Levitra basic information
What is Levitra?
Levitra is a prescription medication used for treating erectile dysfunction in men. It was the second drug to be approved for this purpose after Viagra in 2003. Vardenafil, the active ingredient in Levitra, helps overcome erectile dysfunction even in those who have used Viagra and found it ineffective. This drug can be used for treating moderate to severe forms of erectile dysfunction primarily caused by physiological factors.
How does Levitra treat impotence?
The mechanism of action in Levitra is a bit sophisticated if looked upon too closely. But in general the effect is quite simple. Levitra stimulates blood flow into the penis when the user is sexually aroused. This affects the quality and the duration of erection, which otherwise are affected by nerve ending and blood vessel conditions that can decrease the overall blood circulation in the penile area. Not that Levitra will only work if the person is sexually stimulated and won’t cause an erection to occur automatically.
Anything I should know about Levitra before using it?
Levitra should be taken only once a day before sexual activity. Do not take it more often or when not anticipating sexual activity.
Never use Levitra in conjunction with any drugs based on nitrates. Chest pain medications as well as street drugs known as “poppers” are based on nitrates, and if mixed with Levitra will lead to dramatic drop in blood pressure that can be fatal. Allow enough time to pass in order for the drugs to clear out from your body in order to use Levitra.
Certain condition may require the dosage of Levitra to be adjusted accordingly. So make sure to inform your doctor if you have any of the following:
- problems with heart or heart rhythm
- heart attack, heart failure, blood clots, stroke or chest pain in the past 6 months
- Long QT syndrome
- problems with blood pressure
- liver or kidney dysfunction
- blood cell disorders
- bleeding disorders
- stomach ulcer
- retinitis pigmentosa
- physical deformation of the penis
- restrictions on sexual activity due to health conditions
Are there any side effects possible with Levitra?
As with any medication, you can experience certain side effects when using Levitra. Some of them are mild and wear off with time, while others require instant medical attention. Here are some of the more serious Levitra side effects you may experience:
- sudden vision or hearing loss
- feeling ill, chest discomfort, pain in the arms and shoulders, sweating
- irregular heartbeat
- swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
- feeling short of breath
- vision and hearing abnormalities
- feeling light-headed, fainting
- painful and long-lasting erection that doesn’t wear off
- seizures
Less serious Levitra side effects that you may experience:
- warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest
- stuffy nose
- headaches
- problems with memory
- upset stomach
- pain in the back