Levitra (vardenafil)
General information about Levitra
Levitra belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase inhibitor. The drug is used for curing erectile dysfunction in men. Men get an erection when during arousal, the arteries in the penis enlarge, thus allowing more blood flow through them. When the arteries enlarge, the veins which are responsible for taking blood away from the penis become narrow, thus allowing blood to remain in the penis longer. Erectile dysfunction occurs when the veins responsible for taking blood away from penis do not become narrow. Hormone named phosphodiesterase or PDE5 is responsible for reversing the erection. Levitra works by inhibiting the production of PDE5, thus ensuring that the chemicals responsible for erection stay in the penis longer, hence ensuring an erection.
Contrary to popular belief, the drug does not work without stimulation. The drug is to be used only when the need to have sex arises.
Precautions/side effects of Levitra
Levitra contains the active ingredient vardenafil. It is known to react adversely with drugs which contain nitrate. People taking nitrate drugs such as nitroglycerine, isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate etc. should refrain from using this drug. Taking Levitra with nitrate drugs can cause sudden dip in blood pressure, which can be fatal too. Apart from that, people who are above 65 years of age, have high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, heart disease, liver of kidney disease should refrain from using this drug.
Levitra is a category B pregnancy drug. It may have an adverse effect on the fetus as well as the newborn. Pregnant women as well as women who are breastfeeding should take this drug only after due consultation with a physician.
Other than that, the drug can cause certain side effects such as a runny nose, redness of the face of neck, stomach upset and pain in the neck. However, in some cases, the use of the drug may cause serious side effects such as a ringing sensation in the ears, sudden loss of vision, painful erection, breathlessness and irregular heartbeat. If any of these symptoms occur after taking the drug, a qualified physician should be consulted immediately.
Important safety information
Levitra is known to react adversely with alcohol. Thus, while on this drug, alcohol should be taken after consultation with a doctor. Other than, it is also known to react adversely with smoking. Hence, smoking should be kept to a bare minimum while on this drug.
Other important safety information for Levitra includes:
- Consuming grape fruit juice only after consulting a doctor. Levitra may react adversely with grape fruit juice, leading to severe complications.
- Refraining from any other drugs meant for treating impotency such as Caverject, Edex, Yocon etc. without due consultation with a doctor.
Dosage of Levitra
Levitra is available as 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg tablets. The usual recommended dose of the drug is a 10 mg tablet once a day. However, the dosage can be increased to 20 mg or decreased t0 5 mg depending on the response of the patient. For patients above the age of 65 years, the usual dose is 5 mg per day.
The drug can be taken with or without food. However, it should be taken only when the need for sex arises. Ideally, it should be taken an hour before sex. Overdose of the drug should be avoided at all costs since it can lead to prolonged erection which can damage the penis. There should be a gap of at least 24 hours between the doses of Levitra.
How to store Levitra
The drug is available in a bottle with 30 tablets. It should be stored in a cool and dry place with temperature not exceeding 30 degree Celsius (86 degree Fahrenheit). It should be stored out of the reach of children and pets.
