How much do you know about your ED drug
Levitra is for?
Levitra is used for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). A phosphodiesterase inhibitor, it works by increasing the blood flow into the organ during sexual stimulation. This helps achieve and maintain an erection. Levitra is taken by mouth, 1 hour before sexual activity. It can be taken with or without food. A high fat meal may decrease drug absorption. Do not take more than one pill in a 24-hour period.
In addition, Levitra can be used to treat male sexual function problems. This happens by blocking a certain enzyme (phosphodiesterase-PDE5). However, this drug is not indicated for use in women.
Levitra in no way protects a person against sexually transmitted diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea or syphilis. Therefore, practicing safe sex is equally important.
When being treated with Levitra, it is best to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice. Levitra dosage is based on a person’s medical condition, his response to therapy, and other medications that he may be taking. Your doctor best decides your Levitra dosage.
Before using Levitra
Before using Levitra, you must tell your healthcare professional about all possible drug allergies or if you have:
- Heart disease or heart rhythm problems
- A recent history (6 months) of a heart attack, angina or congestive heart failure
- A recent history of stroke or blood clots
- A personal or family history of “Long QT syndrome”
- High or low blood pressure
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)
- A blood cell disorder such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
- A bleeding disorder such as hemophilia
- A stomach ulcer
- Retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited condition of the eye)
- A physical deformity of the organ (such as Peyronie’s disease)
- If you have been asked not have sexual intercourse for health reasons
If you have any of the above mentioned health conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to ascertain your safety before taking Levitra.
In addition, you must tell your doctor about the pre-existing eye problems if any, because Levitra can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye, causing sudden vision loss. This has occurred in a small number of people taking Levitra, however, the majority of those affected, also had heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. People who smoke or are over 50 years old may also be prone to vision loss. In case this happens, you must stop using Levitra and get emergency medical help.
Additionally, you must tell your doctor if you are using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems. This includes nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, and others), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket), or recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite (“poppers”). Combining Levitra with a nitrate medicine can cause a serious decrease in blood pressure, leading to fainting, stroke, or heart attack.
Levitra is not for use in women. People older than 65 years of age may need a lower dose of this medication.
How to use Levitra?
Levitra is intended for oral ingestion, about 25-60 minutes before planned sexual activity. Levitra dosage ranges from 2.5mg to 20mg and can be determined by your doctor. Sexual stimulation is required for a natural response to this treatment. An erection will not occur just by taking a pill.
Levitra dosage must be taken exactly as prescribed. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended periods. Each Levitra dose must be taken with a full glass of water. It can however be taken with or without food.
Levitra is a daily dosing option and therefore must not be taken more than once a day. You must allow 24 hours to pass between doses. Should you suffer from an erection that is either painful or lasts longer than 4 hours, you must seek immediate medical help. A prolonged erection (priapism) can damage the organ.
Possible side effects of Levitra
Sudden vision loss is a possible but rare side effect of Levitra. Should a condition like this prevail, you must stop using Levitra and get emergency medical help.
Some side effects if Levitra include:
- Signs of an allergic reaction like hives; difficulty breathing; and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Nausea or dizziness during sexual activity
- Pain, numbness, or tingling in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw
- Ringing in your ears, or sudden hearing loss
- Chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
- Shortness of breath
- Vision changes
- Feeling light-headed or fainting
- Priapism
- Seizure (convulsions)
Less serious Levitra side effects may include:
- Warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest
- Stuffy nose
- Headache
- Memory problems
- Upset stomach
- Back pain
Most common side effects go away with time, however should a side effect persist, you must see your doctor immediately.
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