Levitra
® (
vardenafil HCL) is a prescription medication used for treating problems with obtaining or maintaining an erection.
The medication is manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals. It is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline and Schering-Plough.
Levitra has been licensed to treat
erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction (
ED), also known as
impotence, can be a total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. Essentially, erectile dysfunction is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Levitra works by blocking a chemical that reverses an erection by causing blood to flow out of the penis. More blood in the penis means an improved erection.
The effects of this medication can include:
- Achieving and maintaining an erection during sexual activity
- Having a harder erection during sexual activity
- Experiencing greater frequency of orgasms
- Having increased satisfaction with, and enjoyment of, intercourse.
In previous clinical studies, up to 80 percent of men reported that Levitra improved their erections. The drug was also shown to be effective in men with various health problems and medical conditions
(see Effects of Levitra).
When Does It Start Working and How Long Does It Last?
Many men wonder, "How long do I have to wait for Levitra to work?" The time it takes for it to start working will vary depending on the individual. In clinical studies, it began to work in about one hour. How long Levitra continues to work will also depend on the individual. In most cases, it can work for up to four hours.
When and How Do I Take It?
Here are some general considerations for when and how to take Levitra:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken as needed, usually one hour before sexual activity. However, it is not recommended that you take Levitra more than once in a day.
- While it is recommended that you take your dose with a glass of water, you may take it with or without food. Taking it with a high-fat meal may decrease the amount of Levitra in the blood.
- For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Levitra will not work if you stop taking it.
Dosing Information for Levitra
The dosage your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
(The side effects listed below are NOT a complete list of possible side effects you may experience with Levitra. Your doctor can provide you with a comprehensive list of these side effects.)
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Levitra. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When side effects do occur, they are usually minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
- Headache -- 15 percent of people (see Headaches From Levitra)
- Facial flushing -- 11 percent of people
- Indigestion or an upset stomach (known as dyspepsia) -- 4 percent of people
- Stuffy or runny nose (rhinitis) -- 9 percent of people
- Flu-like symptoms -- 3 percent of people
- Nausea -- 2 percent of people
- Dizziness -- 2 percent of people
- Back pain -- 2 percent of people.
Also, Levitra has been linked to rare cases of a condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This condition can lead to sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. If you experience any loss of vision, contact your healthcare provider immediately
(see Levitra and Blindness).
Drug Interactions With Levitra
Levitra can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Prior to taking Levitra, you should tell your healthcare provider if you have:
- Heart disease
- Liver disease or liver failure
- Kidney disease requiring dialysis
- A history of a heart attack, stroke, or life-threatening arrhythmia within the past six months
- Retinitis pigmentosa, which is a rare eye problem
- A history of severe vision loss, including a condition called NAION
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Stomach ulcers
- Bleeding problems
- Sickle cell anemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Leukemia
- A history of priapism, which is a painful erection lasting longer than six hours
- Any condition that causes a penis deformation, such as angulation, Peyronie's disease, or cavernosal fibrosis
- Any allergies
- A rare heart condition known as prolongation of the QT interval (long QT syndrome); also tell your doctor if anyone in your family has this condition.
It is also important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines,
antacids, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Who Should Not Take Levitra?
You should not take this medication if:
- You are allergic to Levitra or any component of vardenafil HCL. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist has a list of the inactive ingredients.
- You are taking a nitrate for angina.
There have been a limited number of cases in which people have overdosed on Levitra. In these cases, side effects were similar to those seen at lower doses. These side effects included reversible
back pain, muscle pain, and problems with vision. If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
It should be stored at room temperature. Keep Levitra and all other medications out of the reach of children.
There are several strengths of Levitra, including:
- Levitra 2.5 mg
- Levitra 5 mg
- Levitra 10 mg
- Levitra 20 mg.
