDE5 inhibitors, but each has unique contraindications to watch.
How Levitra Super Active Works
All oral ED treatments belong to the PDE5 inhibitor family. Vardenafil blocks the phosphodiesterase‑5 enzyme, allowing cyclic GMP to accumulate in penile tissue. The result is smoother blood flow and a firmer erection when sexual stimulation occurs. The “Super Active” formulation adds a proprietary dissolution technology that speeds up absorption, trimming the wait time before a response.
Dosage, Onset, and Duration
Standard dosing for Levitra SuperActive is 10mg taken about 15-30minutes before intercourse. The dose can be adjusted to 5mg or 20mg based on efficacy and tolerability. Because the tablet dissolves quickly, most men feel the effect within half an hour, with a therapeutic window of roughly 4-6hours. Compared with other oral agents:
- Sildenafil (Viagra) - 50mg typical dose, onset 30-60minutes, duration 4-5hours.
- Tadalafil (Cialis) - 10mg typical dose, onset 30minutes, duration up to 36hours.
- Avanafil (Stendra) - 100mg typical dose, onset 15minutes (fastest), duration 6-12hours.
Side‑Effect Profile and Safety
Since the active ingredient is the same across all Vardenafil products, the side‑effect list mirrors that of its peers. Common complaints include mild headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and occasional dizziness. Rare but serious reactions-such as sudden vision loss (non‑arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy) or priapism-require immediate medical attention.
Key safety notes:
- Never combine with nitrate medications (e.g., nitroglycerin) as the blood‑pressure drop can be dangerous.
- Patients with severe cardiovascular disease should obtain clearance from a cardiologist before use.
- Kidney or liver impairment may necessitate dose reduction.

Cost and Savings Tips in Australia
Brand‑name Levitra Super Active retails for about AU$3.50‑$5 per tablet in most pharmacies. Generic vardenafil is often half that price when ordered through online Australian pharmacies that are approved by the Australian PBS. If you have a concessional health card, the PBS subsidy can bring the out‑of‑pocket cost well under AU$2 per dose.
Things to watch for:
- Beware of “online pharmacies” that don’t display an Australian Business Number (ABN) or a valid pharmacy licence.
- Bulk purchases (e.g., 12‑month supply) often unlock a 10‑15% discount.
- Pharmacy discount cards like “Discount Drug Card” can shave another few dollars off each tablet.
Comparison Table: Levitra Super Active vs. Alternatives
Medication | Typical Dose | Onset (minutes) | Duration (hours) | Food Effect | Approx. Cost per Tablet (AU$) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Levitra Super Active | 10mg | 15‑30 | 4‑6 | Minimal; high‑fat meals slightly delay | 3.5‑5 (brand), 1.8‑2.5 (generic) |
Sildenafil (Viagra) | 50mg | 30‑60 | 4‑5 | Significant delay with high‑fat meals | 2.5‑4 (brand), 1.2‑1.8 (generic) |
Tadalafil (Cialis) | 10mg | 30 | 12‑36 | Minimal | 4‑6 (brand), 2‑3 (generic) |
Avanafil (Stendra) | 100mg | 15 | 6‑12 | Minimal | 5‑7 (brand), 2.5‑4 (generic) |
Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Levitra Super Active - fast onset, moderate duration, and low food interaction; price a bit higher than generic Vardenafil.
- Sildenafil - widely known, many generics, but slower onset with fatty meals.
- Tadalafil - longest window, great for spontaneous plans; may be overkill for occasional use.
- Avanafil - quickest to work, but higher per‑tablet cost and limited generic availability.

Who Should Consider Levitra Super Active?
Men who need a quick‑acting option without the 30‑minute lag typical of standard Levitra may find Super Active useful. Ideal scenarios include:
- Short‑notice plans where intimacy is spontaneous.
- Those who experience a noticeable dip in effectiveness when taking sildenafil after a heavy meal.
- Patients who prefer a middle‑ground duration (not as short as sildenafil, not as long as tadalafil).
If you have a history of severe cardiac arrhythmia, uncontrolled hypertension, or are on nitrates, discuss alternatives with your doctor-any PDE5 inhibitor could pose a risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Levitra Super Active with alcohol?
Moderate alcohol (one or two drinks) usually won’t affect the drug’s performance, but heavy drinking can impair erection and increase the risk of side‑effects like dizziness.
Is the "Super Active" label just marketing?
The label reflects a faster‑dissolving tablet design. Clinical data from the FDA shows the median time to erection is about 15‑30minutes, a notch quicker than regular Levitra.
Do I need a prescription in Australia?
Yes. All PDE5 inhibitors are prescription‑only. You can obtain a script from a GP, then fill it at a community pharmacy or a reputable online Australian pharmacy.
How does Levitra Super Active compare cost‑wise to generics?
Brand‑name Super Active runs AU$3.5‑5 per tablet, while generic vardenafil can be as low as AU$1.8‑2.5. If price is the deciding factor, ask your pharmacist about the generic option-efficacy is virtually identical.
What should I do if I experience a painful erection lasting longer than 4 hours?
Seek emergency medical care immediately. Prolonged erections (priapism) can cause permanent tissue damage if not treated promptly.
Bottom Line
If you value rapid onset and a moderate active window, Levitra Super Active is a solid choice that sits comfortably between sildenafil’s speed and tadalafil’s long‑lasting effect. Its safety profile mirrors other PDE5 inhibitors, so the decision often comes down to personal timing preferences and budget. Talk with your healthcare provider to see if the “Super Active” formulation matches your lifestyle and health status.
Steve Holmes
October 17, 2025 AT 16:29Wow! I just read the comparison and I have to say the rapid onset of Levitra Super Active is a game‑changer!!! If you’re tired of waiting 30‑60 minutes for Viagra, this little tablet can have you ready in 15‑30 minutes – perfect for those spontaneous evenings. The minimal food effect is also a huge plus, especially after a steak dinner. I also love that the duration sits nicely between Viagra and Cialis, giving you a flexible window without the commitment of a full‑day pill. And for us living in the US, the price point, while a bit higher than generic vardenafil, is still reasonable when you consider the convenience. Absolutely worth a try if you haven’t already!!!