Levitra(Vardenafil): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions
What is Levitra?
Levitra is a brand-name drug for Erectile dysfunction(ED) containing Vardenafil as the active ingredient. Vardenafil is a PDE-5 inhibitor class of drugs that helps to improve erection function in problems like ED. Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is a sexual dysfunction in which a male is unable to get or keep hard erections enough for sexual intimacy.
Vardenafil increases blood flow to the male sexual organ to help a man acquire hard erections under sexual stimulation. Vardenafil(Levitra) works on the erectile tissues and relaxes the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels around the penis. As a result, it ensures better blood circulation around the penile region and has long-lasting effects of up to 4 hours. During this period, a man can have multiple erections to fulfill their sexual desire with their sexual partners.
The actions of Vardenafil are quite similar to other ED pills, Viagra(Sildenafil). Also, if you find Levitra an expensive treatment for your ED symptoms, you may choose to buy its Generic Varients from an online drugstore for cheap.
How does Levitra work?
During a penile erection, the blood flow rushes to the penis and helps it erect.
Male sexual response has a complex chain of reactions in which sexual stimulation also plays an essential part. During ED, the commonly seen issue involves a lack of blood flow to the male sexual organ penis.
Vardenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor which induces vasodilator effects. It dilates and expands the blood vessels that take blood to the penis. Vardenafil, present in Levitra, does it by blocking the PDE5 enzyme that causes constrictions of the arteries.
PDE5 enzyme degrades the levels of cGMP (Cyclic guanosine monophosphate); it helps regulate the contraction and dilation of blood vessels. By inhibiting PDE5, the levels of cGMP improve and ensure better erectile function in males. When a man is sexually aroused, the release of nitric oxide triggers the chain of reaction to induce an erection.
The blood vessels explode, and blood flow circulates to the penis and helps your penis to erection during your sexual acts. This way, Vardenafil enables you to get hard erections. Its effects improve your sexual response and prevent ED symptoms.
How do you take Levitra(Vardenafil)?
Take Levitra tablets only when prescribed and in strength advised to you. It would help if you did not use Staxyn(Vardenafil disintegrating tablets) in place of Levitra (Vardenafil regular tablet). During treatment, avoid medication errors by using the only form and strength your doctor has advised you to use.
Check all the directions on the prescription label, read all the medical guides, and use this ED pill safely.
You can either take the Vardenafil tablet on an empty stomach or after having your meal.
Take Levitra(Vardenafil oral tablet) as needed about 25 to 60 minutes before having sex. The medicine will start its work in an hour or less to help you get an erection under sexual stimulation. The effe
Avoid eating heavy or fat-rich meals before taking Levitra, as it may delay its rate of absorption.
Note that Vardenafil may not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), so use other protective methods like Condoms for safe sex.
Levitra(Vardenafil) Dosage Information:
The usual dose of Vardenafil for Adults with Erectile dysfunction:
Initial dose: 10mg orally once a day on a needed basis, 60 minutes before having sexual intercourse. Depending on tolerance and efficacy, a doctor can increase the dosage up to 20mg or decrease to 5 mg.
Maximum dose: 20mg once a day for patients who are undergoing stable alpha-blocker therapy. The initial dose is 5mg orally once a day, and sexual stimulation is vital for a response to the treatment. Follow the interval between the dosing of alpha-blockers and this ED pill for the dosing.
To start using Levitra(Vardenafil), it is essential to have a doctor's prescription. Also, you must be above 18 years of age to use this sexual drug.
Usual Geriatric Dose of Vardenafil for erectile dysfunction:
Initial dose: The dose for 65 years or older people can take an initial dose of 5mg once a day as needed. For an increase in dosage, one must consult a doctor and take exactly as advised for maximum outcomes.
What happens if I miss a dose of Levitra?
Since Vardenafil(Levitra) is a medicine used on a need basis, likely before an hour of having sex.
So, the chances of missing a dose are less, but you need to take a double dose within 24 hours.
What happens if I overdose on Levitra?
If you consume an overdose of Vardenafil(Levitra), you are likely to face potential side effects of this ED pill. Seek emergency medical attention or call a doctor if you take an overdose by mistake and face unwanted effects on your body.
How long does Levitra last?
Levitra(Vardenafil) effects last for about 5 hours after the intake. You need to take Levitra as needed about 60 minutes before sexual intercourse. As you have read about, Levitra and other ED pills only work when under sexual stimulation to help you get an erection.
