ACTIVE HALF-LIFE
5-7 hours
CLASSIFICATION
PDE5 inhibitor
DOSAGE
Men 10-20 mg/day
ACNE
No
WATER RETENTION
No
HBR
Possible
HEPATOTOXICITY
No
AROMATIZATION
No
MANUFACTURER
Bayer
WAREHOUSE
International Warehouse 2
SUBSTANCE
Vardenafil
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What is Levitra and How is it Used?
Levitra is a medication used to address challenges in achieving or maintaining an erection, a condition known as erectile dysfunction.
Understanding Erection Difficulties
At least 10% of men experience difficulties with erections at some point. These issues may stem from physical factors, psychological factors, or a combination of both. Regardless of the cause, the underlying problem often involves changes in muscles and blood vessels that prevent adequate blood flow to the penis, making it difficult to achieve a firm erection.
Mechanism of Action
Levitra is effective only in the presence of sexual stimulation. It works by inhibiting the action of a natural substance in the body that causes erections to subside. This allows an erection to persist long enough for satisfactory sexual activity.
Precautions Before Use
Do not take Levitra if:
Exercise caution with Levitra if you have heart issues, irregular heartbeats, specific inherited heart diseases, physical conditions that affect penis morphology (like Peyronie's disease), or health conditions that lead to prolonged erections (such as sickle cell disease, multiple myeloma, or leukemia). Also, take care if you have stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders, if you're using other erectile dysfunction treatments, or if you notice sudden vision changes—seek medical help immediately.
Special Considerations:Age Restrictions
Levitra is approved for use by men aged 18 and older. It is not suitable for women or children.
Interactions with Other Medications
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you're using or recently used any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs. While Levitra generally interacts well with most medications, avoid combining it with nitrates or nitric oxide donors. Be cautious if taking antiarrhythmic medicines (like quinidine or sotalol), HIV medications (like ritonavir or indinavir), certain antifungals (like ketoconazole), or antibiotics (like erythromycin).
Food and Beverage Considerations
Considerations During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Levitra is not intended for women.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Levitra may cause dizziness or affect vision. If you experience these effects, refrain from driving or operating machinery.
Dosage Instructions
Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding Levitra usage. The typical starting dosage is 10 mg. Take a tablet about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. With sexual arousal, an erection can occur from 25 minutes up to four to five hours later. Swallow the tablet with water and do not exceed one dose per day. If the dosage feels too strong or weak, consult your doctor for possible adjustments.
Overdose Information
Taking more than the recommended amount of Levitra can lead to heightened side effects or severe back pain. If an overdose occurs, contact your doctor.
Potential Side Effects
Like all medications, Levitra can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most effects are mild to moderate, categorized as follows:
- Headache - Flushing
Very Common (affects more than 1 in 10 users):- Indigestion - Nausea - Dizziness - Nasal congestion
Common (affects 1 to 10 in 100 users):- Sensitivity to sunlight - Blood pressure changes - Back or muscle pain - Visual changes - Skin rash - Drowsiness - Abnormal liver function tests - Increased muscle enzyme levels - Shortness of breath - Palpitations - Nosebleeds - Facial swelling
Uncommon (affects 1 to 10 in 1,000 users):- Fainting - Muscle rigidity - Increased eye pressure - Prolonged painful erections - Allergic reactions - Cardiac issues (e.g., angina) - Anxiety - Throat swelling - Temporary memory loss (transient global amnesia) - Seizures
Rare (affects 1 to 10 in 10,000 users):Reports of sudden hearing loss or vision loss (temporary or permanent) have occurred. If you experience serious side effects or notice unlisted effects, contact your doctor.
Storage Instructions
Keep Levitra out of reach of children. Do not use it past its expiration date, which is indicated on the packaging. Dispose of excess medication appropriately; do not discard it in water or household waste. Consult your pharmacist for proper disposal methods to protect the environment.