What is Levitra (Vardenafil) ?
Vardenafil's indications and contra-indications are the same as with other PDE5 inhibitors; it is closely related in function to sildenafil citrate (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis). The difference between the vardenafil molecule and sildenafil citrate is a nitrogen atom's position and the change of sildenafil's piperazine ring methyl group to an ethyl group. Tadalafil is structurally different from both sildenafil and vardenafil. Vardenafil's relatively short effective time is comparable to but somewhat longer than sildenafil's.
Beyond its indications for erectile dysfunction, vardenafil may be effective in the treatment of premature ejaculation, where it may significantly increase the time from penetration to ejaculation.
Important information about Levitra (Vardenafil)
The common, adverse drug reactions (side-effects) are the same as with other PDE5 inhibitors. The frequent vardenafil-specific side-effect is nausea; the infrequent side-effects are abdominal pain, back pain, photosensitivity, abnormal vision, eye pain, facial edema, hypotension, palpitation, tachycardia, arthralgia, myalgia, rash, itch, andpriapism.
Vardenafil, as with all PDE5 inhibitors, should not be used by men taking nitrate medications, because combining them with vardenafil might provoke potentially life-threatening hypotension (low blood pressure).
Further, Vardenafil causing lengthening of the QT interval. Therefore, it should not be taken by men taking other medications that affect the QT interval (such asamiodarone).
Before taking Levitra (Vardenafil)
Do not take Levitra (Vardenafil) if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems. This includes nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, and others), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket). Nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). Taking Levitra (Vardenafil) with a nitrate medicine can cause a serious decrease in blood pressure, leading to fainting, stroke, or heart attack.If you have any of these other conditions, you may need to adjust the dose of Levitra (Vardenafil) or have special tests:
heart disease or heart rhythm problems;a recent history (in the past 6 months) of a heart attack, angina (chest pain), or congestive heart failure;a recent history of stroke or blood clots;a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome";high or low blood pressure;liver disease;kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);a blood cell disorder such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia;a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia;a stomach ulcer;retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited condition of the eye);a physical deformity of the penis (such as Peyronie's disease); orif you have been told you should not have sexual intercourse for health reasons.
Levitra (Vardenafil) can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye, causing sudden vision loss. This has occurred in a small number of people taking Levitra (Vardenafil) , most of whom also had heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or certain pre-existing eye problems, and in those who smoke or are over 50 years old.It is not clear whether Levitra (Vardenafil) is the actual cause of vision loss.Stop using Levitra (Vardenafil) and get emergency medical help if you have sudden vision loss.
FDA pregnancy category B: Although Levitra (Vardenafil) is not for use in women, this medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Although Levitra (Vardenafil) is not for use in women, it is not known if vardenafil passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Levitra (Vardenafil) ?
Take Levitra (Vardenafil) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Levitra (Vardenafil) can be taken with or without food. Levitra (Vardenafil) is usually taken only when needed, about 60 minutes before sexual activity. The medication can help achieve an erection when sexual stimulation occurs. An erection will not occur just by taking a pill. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not take Levitra (Vardenafil) more than once a day. Allow 24 hours to pass between doses. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours. A prolonged erection (priapism) can damage the penis.
Store Levitra (Vardenafil) at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Stop using Levitra (Vardenafil) and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
sudden vision loss;ringing in your ears, or sudden hearing loss;chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;irregular heartbeat;swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;shortness of breath;vision changes;feeling light-headed, fainting;penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer; orseizure (convulsions).
Less serious Levitra (Vardenafil) side effects may include:warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest;stuffy nose;headache;memory problems;upset stomach; orback pain.This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
What other drugs will affect Levitra (Vardenafil) ?
Do not take Levitra (Vardenafil) if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems, including nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, Minitran, Deponit, Transderm-Nitro), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket), or recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers").
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Levitra (Vardenafil) . Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over the counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
heart disease or heart rhythm problems;a recent history (in the past 6 months) of a heart attack, angina (chest pain), or congestive heart failure;a recent history of stroke or blood clots;a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome";high or low blood pressure;liver disease;kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);a blood cell disorder such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia;a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia;a stomach ulcer;retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited condition of the eye);a physical deformity of the penis (such as Peyronie's disease); orif you have been told you should not have sexual intercourse for health reasons.
Levitra (Vardenafil) can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye, causing sudden vision loss. This has occurred in a small number of people taking Levitra (Vardenafil) , most of whom also had heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or certain pre-existing eye problems, and in those who smoke or are over 50 years old.It is not clear whether Levitra (Vardenafil) is the actual cause of vision loss.Stop using Levitra (Vardenafil) and get emergency medical help if you have sudden vision loss.
FDA pregnancy category B: Although Levitra (Vardenafil) is not for use in women, this medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Although Levitra (Vardenafil) is not for use in women, it is not known if vardenafil passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Levitra (Vardenafil) ?
Take Levitra (Vardenafil) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Levitra (Vardenafil) can be taken with or without food. Levitra (Vardenafil) is usually taken only when needed, about 60 minutes before sexual activity. The medication can help achieve an erection when sexual stimulation occurs. An erection will not occur just by taking a pill. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not take Levitra (Vardenafil) more than once a day. Allow 24 hours to pass between doses. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours. A prolonged erection (priapism) can damage the penis.
Store Levitra (Vardenafil) at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Levitra (Vardenafil) is used as needed, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.What happens if I overdose?
Overdose symptoms may include back pain, muscle pain, or vision problems.What should I avoid while taking Levitra (Vardenafil) ?
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Levitra (Vardenafil) .Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Levitra (Vardenafil) . Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.Side effects of Levitra (Vardenafil)
Stop using Levitra (Vardenafil) and get emergency medical help if you have sudden vision loss. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. During sexual activity, if you become dizzy or nauseated, or have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, stop and call your doctor right away. You could be having a serious side effect of Levitra (Vardenafil) .Stop using Levitra (Vardenafil) and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
sudden vision loss;ringing in your ears, or sudden hearing loss;chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;irregular heartbeat;swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;shortness of breath;vision changes;feeling light-headed, fainting;penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer; orseizure (convulsions).
Less serious Levitra (Vardenafil) side effects may include:warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest;stuffy nose;headache;memory problems;upset stomach; orback pain.This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
What other drugs will affect Levitra (Vardenafil) ?
Do not take Levitra (Vardenafil) if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems, including nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, Minitran, Deponit, Transderm-Nitro), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket), or recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers").
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Levitra (Vardenafil) . Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over the counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
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