What should I avoid while using Vardenafil?
While taking the Vardenafil tablet, avoid the use of grapefruit and Seville oranges. Both fruits can interact with consuming grapefruit products and orange marmalades.
Avoid consuming alcohol while using Vardenafil, as it may increase the risk of side effects. Also, alcohol might impair the ability to get an erection during sexual activity.
Do not use any other medicine to treat impotence along with Vardenafil like other PDE5 Inhibitors.
What are the side effects of Levitra?
Experiencing side effects is common with any medicine like this. Vardenafil(Levitra) can also cause some unwanted effects. But note that not every person who uses this ED pill experiences them; only a few people may face them. In case of allergy to Vardenafil, avoid using Levitra or any of its Generic versions. Signs of an allergic reaction can be hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Common side effects of Vardenafil include:
- Stuffy nose
- Headache
- Sinus pain
- Back pain
- Upset stomach
- Flushing(Sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
Serious side effects of Vardenafil(Levitra):
- Irregular heartbeat
- Ringing in your ears or sudden hearing loss
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
- Seizures(Convulsions)
- A light-headed feelings
Stop using Vardenafil if you suspect these unwanted effects after using this ED medicine:
- Sudden vision loss or vision changes
- Heart attack symptoms include chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder, sweating, and nausea
- Prolong or painful erections that are longer than 4 hours(Priapism)
This is not a complete list of side effects that Vardenafil rarely induces. Call your doctor and seek immediate medical care if you experience a strong difficulty with these side effects. Usually, the common side effects of Vardenafil disappear soon as your body adjusts to the medicine.
What are the drug interactions related to Levitra(Vardenafil)?
Certain drugs might interact with Levitra(Vardenafil) and might be unsafe and lead to risk to health. Inform your doctor about all the medications and herbal supplements that you take before start using this ED pill. Medications that may potentially interact with Vardenafil include:
- HIV protease inhibitors
- Nitrates used for chest pain(angina)
- Alpha-blockers and other meds used to manage blood pressure
- Guanylate cyclase stimulators(Riociquat)
- Medicines used to regulate your heartbeat
- Antibiotic and antifungal medications
- Other PDE5 Inhibitors like Viagra(Sildenafil) or Cialis(Tadalafil)
What are the disease interactions for Levitra(Vardenafil)?
Patients with other medical conditions rather than ED must inform their doctors about them. It will help a medical professional to advise you on the best possible treatment and prevent any kind of medical interaction.
Inform if you have conditions like:
- Hearing problems
- A heart condition such as arrhythmia, angina, or heart failure
- Physical deformity of the penis, such as Peyronie's disease
- Bleeding problem or hemophilia
- A family history of rare heart conditions known as Long QT syndrome
- Liver or kidney problem
- Active stomach ulcer
- Hypotension(Low blood pressure problem)
- Hypertension(High blood pressure problem)
- Blood cell disorders like multiple myeloma, sickle cell anemia, and leukemia
- Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy(NAION)
- Retinitis pigments, a rare genetic eye disease
- Damage to the eye retina
If you have experienced priapism, a seizure, or if you recently had a heart attack or stroke, then inform the doctor.
Levitra is available online for purchase, but users must consider the above-listed points as being safe for the use of this ED medicine.
If you encounter any adverse effects on your health during the treatment, take immediate steps to get medical care.
How much does Levitra cost, and how I buy it at a low price
Buying a brand drug like Levitra can be expensive as it is quite high in price in the market. Some reliable sources show that the current price of Levitra in the market is around $8 a pill for a 20 mg dosage. And, roughly a pack of 30 tablets of 2.5-milligram dosage of Levitra costs $1,600.
However, you can get Levitra at a more affordable price and still enjoy the same benefits while treating ED.
Here's how you can save money on a Levitra prescription:
Go Generic: Brand-name Levitra and generic Vardenafil contain some active ingredients and work similarly. The FDA(U.S. Food and Drug Administration) requires them to and are available in the online and offline market under different generic brands. The prices of these generic variants of Levitra are quite low compared to brand-name drugs, and they work the best.
Some of the top generic brands for Levitra(Vardenafil) available with us are:
Consider other ED medicines: Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and other generic medications for ED that are available under prescription that you may try. Their generic variants are also in the affordable price range and can be a better fit for your needs. Please consult a doctor about all the potential risks and benefits before using them and buying them under a valid prescription.
