Levitra and its uses

Levitra (Vardenafil) helps males gain an erection when they are sexually stimulated. Since the effect of the drug remain in the body for a sufficiently long period of time, it makes multiple love making sessions possible.

The Recommended way to use Levitra

The best way to use any medication is as recommended by your health care provider. But if you have any doubts, you can always follow the instructions listed in the patient information booklet that accompanies the pack.

Laboratory tests have revealed that the absorption time of Levitra differs in different people depending on their physical health.

In normal cases, it works exceptionally well when taken 30 minutes prior to sexual activity. In some people, even 15 minutes prior to commencing sexual activity is the right time.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Levitra is used only when required (Before commencing sexual activity). Doctors do not prescribe it on a regular dosing schedule like other medications. Hence, a missed dose is unlikely.

If you missed the dose before commencing sexual activity, then take it as soon as you remember and wait for 15 to 30 minutes for Levitra to take effect. Never take more than one dose in a 24 hour period.

How and where should I store Levitra?

We recommend you do not store the medications in a place exposed to high humidity or direct sunlight. Medications should generally be stored between 68 and 77 degrees F. Keep it in a safe place that is beyond the reach of children and pets.

What if I overdose on Levitra?

If you think that you have exceeded the permitted dosage levels, then seek emergency medical care. An overdose may have adverse side effects like chest pain, back pain, dizziness and irregular heartbeat and abnormal vision.

Safety Information/ Warning Precautions

Before commencing treatment with any new medication, you must discuss your complete medical history with your health care provider. You must include details about any diseases, allergic reactions that you have to food items as well as medications.

Discuss a complete list of health supplements, over the counter medications, vitamins, herbal pills that you are taking.

This information helps your health care provider analyze your condition and then suggest an apt dosage for you.

Is there any reason to avoid Levitra?

In some males sexual activity is restricted due to cardiac complications. If vigorous exercise or sexual activity is restricted to you, or if you have a history of heart problems, then you must not use Levitra (Vardenafil). Discuss this with your health care provider prior to using it.

If you are using nitrates based medications in any form (e.g., isosorbide, nitroglycerin) including pills, ointments, patches etc, then you should not use Levitra. You must read the medicine label if unsure.

Certain recreational drugs called poppers also contain nitrates and are a reason to avoid using Levitra.

If you combine it with nitrates, then it can cause some serious side effects like a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to fainting, stroke or heart attack.

Other than this, people with 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 penis (such as Peyronie\\\\\\\'s disease) should also avoid Levitra.

Is drinking alcohol permitted while using Levitra?

While the general usage of alcohol may be permitted while using Levitra, it is best avoided. You may speak to your health care provider for further information.

Also, Levitra may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people when they first start to use it. Alcohol usage will only aggravate these effects.

Tasks that require an alert mind should be avoided while you are using Levitra.

If you notice any of these signs, then sit down or lie down immediately.

Are there any other important things I must know before using Levitra?

People with cardiac problems, angina or a history of such problems including high or uncontrolled blood pressure will always have the risk of a heart attack or a stroke while using Levitra. Some early signs of a heart attack are chest, shoulder, neck, or jaw pain; numbness of an arm or leg; severe dizziness, headache, nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting; fainting; or vision changes. Whereas a stroke will have symptoms like confusion, vision or speech changes, one-sided weakness, or fainting.

If you notice any of these symptoms while using Levitra or indulging in sexual activity, then stop and seek emergency medical care immediately.

Although extremely rare, Levitra can cause a condition called priapism. This involves an extremely painful erection that lasts for as long as 4 hours. It should be treated immediately for it may cause permanent damage to the sensitive penile tissues and nerves.

You should not use other similar ED medications while using Levitra unless advised by your doctor.

Elderly people who use Levitras may be more prone to the side effects of it.

Levitra must not be used in children or women.

Levitra and HIV

Levitra does not protect against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases like HIV. Please speak to your health care provider about safe sex practices.

Pregnancy

Levitra is used only in males and is not to be used by women. If you are a women who is pregnant already or are planning to become pregnant, then contact your health care provider and discuss the potential risks to the baby. It is not clear whether Levitra is found in breast milk.

Side Effects

Some common but mild side effects are usually seen when starting treatment with any new medication including Levitra (Vardenafil). But these are temporary and fade away as the body gets used to the medication. These include

warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest
stuffy nose
headache
upset stomach or
back pain.

If these side effects start bothering you, then seek medical attention.

Although rare, Levitra may also cause some potentially dangerous side effects like
sudden vision loss;
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 your hands, ankles, or feet;
shortness of breath;
vision changes;
feeling light-headed, fainting;
penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.

These should be reported immediately to your health care provider.