Levitra Directions For Use

Generic Name: Vardenafil HCl

Levitra (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 can cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly to an unsafe level if it is taken with certain other medicines. With a sudden drop in blood pressure, you could get dizzy, faint, or have a heart attack or stroke.

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.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Levitra and other medicines may affect each other. Always check with your doctor before starting or stopping any medicines.

Do not take Levitra if you are taking any nitrate-based drug, including nitroglycerin patches (Nitro-Dur, Transderm-Nitro), nitroglycerin ointment (Nitro-Bid, Nitrol), nitroglycerin pills (Nitro-Bid, Nitrostat), and isosorbide pills (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate). Combining Levitra with these drugs can cause a severe drop in blood pressure. If Levitra gives you an allergic reaction, do not use it again.

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.

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.

Take Levitra exactly as your doctor prescribes. Levitra comes in different doses (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg). For most men, the recommended starting dose is 10 mg. Take Levitra no more than once a day. Doses should be taken at least 24 hours apart. Some men can only take a low dose of Levitra because of medical conditions or medicines they take. Your doctor will prescribe the dose that is right for you.

No overdose of Viagra has been reported. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.