Levitra (Vardenafil) is a new impotence drug.Vardenafil is in a class of medications known as PDE-5 inhibitors, which are used to treat male impotence (erectile dysfunction, ed). Up to 80% of patients who take Vardenafil experience an improvement in their erections. Vardenafil has proved highly successful in clinical trials and is generating major interest as a real alternative to Viagra and Uprima.

Vardenafil Uses
Vardenafil acts in the same way as Viagra. Vardenafil blocks an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-5, or PDE-5. This helps the smooth muscles in the penis relax and widen, which allows for more blood to enter. As a result, you gain erections faster and easier with Vardenafil. There is currently no direct evidence to compare the effectiveness of treatments such as Vardenafil, against others such as Viagra and Uprima. However, findings do indicate that Vardenafil may be especially effective in treating specific types of ED, such as ED resulting from prostate surgery. . In clinical trials, Vardenafil was shown to work quickly as early as 16 minutes. More importantly, Levitra was shown to improve the sexual response for the majority of men the first time they took it, and it worked consistently over time.

How to use Vardenafil ™

Vardenafil is taken by mouth as needed. Once you take it, Vardenafil can work in as quickly as 30 minutes. Vardenafil works for at least 12 hours and may last for up to 24 hours. Take only as directed, usually once daily as needed.

Missed Dosages
Not applicable.

Vardenafil Storage
Store Vardenafil at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from moisture.

Vardenafil Drug Interactions
Because sexual activity may place a strain on your heart, your doctor will need to check whether you are fit enough to use Vardenafil. Do not take Vardenafil if you are being treated for angina (chest pain) or other heart conditions with certain medicines called nitrates. Nitrate medicines include glyceryl trinitrate (also called nitroglycerine). These medicines can be sold under tradenames:

• Anginine tablets
• Glytrin Spray
• Minitran patches
• Nitrocor patches
• Nitro-Dur patches
• Nitroderm TTS patches
• Nitrolingual pump spray
• Rectogesic ointment
• Transiderm-Nitro patches

Other nitrate medicines include sodium nitroprusside, isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate. Isosorbide mononitrate tablets can be sold under tradenames :

• Corangin
• Duride
• Imdur Durules
• Imtrate SR
• ISMO 20
• Isomonit
• Monodur

Isosorbide dinitrate tablets can be sold under tradenames :

• Coronex
• Isordil
• Sorbidin

There may be other tradenames not listed here. Do not take Vardenafil if you are using the unapproved drug amyl nitrite (ie. poppers, amyl, rush), alpha-blockers (ie. Terazosin, Tamsulosin, and Prazosin) which are used to treat enlarged prostates or high blood pressure, and/or with other erectile dysfunction treatments. Levitra is not to be used if you have an allergy to vardenafil or other phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, or any of the ingredients in Vardenafil tablets listed at the end of this leaflet. Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include skin rash, itching, or difficulty breathing. Women, children, and growing adolescents should never use Levitra. Do not take your Levitra tablets after the expiry date printed on the pack and/or if the Levitra package is ripped or shows signs of tampering. The expiry date is marked on the strip of tablets as well as on the label of the carton. For example, 11 05 refers to the eleventh month of 2005.

Vardenafil Medical Notes
Vardenafil should not be taken if you are taking nitrates or nitric oxide donors (these medications are used to treat angina or chest pain). It is also contraindicated in men whom sex is inadvisable and men older than 75 years old who concomitantly use potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors (such as ritonavir, indinavir, ketoconazole and itraconazole). The safety of Levitra has not been studied in these subgroups and should not take Levitra until further studies are available: severe hepatic (liver system) impairment , endstage renal disease requiring dialysis, hypotension, recent history of stroke or heart attack, unstable angina, and known hereditary retinal degenerative disorders. Although no specific information about Lipitor overdose is available, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Vardenafil, seek medical attention.

 

Vardenafil Side Effects
Like most prescription medications, Levitra may have side effects that may occur while taking this medicine. They include headache and flushing.

Vardenafil Medical Precautions
One should have a complete medical history and exam to determine the cause of his impotence before taking Vardenafil. Men who have medical conditions that may cause a sustained erection such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia or multiple myeloma or who have an abnormally shaped penis may not be able to take Levitra. There are several medications that are known to interact with Vardenafil, so be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking including those you can get without a prescription. Vardenafil has not been studied with other treatments for impotence, so use in combination with other treatments is not recommended. Limit alcohol intake, as it may aggravate side effects of Vardenafil. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. The elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects of Vardenafil; therefore, caution is advised in this group. Vardenafil is not for patients with a rare heart condition known as QT prolongation because the drug could cause an abnormal heart beat. QT prolongation, which is increased time between heart waves, this condition could result in rare cases of abnormal heart rhythms. The FDA said patients taking Vardenafil should see a doctor immediately if they faint, which could be a symptom of this condition.