| Generic Name:
Vardenafil HCL
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| Drug Class:
Impotence Agents
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| Description |
Levitra(Vardenafil) is used to treat male sexual function problems (impotence or erectile dysfunction) by blocking a certain enzyme
(phosphodiesterase-PDE5). In combination with sexual stimulation, vardenafil works by helping the blood flow into the penis to
achieve and maintain an erection.
This drug is not indicated for use in women.
Use of Levitra does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis). Practice
"safe sex" such as using latex condoms. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
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| Proper
Use |
Levitra is taken by mouth as needed, 1 hour before sexual activity with or without food; or use as directed by your doctor.
Do not take more often than once daily as needed.
A high fat meal may decrease the amount of drug that is absorbed.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are being treated with Levitra unless your doctor instructs
you otherwise.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and other medications you may be taking (see also Drug
Interactions section). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Read the patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist and ask questions if any of the information is unclear.
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| Side
Effects |
Headache, flushing, nasal stuffiness, stomach upset, heartburn, runny nose, dizziness, or nausea may occur. Vision changes such
as increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or impaired blue/green color discrimination may also occur. If any of these
effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fast/slow/irregular heartbeat.
Sexual activity may put extra strain on your heart, especially if you have heart problems. If you have heart problems and
experience any of these serious side effects while having sex, stop and tell your doctor immediately of: severe dizziness,
fainting, chest pain.
In the unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection (lasting more than 4 hours), stop using this drug and seek
immediate medical attention or permanent problems could occur.
A serious allergic reaction to Levitra is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious
allergic reaction include: rash, itching, unusual swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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| Precautions |
Before taking Levitra(vardenafil), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: penis conditions (e.g.,
angulation, fibrosis/scarring, Peyronie's disease), history of painful/prolonged erection (priapism), sickle cell anemia, blood
system cancers (e.g., leukemia or myeloma), eye problems (e.g., retina diseases like retinitis pigmentosa), kidney disease, liver
disease, bleeding disorders, active stomach ulcers, heart problems (e.g., recent heart attack or serious arrhythmia within past 6
months, heart failure, coronary artery disease with unstable angina, aortic stenosis, idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis,
congenital QT prolongation), recent stroke within past 6 months, very high or low blood pressure.
Levitra may make you dizzy or cause vision changes; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or
using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
Caution is advised when using Levitra in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug.
This drug is not indicated for use in women or children.
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| Drug
Interactions |
Levitra should not be used with the following medications because very serious (possibly fatal) interactions may occur: nitrates
(e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide), nitroprusside (or any "nitric oxide donor" drugs), recreational drugs called "poppers"
containing amyl or butyl nitrite, alpha-blocker medication (e.g., doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin).
If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Levitra(vardenafil).
Before using Levitra, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use,
especially of: other medications for impotence, drugs that affect certain liver enzymes (CYP 3A4 substrates, inhibitors and inducers,
e.g., cimetidine, rifamycins, St. John's wort, certain anti-seizure drugs), high blood pressure medicines.
If you are taking ritonavir, do not take more than a 2.5mg dose of Levitra(vardenafil) in a 72 hour period. If you are taking indinavir or high
doses (400mg daily) of either ketoconazole or itraconazole, do not take more than a 2.5mg dose of vardenafil per day. If you are
taking erythromycin or low doses (200mg daily) of either ketoconazole or itraconazole, do not take more than 5mg dose of vardenafil
per day. For more details contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Other drugs besides Levitra(vardenafil) which may affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation in the EKG) include dofetilide, pimozide,
amiodarone, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, and sparfloxacin among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious,
rarely fatal, irregular heartbeats. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details before taking vardenafil. Ask for instructions
about whether you need to stop any other QTc-prolonging drugs you may be using in order to minimize the risk of this effect.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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| Overdose |
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If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the
US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
Symptoms of overdose may include back pain, muscle pain, abnormal vision.
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| Storage |
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Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F
(15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
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| Disclaimer |
| The above
information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed
to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before using this drug. |
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