Levitra

Generic name: Vardenafil hydrochloride

What is Levitra?

Levitra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. 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.

Do not take Levitra if you take any medicines called nitrates, or if you use any recreational drugs called poppers. Tell all your healthcare providers that you take Levitra. If you need emergency medical care for a heart problem, it will be important for your healthcare provider 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 erectile dysfunction (ED).

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.

Patients with heart problems who take Levitra may be at increased risk for heart-related side effects, including heart attack or stroke. Symptoms of a heart attack may include chest, shoulder, neck, or jaw pain; numbness of an arm or leg; severe dizziness, headache, nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting; fainting; or vision changes. Symptoms of a stroke may include confusion; vision or speech changes; one-sided weakness; or fainting. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention right away if you experience these symptoms.

Levitra may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. 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. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.

Levitra may uncommonly cause mild, temporary vision changes (such as blurred vision, sensitivity to light, 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 under the age of 18. Do not take Levitra if you have been told by your doctor not to have sexual activity because of health problems. Sexual activity can put an extra strain on your heart, especially if your heart is already weak from a heart attack (within the past 6 months) or 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 are commonly used to treat angina—a symptom of heart disease that causes pain in your chest, jaw, or down your arm. Nitrates include nitroglycerin, which is found in tablets, sprays, ointments, pastes, or patches. Nitrates can also be found in other medicines, such as isosorbide dinitrate or isosorbide mononitrate. Some recreational drugs called poppers, such as amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate, also contain nitrates. Do not use Levitra if you are using these drugs. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if any of your medicines are nitrates.

Do not take Levitra if you have low blood pressure, uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain hereditary degenerative eye problems (retinitis pigmentosa), and severe liver or kidney problems (that require dialysis). Talk to your doctor to see if you can use Levitra.

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, 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; Peyronie's disease; or if you have had an erection that lasted more than 4 hours. Also, tell your doctor if you have eye problems, such as retinitis pigmentosa; severe vision loss; macular degeneration; or nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Other conditions that you should discuss with your doctor include: bleeding problems, blood cell problems (such as sickle cell anemia, cancer of the plasma cells, or leukemia), kidney problems, liver problems, low blood pressure, stomach ulcers, uncontrolled 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 ≥18 years: The usual dose of Levitra is 10 milligrams (mg) taken no more than 1 time each day, 1 hour before sexual activity. The dose may be increased to a maximum recommended dose of 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg based on efficacy and side effects. The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day.

Elderly: Older patients, 65 years and older, should start with a daily dose of 5 mg.

Liver impairment: Should start with a daily dose of 5mg. No dosage adjustment is required in these patients. Those with moderate liver impairment should not exceed a daily dose of 10mg.

Levitra may be altered by other medications. Talk to your doctor about all of the medication that you are currently taking and how they may potentially affect Levitra dosage.

How should I take Levitra?

Take 1 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.

Do not take Levitra more than once in a 24-hour period.

Do not sit or stand up too quickly when you start taking Levitra, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness.

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, 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

Levitra may also lead to some other less common side effects. Priapism, or an erection that won't go away, is an uncommon but serious side effect of Levitra. If you get an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, you should get medical help right away. Levitra may also lead to color vision changes, such as seeing a blue tinge to objects or having difficulty telling the difference between the colors blue and green. If you experience a sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes, seek medical attention immediately.

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.

Can I receive Levitra if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Levitra is not for women and children.

How should I store Levitra?

Store Levitra at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom.