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Levitra
Levitra (also called vardenafil HCl) is a prescription pill, similar to Viagra, that helps men with erectile dysfunction (impotence). It isn't a cure for ED, you need to take it each time you want to have sex.
Generic Name: vardenafil (var DEH na fil)
Brand Names: Levitra
What is Levitra?
- Levitra relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to particular areas of the body.
- Levitra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence).
- Levitra may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
Drug Uses
Levitra is an oral therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
How Taken
Levitra should be taken as needed, about an hour before sexual activity, but Some form of sexual stimulation is needed for an erection to occur with Levitra. Levitra should not be taken more than once daily.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Levitra is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that works by helping the blood flow into the penis to achieve and maintain an erection.
Missed Dose
Levitra is used as needed, so you are not likely to miss a dose.
Storage
Store at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F); excursions permitted to 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F). Keep Levitra and all medicines out of the reach of children.
Warnings Precautions
Do not use Levitra if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Levitra;
- you are taking or using nitroglycerin (eg, tablet, patch, ointment), nitrates (eg, isosorbide), or certain antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, quinidine);
- you have had a heart attack, stroke, or life-threatening irregular heartbeat within the past 6 months;
- you have certain eye problems (eg, retina diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa), uncontrolled chest pain, uncontrolled high blood pressure, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat (eg, congenital QT prolongation), severe heart failure, severe liver problems, or end-stage kidney disease that requires dialysis.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Possible Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Levitra and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- chest pain or an irregular heartbeat;
- swelling of the ankles or legs;
- shortness of breath;
- prolonged or severe dizziness;
- a prolonged (lasting longer than 4 hours) or painful erection; or
- dizziness, nausea, or angina (pain, tightness, discomfort, numbness, or tingling in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Levitra and talk to your doctor if you experience
- flushing;
- mild dizziness;
- headache;
- nasal congestion;
- diarrhea;
- temporary blue tint in vision or other vision abnormalities; or
- itching or a rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Important Safety and Dosing Information
LEVITRA is a prescription medicine that is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Men taking nitrate drugs, often used to control chest pain (also known as angina), should not take LEVITRA. Such combinations could cause blood pressure to drop to an unsafe level.
As with all ED drugs, there is a rare risk of an erection lasting longer than four hours. To avoid long-term injury, seek immediate medical attention. LEVITRA does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. In rare instances, men taking PDE5 inhibitors (oral erectile dysfunction medicine, including LEVITRA) reported a sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes, or a sudden loss or decrease in hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears and dizziness. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to these medicines or to other factors. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking PDE5 inhibitors, including LEVITRA, and call a doctor right away.
Discuss your medical conditions, including heart problems, and medications, including alpha blockers prescribed for prostate problems or high blood pressure, with your doctor to ensure LEVITRA is right for you and that you are healthy enough for sexual activity. LEVITRA is not recommended for men with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
The starting dose of LEVITRA is 10 mg taken no more than once per day. Your doctor will decide the dose that is right for you. In patients taking alpha blockers, your doctor may start you on a lower dose of LEVITRA. In patients taking certain medications such as ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, atazanavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin and clarithromycin, lower doses of LEVITRA are recommended, and time between doses of LEVITRA may need to be extended.
In clinical trials, the most commonly reported side effects were headache, flushing, and stuffy or runny nose. LEVITRA is available in 2.5-mg, 5-mg, 10-mg, and 20-mg tablets.
More Information
Generic Vardenafil (Levitra) is available with a prescription under the brand name Levitra. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
How should I take Levitra?
Take Levitra exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Levitra can be taken with or without food.
Levitra is usually taken only when needed, about 60 minutes before sexual activity. The medication can help achieve an erection when sexual stimulation occurs. An erection will not occur just by taking a pill. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not take Levitra more than once a day. Allow 24 hours to pass between doses. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours. A prolonged erection (priapism) can damage the penis. Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Levitra is used as needed, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include back pain, muscle pain, or vision problems.
What should I avoid while taking Levitra?
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Levitra.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Levitra. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
Do not use any other drug to treat impotence, such as alprostadil (Caverject, Muse, Edex) or yohimbine (Yocon, Yodoxin, others), unless your doctor tells you to.
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