Levitra
Generic Name: Vardenafil
What is Levitra?
Levitra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Levitra helps increase blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, helping to achieve and sustain an erection.What is the most important information I should know about Levitra?
Levitra can cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly to an unsafe level if it is taken with certain other medicines. A sudden drop in blood pressure could cause you to get dizzy, faint, or have a heart attack or stroke. Sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.If you need emergency medical care for a heart problem, it will be important for your doctor to know when you last took Levitra.
Levitra does not: increase a man's sexual desire; protect a man or his partner against sexually transmitted diseases; serve as a male form of birth control; or cure ED.
Patients with heart problems who take Levitra may be at increased risk for heart-related side effects, including heart attack or stroke.
Levitra may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection (priapism). This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. If you get an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, you should get medical help right away.
Although uncommon, Levitra may cause mild, temporary vision changes (such as blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or a blue/green color tint to vision). Contact your doctor if vision changes persist or are severe.
Who should not take Levitra?
Levitra is not for women or for children <18 years of age. Do not take Levitra if you have been told by your doctor not to have sexual activity because of health problems. Do not take if you have already had a heart attack or have heart disease. Do not take Levitra if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.Do not take Levitra if you are taking medicines called nitrates. Nitrates include nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, and isosorbide mononitrate.
Do not take Levitra if you have low blood pressure, uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain hereditary eye problems (retinitis pigmentosa), and severe liver or kidney problems (including the need for dialysis).
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Levitra?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Levitra. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have heart problems such as angina (chest pain), heart failure, irregular heartbeat, or have had a heart attack or stroke. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to have sexual activity. Tell your doctor if you or any family members have a rare heart condition known as prolongation of the QT interval. Let your doctor know if you have a deformed penis shape, or if you have had an erection that lasted more than 4 hours. Also, tell your doctor if you have any eye problems. Other conditions that you should discuss with your doctor include bleeding, blood, kidney, and liver problems; low blood pressure; stomach ulcers; and high blood pressure.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults: The usual dose of Levitra is 10 milligrams (mg) taken no more than one time each day, one hour before sexual activity. The dose may be increased to a maximum recommended dose of 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg based on effectiveness and side effects.
People who are ≥65 years or who have liver impairment should start with a daily dose of 5 mg.
How should I take Levitra?
Take one Levitra tablet about 1 hour before sexual activity. Some form of sexual stimulation is needed for an erection to happen with Levitra. Levitra may be taken with or without food. Do not take Levitra more often than once daily, or as directed by your doctor.What should I avoid while taking Levitra?
Do not use Levitra with medicines or drugs containing nitrates. Also, medicines called alpha-blockers, which are sometimes prescribed for prostate problems or high blood pressure, can cause problems when they are taken with Levitra. Taking both drugs can lower blood pressure significantly and lead to fainting. You should contact your doctor if alpha-blockers or other drugs that lower blood pressure are prescribed to you by another physician.Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to Levitra; this drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness, fainting, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Levitra?
If Levitra is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Levitra with the following: alfuzosin, doxazosin, erythromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, medicines that treat abnormal heartbeat (including quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, and sotalol), nitrates, other medicines or treatments for ED, prazosin, ritonavir, tamsulosin, and terazosin.What are the possible side effects of Levitra?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: dizziness, flushing, headache, indigestion, runny or stuffy nose, upset stomach
Can I receive Levitra if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Levitra is not for use in women and children.What should I do if I miss a dose of Levitra?
If you miss a dose of Levitra and you still intend to engage in sexual activity, take it as soon as you remember. Continue to take it as directed by your doctor.How should I store Levitra?
Store at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and light.
I'm Kristen Dore, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
