Common uses

Levitra is an oral therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is a condition where the penis does not harden and expand when a man is sexually excited, or when he cannot keep an erection. A man who has trouble getting or keeping an erection should see his doctor for help if the condition bothers him. Levitra may help a man with ED get and keep an erection when he is sexually excited.

Levitra helps increase blood flow to the penis and may help men with ED get and keep an erection satisfactory for sexual activity. Once a man has completed sexual activity, blood flow to his penis decreases and his erection goes away.

Directions

Levitra comes as a tablet containing 20 mg. vardenafil HCl to take by mouth.
For most individuals, the recommended starting dose of Levitra is 10 mg, taken orally approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity. The dose may be increased to a maximum recommended dose of 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg based on efficacy and side effects. The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day. Levitra can be taken with or without food. Sexual stimulation is required for response to treatment.
A starting dose of 5 mg Levitra should be considered in individuals having passed 65 years of age. A starting dose of 5 mg Levitra is recommended for individuals with moderate hepatic impairment, with a maximum dosage of 10 mg. The dosage of Levitra may also require adjustment downwards in patients receiving certain CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, indinavir and erythromycin.

Precautions

In men for whom sexual activity is not recommended because of their underlying cardiovascular status, any treatment for erectile dysfunction, including Levitra, generally should not be used.
Do not take Levitra if you take nitrates to treat angina, or if you use recreational drugs ("poppers"), which can contain nitrates. Nor should you use Levitra if you use alpha blockers - the combination could make you dizzy and you could faint.
Do not use Levitra if you have been told by your healthcare provider to not have sexual activity because of health problems or if you are allergic to Levitra or any of its ingredients.
Treatment for ED should generally be used with caution by individuals with anatomical deformation of the penis or by individuals who have conditions that may predispose them to priapism.
The safety and efficacy of Levitra used in combination with other treatments for erectile dysfunction have not been studied. Therefore, the use of such combinations is not recommended.
The use of Levitra offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Levitra is only for men with ED. Levitra is not for women or children.

Before taking

Tell your doctor about all your medical problems including heart problems, low, or uncontrolled high-, blood pressure, stroke, or any family members have a rare heart condition known as prolongation of the QT interval, liver or kidney problems, retinitis pigmentosa, stomach ulcers, bleeding problem or blood cell problems.
Before taking Levitra tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non- prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects with Levitra are headache, flushing, stuffy or runny nose, indigestion, upset stomach, or dizziness. These side effects usually go away after a few hours. Call your doctor if you get a side effect that bothers you or one that will not go away.
Less frequent side effects include erections that will not go away and vision changes. In the event that an erection persists longer than 4 hours, seek immediate medical assistance.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.
If overdose of Levitra is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information

Keep Levitra in a tightly closed container and out of reach of children. Store Levitra at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Note
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of Levitra is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your health care professional before you buy Levitra.