Levitra Information
Active Ingredients: Vardenafil
Note: The below information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of levitra is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before you buy levitra online.
Who is this for?
Vardenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men age 18 years or older. Vardenafil increases the body's ability to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
ED is the inability of the penis to obtain or sustain an erection for any reason whatsoever. Most commonly, the conditions that produce ED either block the flow of blood to the penis during sexual stimulation or interfere with the way that impulses are transmitted down nerves that are located in the pelvis. Some of the health conditions commonly associated with ED include high blood pressure, heart disease (sometimes called cardiovascular disease) and high cholesterol, diabetes or depression.
Not only can the conditions mentioned above cause ED or increase your risk for ED but ironically enough medications that are oftentimes prescribed to treat them can also produce ED. It is a good idea to talk to your health care professional about all these types of medicine. He may be able to make a substitution that will cause you less problems and be just as effective at treating your illness. It is also important to follow your healthcare professional’s advice for managing lifestyle factors that affect these conditions, such as diet and exercise. Many of these conditions can be well controlled.
How does it work?
Vardenafil does not directly cause an erection of the penis, but it alters the body’s response to sexual stimulation by enhancing the effect of the nitric oxide, a chemical that is normally released during stimulation. Nitric oxide causes relaxation of the muscles in the penis, which allows for better blood flow to the penile area. This medication does not cure impotency, increase a man’s sexual desire, protect from sexually transmitted diseases, or serve as birth control. It only helps maintain an erection when a man is sexually excited.
When should I be careful taking it?
Before taking vardenafil,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to vardenafil or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking especially medications for high blood pressure; medications to treat an irregular heart rate; alpha-blockers such as terazosin (Hytrin), tamsulosin (Flomax), prazosin (Minipress), and doxazosin (Cardura); and medications called “nitrates” such as isosorbide (Imdur, Ismo, Isordil) or nitroglycerin (Nitro-Bid, Nitrostat). Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you take erythromycin, itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), phenobarbital, rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), ritonavir (Norvir), indinavir (Crixivan), any other medications to treat impotence, or any vitamins or herbal supplements.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an erection that lasted more than 4 hours; stomach ulcers; bleeding disorders; heart, kidney, or liver disease; a heart attack; irregular heartbeats or heart rate; angina; a stroke; high or low blood pressure; sickle cell anemia; leukemia or other blood cancers; conditions affecting the shape of the penis (for example, angulation, cavernosal fibrosa, or Peyronie's disease); or a rare genetic eye condition known as retinitis pigmentosa.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you take vardenafil.
tell your doctor if you use illicit or recreational drugs called "poppers" such as amyl nitrate or butyl nitrate.
tell your doctor if you have been previously told by a health care provider to not be engaged in sexual activity because of your health condition.
Effectiveness of Levitra
In the first study, men with erectile dysfunction (ED) who were taking the oral investigational drug Levitra reported consistently improved erectile function the first time they took the drug and subsequently thereafter. For the three months of the study involving more than 800 ED patients, Levitra was reported to consistently improve rates of successful penetration, intercourse success and overall satisfaction during the first and subsequent attempts.
Does Levitra have side-effects?
Although side effects from vardenafil are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these side effects are severe or do not go away: headache, nausea, upset stomach, dizziness or lightheadedness, stuffy or runny nose.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: rash, painful erection, prolonged erection (longer than 4 hours), fainting, chest pain, itching or burning during urination.
Who should avoid taking Levitra?
Levitra should not be taken if you are taking nitrates or nitric oxide donors (these medications are used to treat angina or chest pain). Levitra is also contraindicated in men whom sex is inadvisable and men older than 75 years old who concomitantly use potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors (such as ritonavir, indinavir, ketoconazole and itraconazole). The safety of Levitra has not been studied in these subgroups and should not take Levitra until further studies are available: severe hepatic (liver system) impairment, end stage renal disease requiring dialysis, hypotension, recent history of stroke or heart attack, unstable angina, and known hereditary retinal degenerative disorders.
Levitra drug interactions:
Tell your online doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially any nitrate medications (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate), nitroprusside (any "nitric oxide donor" medicines), cimetidine, erythromycin, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), mibefradil, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin) or high blood pressure medicines.
How should I take it?
Vardenafil comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It should be taken as needed about 1 hour before sexual activity. Some form of sexual stimulation is needed for an erection to occur with vardenafil. Vardenafil should not be taken more than once a day.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take vardenafil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Vardenafil can be taken with or without food.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Vardenafil should only be taken as needed approximately 60 minutes prior to sexual intercourse. However, vardenafil should not be taken more than one time per day. Doses should be taken at least 24 hours apart.
Where should I keep it?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
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