Levitra 20mg

Description

Medicine: Levitra

Generic name: Vardenafil

What is the most important thing I should know about Levitra?

• Do not take Levitra if you are taking nitrates for chest pain or heart problems. These include nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, among others), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordril, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISM, Monoket).
• Nitrates can also be found in recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite (“poppers”). Combining Levitra with nitrates can cause serious blood pressure problems, leading to dizziness, fainting, heart attack, or cardiac arrest.
• If you feel dizzy or nauseous, or if you experience pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw during sexual activity, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately. This could be a serious side effect.
• Do not take Levitra more than once a day. Make sure to leave at least 24 hours between doses.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you experience an erection that is painful or lasts more than 4 hours. This could be priapism, which could cause permanent damage to the penis.
• A small number of patients have experienced sudden vision loss while taking Levitra, likely due to decreased blood flow to the optic nerve. Although Levitra is not confirmed as the direct cause, it has been observed more frequently in people with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, vision problems, smokers, or those over 50 years of age.
• Stop taking Levitra and see a doctor if you suddenly lose vision.

What is Levitra?

Levitra is a medication that relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to specific areas of the body.

It is indicated to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men.

Levitra may also be used for other purposes that your doctor deems appropriate.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Levitra?

• Do not take Levitra if you are taking nitrates (medicines for chest pain or heart problems).
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, heart failure, high or low blood pressure, or eye problems.
• Please mention if you have liver or kidney disease, blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia, or if you have been diagnosed with penile deformities or stomach ulcers.
• If you have previously suffered from priapism, or have been advised to avoid sexual intercourse for medical reasons.
• Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, although Levitra should not affect the fetus.
• It is not known whether Levitra passes through breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

How should I take Levitra?

• Take Levitra exactly as your doctor has told you. Do not increase the dose or prolong its use.
• It is usually taken between 30 minutes and 1 hour before sexual activity. It can be taken up to 4 hours beforehand.
• Do not take it more than once a day.
• Levitra does not produce an erection automatically, but works only in the presence of sexual stimulation.

What happens if I forget to take a dose?

Levitra is taken when needed, so there is no fixed schedule or missed dose.

What happens in case of an overdose?

If you think you have taken an overdose of Levitra, seek immediate medical attention.

Symptoms may include chest pain, nausea, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Levitra?

• Avoid alcohol consumption, as it may intensify the side effects of Levitra.
• Do not take other medications for erectile dysfunction such as alprostadil (Caverject, Muse, Edex) or yohimbine (Yocon, Yodoxin) without first talking to your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Levitra?

Serious effects:

• Sudden loss of vision.
• Chest pain or severe pain radiating to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating.
• Irregular heartbeats.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Painful erection or one that lasts more than 4 hours (priapism).

Minor effects:

• Redness of the face, neck, or chest.
• Nasal congestion.
• Headache.
• Stomach upset or back pain.

If you experience any unusual or bothersome side effects, consult your doctor.

What medications can interact with Levitra?

Do not take Levitra if you are taking nitrates. Also, tell your doctor if you are taking:

• Bosentan (Tracleer)
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Antibiotics such as erythromycin or clarithromycin
• HIV medications
• Antifungals such as itraconazole or ketoconazole
• Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin
• Rifampicin or rifabutin

Discuss with your doctor all medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal products, and other prescription or over-the-counter medications.

If you have any questions, always consult your doctor to make sure this medication is right for you.