Levitra

vardenafil

Brand(s):

• Vilitra Filitra

Manufacturer:

• Centurion Laboratories Private Limited / Fortune Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.

Disease(s):

• Erectile Dysfunction / Impotence

Known as:

• Levitra

Vardenafil Tablets

What is Vardenafil?

Vardenafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. Unlike some other ED medications, vardenafil is known for its relatively faster onset of action compared to sildenafil (Viagra®) and a potentially lower incidence of visual disturbances as a side effect. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, facilitating an erection in response to sexual stimulation. It's important to remember that vardenafil doesn't cause erections on its own; sexual stimulation is still required.

Important Information Before Taking Vardenafil

Before starting vardenafil, it's crucial to inform your doctor about your medical history. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Penile Conditions: Anatomical deformities of the penis (like Peyronie's disease), or a history of priapism (an erection lasting more than 4 hours).
• Bleeding Disorders: Any bleeding disorders or conditions that increase bleeding risk.
• Cancer: Any type of cancer and its treatment.
• Diabetes: If you have diabetes, your doctor needs to know.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Frequent heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Heart Health: Heart disease, angina, high or low blood pressure, history of heart attack, or other heart problems. Vardenafil can put extra strain on your heart.
• Cholesterol: High cholesterol levels.
• HIV/AIDS: If you have HIV or AIDS.
• Kidney or Liver Disease: Kidney or liver impairment can affect how your body processes medication.
• Sickle Cell Disease: This blood disorder can interact with vardenafil.
• Stroke: A history of stroke.
• Stomach or Intestinal Ulcers: Existing ulcers in your digestive tract.
• Eye or Vision Problems: Any pre-existing eye or vision conditions.
• Allergies: Allergies to vardenafil, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.

How to Take Vardenafil

Vardenafil tablets are taken orally, with or without food. The typical dose is taken approximately 1 hour before anticipated sexual activity. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. It's crucial to adhere to the prescribed dosage. Never take more than the recommended dose, and do not take double doses to compensate for a missed dose. In case of an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.

Missed Dose

Vardenafil is typically taken on an as-needed basis, so a missed dose isn't usually a concern. However, never take more than one dose in a 24 hour period.

Drug Interactions

Certain medications can interact dangerously with vardenafil. Do not take vardenafil if you are currently using any nitroglycerin-type drugs for heart or chest pain (including amyl nitrite, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin), even if only occasionally. This includes recreational drugs known as "poppers."

Vardenafil may also interact with the following, requiring careful monitoring by your doctor:

• Alpha-blockers: Medications like alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, tamsulosin, or terazosin (used for high blood pressure or enlarged prostate).
• Arsenic trioxide
• Bosentan
• Certain antibiotics: Such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, sparfloxacin, troleandomycin.
• Anti-seizure medications: Carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital.
• HIV/AIDS medications: Specific medications used to treat HIV or AIDS.
• Heart rhythm medications: Amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, ibutilide, quinidine, procainamide, propafenone, sotalol.
• Chloroquine
• Cisapride
• Diltiazem
• Grapefruit juice
• Antifungal medications: Fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole.
• Methadone
• Nicardipine
• Pentamidine
• Pimozide
• Rifabutin, rifampin, or rifapentine
• Certain antidepressants: Amoxapine, maprotiline, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone, pimozide, phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants.
• Verapamil

Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies. The same applies to regular consumption of caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs, as these can influence the effects of vardenafil.

Monitoring While Taking Vardenafil

Report any vision changes immediately to your doctor. Stop taking vardenafil and seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden vision loss in one or both eyes. Seek immediate medical attention if an erection lasts longer than 4 hours (priapism) or becomes painful. If you experience nausea, dizziness, chest pain, or arm pain during or after sexual activity while on vardenafil, stop the activity and contact your doctor. Do not adjust your dosage without consulting your doctor. Remember, vardenafil does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects requiring immediate medical attention:

• Back pain
• Hearing changes (loss of hearing or ringing in the ears)
• Vision changes (loss of vision, blurred vision, increased light sensitivity, trouble distinguishing blue and green)
• Chest pain or palpitations
• Breathing difficulties (shortness of breath)
• Dizziness
• Eyelid swelling
• Muscle aches
• Prolonged erection (priapism)
• Skin rash or itching
• Seizures

Side effects that usually don't require medical attention (but report if persistent or bothersome):

• Flushing
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Stuffy nose

This is not an exhaustive list of all possible side effects.

Storage

Keep vardenafil out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature (15-30°C or 59-86°F). Discard any unused medication after the expiration date.