Levitra

Generic Name: vardenafil

Drug uses

Levitra is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. This medication is used to help men with erectile dysfunction to have an erection. The result is achieved by relaxing muscles and helping the blood flow into the penis. The medication is not a protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Levitra may also be used for other purposes.

What should I know about Levitra?

There are some drugs, which may interact with Levitra. Do not take this medication together with recreational drugs ("poppers"), any form of nitroglycerin or other nitrates such as isosorbide and nitroprusside, certain alpha-blocker drugs such as alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, or terazosin.

You may need additional monitoring of your condition if you are using drugs for high blood pressure; macrolide antibiotics, including clarithromycin or erythromycin; antifungal medicines (itraconazole or ketoconazole); other medications for erectile dysfunction; HIV protease inhibitors (ritonavir or indinavir).

You shouldn't start or stop taking this medication your doctor approval. You should tell your doctor beforehand if you have history of painful or prolonged erection; allergies; bleeding problems; uncontrolled high blood pressure; eye diseases; kidney problems; heart troubles; stomach ulcers; or any blood cell problems, including sickle cell anemia, leukemia, or myeloma.

Your doctor will not advise you taking this medicine, if you have a history of heart attack, stroke, chest pain, low blood pressure, severe liver problems, or quinsy.

How taken

Take Levitra orally before sexual activity according to the prescription of your doctor.

You shouldn't take more than one pill a day. Ask your doctor for more information.

In case you have troubles with your stomach, take the medicine with food.

Store this drug at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

Warnings/ Precautions

If you have a history of an allergic reaction to any ingredient in this product, you are generally not recommended to take this medication. Levitra may be the cause of vision changes and dizziness. You’d better not drive and operate machinery until you know your reaction on this drug. Levitra, taken together with other medications or alcohol, may lessen your ability to perform potentially dangerous tasks. The risk for side effects may be increased by alcohol.

You should be aware that it’s only your doctor who can establish your dose according to your medical condition.

If you have troubles with your heart and experience such symptoms as chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness or nausea while having sex, inform your doctor at once. As elderly people are generally more sensitive to the side effects, caution is recommended. Levitra is not used in women or children.

Levitra Side effects

Levitra may cause some side effects. Less serious side effects include: back pain, headache, stuffy nose, upset stomach, warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest.

Chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling; feeling light-headed, fainting; irregular heartbeat; ringing in your ears, or sudden hearing loss; shortness of breath; sudden vision loss; swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; vision changes; prolonged erection (lasts 4 hours or longer) are among serious side effects. If you have any of them inform your doctor at once.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat) or sudden vision loss.

Some other side effects may also occur.

Overdose

If you think you have an overdose, call an emergency immediately. Overdose symptoms: back pain, muscle pain, vision problems.

Additional information

Tell your doctor if you have worsening of your symptoms.

It is not allowed to use the medication for other health conditions or share it with people, who were not prescribed it. Keep this drug away from children and pets.

Drug interactions

Unwanted side effects can be the result of drug interactions. Some medications can also prevent Levitra from doing its job. You should tell your doctor of all the medicines you are taking.