LEVITRA is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men.
Mechanism of action
Vardenafil is called a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, and works by preventing the action of a chemical in the body called phosphodiesterase type 5.
An erection is produced via a complex chain of events, involving signals from the nervous system and the release of chemical messengers within the tissues of the penis. One of these chemical messengers is called cyclic GMP.
Cyclic GMP causes the blood vessels in the penis to widen by relaxing a thin layer of muscle found in the blood vessel walls. This allows more blood to enter the penis, which ultimately results in the penis becoming rigid and erect.
Important Safety Information
This pill can cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly to an unsafe level if it is taken with certain other medicines. With a sudden drop in blood pressure, you could get dizzy, faint, or have a heart attack or stroke.
Do not take if you:
Take any medications called “nitrates” (often used to control chest pain, also known as angina), or if you use recreational drugs called “poppers” like amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate. Nitrates may cause abnormally low blood pressure and LEVITRA may increase that risk.
Have been told by your healthcare provider not to have sexual activity because of health problems. Sexual activity can put an extra strain on your heart, especially if your heart is already weak from a heart attack or heart disease.
Precautions:
Before taking this drug , tell your doctor about all your medical problems, including if you:
* have heart problems such as angina, heart failure, irregular heartbeats, or have had a heart attack–ask your doctor if it is safe for you to have sexual activity
* have low blood pressure or have high blood pressure that is not controlled
* have had a stroke
* have had a seizure
* or any family members have a rare heart condition known as prolongation of the QT interval (long QT syndrome)
* have liver problems
* have kidney problems and require dialysis
* have retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic (runs in families) eye disease
* have ever had severe vision loss, or if you have an eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
* have stomach ulcers
* have a bleeding problem
* have a deformed penis shape or Peyronie’s disease
* have had an erection that lasted more than 4 hours
* have blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
Side effects: It include
* 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; or
* seizure (convulsions).
Less serious Levitra side effects may include:
* warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest;
* runny or stuffy nose;
* headache, dizziness;
* upset stomach; or
* back pain.
Storage:
Store at room temperature. Protect from heat, light and moisture. Keep away from reach of children.