LevitraŽ
(vardenafil HCl) is a medicine
that may be used up to once a
day to treat erectile dysfunction
(ED). Levitra acts in the same
way as Viagra, by blocking an
enzyme called phosphodiesterase-5,
or PDE-5. This helps the smooth
muscles in the penis to relax,
which effectively increases blood
flow. Thus, allowing the penis
to become and stay harder longer.
Levitra Directions?
Take Levitra exactly
as directed by your doctor. If you do not
understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take
each dose with a full glass of water. Levitra
can be taken with or without food. Levitra
is usually taken when needed. Generally, it
is taken about 1 hour 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. Levitra should
not be taken with grapefruit or grapefruit
juice. Levitra can interact with grapefruit
and grapefruit juice, and the interaction
may have dangerous effects. You should discuss
the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice
with your doctor. Do not take Levitra more
than once a day. In some cases, use of Levitra
may be restricted to once every 72 hours (3
days). Follow your doctor's instructions.
If you develop dizziness, nausea, or angina
(pain, tightness, discomfort, numbness, or
tingling in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw)
during sexual activity, refrain from further
sexual activity and notify your doctor. Contact
your doctor or seek emergency medical attention
for any erection that lasts longer than 4
hours. A sustained erection can damage the
penis.
Levitra Side Effects?
As with most prescription
medications, taking Levitra may produce side
effects. The most commonly reported side effects
of Levitra were headache, flushing, dyspepsia
(indigestion), and nasal congestion.
Levitra warnings?
If you have heart problems
severe enough to make sexual activity a danger,
you should avoid using Levitra. Use it cautiously,
if at all, if you've had a heart attack, stroke,
or life-threatening heart irregularities within
the past 6 months. Be equally cautious if
you have severe high or low blood pressure,
heart failure, or unstable angina (crushing
heart pain that occurs at any time).
If you take Levitra and develop cardiac
symptoms (for example, dizziness, nausea,
and chest pain) during sexual activity,
do not continue. Alert your doctor to the
problem as soon as possible.
If you have a condition that might result
in long-lasting erections, such as sickle
cell anemia, multiple myeloma (a disease
of the bone marrow), or leukemia, use Levitra
with caution. Also use cautiously if you
have a genital problem or deformity such
as Peyronie''s disease. If an erection lasts
more than 4 hours, seek treatment immediately.
Permanent damage and impotence could result.
If you have a bleeding disorder, a stomach
ulcer, or the inherited eye condition known
as retinitis pigmentosa, use this medication
with caution. Its safety under these circumstances
has not yet been studied.
Remember that Levitra offers no protection
from transmission of sexually transmitted
diseases, such as HIV, the virus that causes
AIDS.
This drug is not for use by women.
Its effects during pregnancy have not been
studied.
Levitra drug Interactions?
Tell your online doctor
of all nonprescription and prescription medication
you may use, especially any nitrate medications
(e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate),
nitroprusside (any "nitric oxide donor" medicines),
cimetidine, erythromycin, azole antifungals
(e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), mibefradil,
rifamycins (e.g., rifampin) or high blood
pressure medicines
Levitra Missed Dose?
Levitra is used as
needed, so you are not likely to miss a dose.
Levitra Storage?
Store this medication
at room temperature away from moisture and
heat. Keep this and all medications out of
the reach of children.
Anything Else I Should
Know About Levitra?
Levitra relaxes muscles
within the penis. This allows increased blood
flow into the penis which is necessary to
achieve and maintain an erection. Levitra
is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence).
NOTE: The above
information is intended to supplement, not
substitute for, the expertise and judgment
of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe,
appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before taking
the product.
