Vardenafil

Vardenafil (generic levitra) is a medication developed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED, impotence). It works by increasing the blood flow to the penis, which helps men with ED to achieve and maintain an erection for periods long enough to have successful sex. After having sex blood flow decreases and the erection goes away.

How should this medicine be used?

Vardenafil comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken as needed, with or without food, 60 minutes before sexual activity. Vardenafil usually should not be taken more often than once every 24 hours. If you have certain health conditions or are taking certain medications, your doctor may tell you to take vardenafil less often. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take vardenafil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor will probably start you on an average dose of vardenafil and increase or decrease your dose depending on your response to the medication. Tell your doctor if vardenafil is not working well or if you are experiencing side effects.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Vardenafil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• upset stomach
• heartburn
• flushing
• stuffy or runny nose
• flu-like symptoms

Vardenafil Medical Precautions

One should have a complete medical history and exam to determine the cause of his impotence before taking Vardenafil. Men who have medical conditions that may cause a sustained erection such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia or multiple myeloma or who have an abnormally shaped penis may not be able to take Levitra. There are several medications that are known to interact with Vardenafil, so be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking including those you can get without a prescription. Vardenafil has not been studied with other treatments for impotence, so use in combination with other treatments is not recommended. Limit alcohol intake, as it may aggravate side effects of Vardenafil. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. The elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects of Vardenafil; therefore, caution is advised in this group. Vardenafil is not for patients with a rare heart condition known as QT prolongation because the drug could cause an abnormal heart beat. QT prolongation, which is increased time between heart waves, this condition could result in rare cases of abnormal heart rhythms. The FDA said patients taking Vardenafil should see a doctor immediately if they faint, which could be a symptom of this condition.

Vardenafil Drug Interactions

Because sexual activity may place a strain on your heart, your doctor will need to check whether you are fit enough to use Vardenafil. Do not take Vardenafil if you are being treated for angina (chest pain) or other heart conditions with certain medicines called nitrates. Nitrate medicines include glyceryl trinitrate (also called nitroglycerine). These medicines can be sold under tradenames:

• Anginine tablets
• Glytrin Spray
• Minitran patches
• Nitrocor patches
• Nitro-Dur patches
• Nitroderm TTS patches
• Nitrolingual pump spray
• Rectogesic ointment
• Transiderm-Nitro patches

DOSING:

For most individuals, the recommended dose of vardenafil is 10 mg per day taken 60 minutes before intercourse. If there is no response or side effects, the dose may be increased to 20 mg or, if there are side effects, it may be reduced to 5 mg. Individuals 65 years of age or older should begin therapy with 5 mg. Individuals who are taking medications that increase the blood levels of vardenafil should start treatment with 2.5 to 5 mg of vardenafil.

Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.