Levitra

By Angela Young

Levitra, the brand name for the drug vardenafil, is used to temporary relieve male sexual problems including erectile dysfunction and impotence. The drug works together with sexual stimulation to block a certain enzyme and allow blood to flow into the penis to produce and maintain an erection.

Levitra Warnings and Precautions

It is important that you inform your doctor of your complete medical history before using this medication to determine if you are at increased risk for side effects.

Levitra may, in very rare cases, cause a condition called QT prolongation that affects the heart rhythm. The risk for this may be increased if you suffer from a number of other conditions, including heart problems or a family history of heart problems. Additionally, low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood have been shown to increase risk for QT prolongation. Your risk may also be increased if you use certain drugs like diuretics or suffer from severe sweating, vomiting or diarrhea.

Levitra may cause vision changes or make you dizzy. Do not use machinery or drive until you are sure of your reaction to the medication. To limit dizziness, when in a seated position, rise slowly.

Levitra Uses

Levitra is taken orally as needed 1 hour prior to sexual activity. It can be taken with or without food, however, it should only be taken a maximum of once daily. Each patient's dosage is related to their personal medical history and response to the medication, making it important not to take medication prescribed to someone else.

Levitra Side Effects

Common side effects to the drug vardenafil include headache, nasal stuffiness, heartburn, stomach upset, flushing and nausea. Some vision changes may also occur such as blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light or impaired color discrimination between blue and green. If any of these problems continue or get worse, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Other much more unlikely, but serious side effects include seizures, short term memory loss and fast, slow or irregular heartbeat. Contact your doctor immediately if any of these side effect occur. If you have heart problems and are are taking this medication, you should seek immediate attention if, while having sex you experience dizziness, chest pain or fainting.

If Levitra causes you to have a painful erection or one that lasts longer than 4 hours, seek immediate medical attention. If you have any allergic reaction like a rash, trouble breathing or itching, seek immediate medical attention. If you have any additional symptoms not listed here, discuss them with your doctor promptly.

Levitra Interactions

Levitra should not be used with nitrates, nitroprusside or recreational drugs containing butyl nitrite or amyl. If you are taking any of these medications, tell your doctor before taking Levitra, as there can be serious interactions and can be possibly fatal.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor of any non-prescription drugs, prescription drugs or herbal products you use. Alpha blockers, other impotence medications, medications that affect certain liver enzymes and high blood pressure medications can have adverse side effects and should be monitored by your doctor.

There are many more possible drug interactions related to using this product, making it very important that you speak with your doctor and pharmacist about any medications you are taking.

Levitra Overdose

Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately if you suspect an overdose. Overdose symptoms include abnormal vision, back pain and muscle pain.

Levitra should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. For this reason, Levitra should not be stored in the bathroom. Do not flush this medication down the toilet.