Levitra

Levitra Medication Overview

Levitra, with the active ingredient vardenafil, belongs to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It is prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men, a condition in which a man cannot get or keep a hard, erect penis suitable for sexual activity.

Pharmacological Properties

Vardenafil works by preventing the action of a chemical in your body, called phosphodiesterase type-5. This helps to widen (relax) blood vessels and improves the flow of blood to the penis following sexual stimulation. This helps to maintain an erection.

Levitra Dosage Guidelines

Levitra is taken only when needed, about 60 minutes before sexual activity. The medication can help achieve an erection when sexual stimulation occurs. An erection will not occur just by taking a pill. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take Levitra, usually once a day, without regard to food. Avoid taking Levitra more than once a day.

Strengths and Forms of Levitra

Levitra is available in tablet form in strengths of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg for oral administration. Each tablet contains vardenafil hydrochloride equivalent to the indicated amount of vardenafil.

Administration Instructions

Swallow Levitra tablets whole with a glass of water. You can take Levitra with or without food but avoid taking it with high-fat meals as this can decrease the effectiveness of the medication.

Missed Dose Protocol

As Levitra is used as needed, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Interactions with Other Medications

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Levitra may interact with nitrate drugs for chest pain or heart problems, other medications for erectile dysfunction, antifungal medications, drugs for high blood pressure or a prostate disorder, and certain antibiotics.

Adjustments for Specific Populations

For elderly patients or those with certain pre-existing conditions, a lower starting dose may be recommended. Patients with renal impairment or those on renal dialysis may require dosage adjustments. Those with hepatic impairment should also use Levitra with caution and may require a lower dose.

Potential Side Effects

Common side effects include headache, flushing, stuffy or runny nose, indigestion, upset stomach, dizziness, and back pain. Serious side effects may include vision changes, sudden hearing loss, or an erection that is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours. If these occur, seek immediate medical assistance.

Special Precautions and Considerations

Patients with cardiovascular disease should take Levitra with caution as there is a degree of cardiac risk associated with sexual activity. Levitra should not be used in individuals who have loss of vision in one eye because of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), or if they have certain hereditary degenerative retinal disorders.

Effects on Driving and Operating Machinery

Levitra may cause dizziness or affect your vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other tasks requiring mental alertness until you have determined how this medication affects you.

Storage and Handling Procedures

Store Levitra at room temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F) in a tightly-closed container, away from moisture and heat. Keep the medication out of the reach of children and pets.

Disposal of Unused Medication

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g., down the sink or in the toilet) or household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Levitra Patent and Manufacturer

Levitra was developed by Bayer Pharmaceuticals and is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline. The patent for Levitra has expired, and generic versions of vardenafil are available.

Insurance Coverage and Cost

Levitra and its generic versions may be covered by some insurance plans. Coverage can vary widely, so patients should check with their insurer directly. Costs will also vary based on the pharmacy, dosage, and quantity of tablets purchased.