Levitra (Vardenafil)

What is Levitra?

Levitra (vardenafil hydrochloride) is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5).

What is Levitra used for?

Levitra is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (in men).

How does Levitra work?

Levitra works by helping blood flow into the penis to achieve and maintain penis erection.

How to use Levitra

Levitra should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken an hour before sexual activity, with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Do not take this drug more than once daily.

Levitra warnings and precautions

Prior to taking Levitra, tell your doctor if you have high or low blood pressure, heart disease or heart rhythm problem, kidney or liver disease, a recent history of congestive heart failure, angina pain, stroke or heart attack; a stomach ulcer; retinitis pigmentosa; personal or family history of “Long QT syndrome”; bleeding disorder such as haemophilia; blood cell disorder like sickle cell anemia, leukemia, or multiple myeloma; Peyronie’s disease (physical deformity of penis); or if you have been asked not to have sexual intercourse for health reasons.

Avoid drinking alcohol while using Levitra. Also, do not take grapefruit or grapefruit juice while using this medicine.

What do I do if I have missed a Levitra dose?

Levitra is used as needed. Since you are not on a dosing schedule, it doesn’t matter if you miss a dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Levitra overdose?

If you have taken a Levitra overdose, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Levitra interactions

Do not use Levitra if you are taking nitrate drugs to treat heart problems or chest pain. A list of Nitrate drugs includes isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Sorbitrate, Isordil); isosorbide mononitrate (ISMO, Imdur, Monoket); and nitroglycerin (Nitrolingual, Nitrostat, Nitro-Dur, Minitran, Nitro-Bid, Transderm-Nitro, Deponit); recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite (“poppers”).

Before taking Levitra, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like imatinib (Gleevec); diclofenac (Cataflam, Arthrotec, Flector Patch, Voltaren, Solareze); isoniazid (for treating tuberculosis); conivaptan (Vaprisol); an antibiotic such as erythromycin (Ery-Tab, EryPed, E.E.S., Erythrocin), quinupristin / dalfopristin (Synercid), telithromycin (Ketek) or clarithromycin (Biaxin); an antidepressant such as nefazodone; heart rhythm medication such as procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan), amiodarone (Pacerone, Cordarone), or sotalol (Betapace); high blood pressure medicines or medication for treating p

Levitra side effects

Levitra side effects include hives, breathing trouble, dizziness, nausea, tingling in chest, neck, arms or jaw; and numbness during sexual activity. If you get any of these side effects after using Levitra or if you have sudden vision or hearing loss, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor right away.

Chest pain, nausea, ringing in ears, sweating, pain spreading to arms or shoulder, vision changes, seizure (convulsions), uneven heartbeat, swelling in hands, feet or ankles; and painful penis erection that lasts for more than 4 hours are also side effects from Levitra.

Stuffy nose, back pain, headache, memory problems, and upset stomach are some less serious side effects of Levitra.