Drug Name

Levitra (Vardenafil)

Drug Uses

Levitra is an oral therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

How Taken

Levitra should be taken as needed, about an hour before sexual activity, but Some form of sexual stimulation is needed for an erection to occur with Levitra. Levitra should not be taken more than once daily. Benefits:

• Levitra can act in as little as 16 minutes compared with 30 to 60 minutes for Viagra;
• Levitra can be taken with food while Viagra should be taken on an empty stomach;
• Levitra has no adverse side effects on the heart or vision. Viagra is known to require more monitoring for these side effects;
• Levitra lasted longer in clinical trials compared to Viagra;
• Works for up to 6 hours;
• Recommended time to take before sex is 25 to 45 minutes;
• With Levitra, there are no food or alcohol restrictions. Romantic dinners are no longer out of the question;
• Levitra has less side effects compared to Viagra and lasts about the same time as Viagra in the body.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Levitra is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that works by helping the blood flow into the penis to achieve and maintain an erection.

Missed Dose

Levitra is used as needed, so you are not likely to miss a dose.

Storage

Store at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F); excursions permitted to 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F). Keep Levitra and all medicines out of the reach of children.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Levitra if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Levitra;
• you are taking or using nitroglycerin (eg, tablet, patch, ointment), nitrates (eg, isosorbide), or certain antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, quinidine);
• you have had a heart attack, stroke, or life-threatening irregular heartbeat within the past 6 months;
• you have certain eye problems (eg, retina diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa), uncontrolled chest pain, uncontrolled high blood pressure, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat (eg, congenital QT prolongation), severe heart failure, severe liver problems, or end-stage kidney disease that requires dialysis.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Possible Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Levitra and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• chest pain or an irregular heartbeat;
• swelling of the ankles or legs;
• shortness of breath;
• prolonged or severe dizziness;
• a prolonged (lasting longer than 4 hours) or painful erection; or
• dizziness, nausea, or angina (pain, tightness, discomfort, numbness, or tingling in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Levitra and talk to your doctor if you experience

• flushing;
• mild dizziness;
• headache;
• nasal congestion;
• diarrhea;
• temporary blue tint in vision or other vision abnormalities; or
• itching or a rash.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

More Information

Generic Vardenafil (Levitra) is available with a prescription under the brand name Levitra. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.