What is Levitra?
Levitra is Bayer’s trade name for vardenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor used for treating erectile dysfunction. It begins working within an hour in most cases and in clinical studies as many as 80 percent of men reported that they experienced improved erections while using it. Levitra has proved suitable for men with a variety of health problems and medical conditions. The effect of Levitra lasts about four hours but its effectiveness begins to diminish after the first two hours.
How does Levitra work?
Levitra works by blocking an enzyme which allows blood to flow out of the penis. Thus the penis retains more blood and this means a more rigid erection.
What does Levitra look like?
Levitra is sold as a round orange pill in strengths of 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg. These are imprinted with Bayer 2.5, Bayer 5, Bayer 10 and Bayer 20 respectively.
Levitra dosing and administration
The usual starting dose for Levitra is 10 mg one hour before any planned sexual activity. Depending on how effective it is and how well you tolerate the side effects, your doctor may adjust this dose. In men who are over 65 or who have liver disease, the recommended starting dose is 2.5 mg.
Common adverse effects from Levitra
The most common side effects of Levitra are headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal or sinus congestion, nausea, dizziness and back pain. Less common but possibly serious side effects include allergic reaction, angina pectoris, arthritis, vision disturbances, diarrhea, hypertension, insomnia, myalgia sudden hearing loss and priapism. If you experience any of these you should inform your doctor immediately.
Does Levitra affect cardiovascular function?
Levitra is a vasodilator and as such will result in transient decreases in blood pressure in healthy patients. Because of this it should be used with care in patients with cardiovascular disease. It can be a particular problem in patients with aortic stenosis or idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis.
When should you not take Levitra?
If you are taking any nitrates or nitric oxide donors such as nitroglycerine, it is recommended that you do not take Levitra at the same time, as the combined vasodilatory effect of both drugs could lead to severe hypotension or heart failure. Levitra is not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment or severe hepatic insufficiency.
How long does Levitra last?
The terminal half life of vardenafil and its primary metabolite is somewhere between four and five hours. Thus its practical time of action is somewhat longer than that of sildenafil (Viagra) but considerably less than that of Tadalafil (Cialis).
What does Levitra not do?
Levitra does not provide a permanent cure for erectile dysfunction but only gives temporary symptomatic relief. It does not have any effect on male libido. Levitra does not provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases and does not serve as a contraceptive. Levitra has not been recommended for any use in women or in children under the age of eighteen.
How effective is Levitra?
In clinical trials, Levitra has been shown to be effective in approximately 50% of men over the age of eighteen who have erectile dysfunction from all causes, including diabetes and prostatectomy.