
Levitra
Levitra is an FDA-approved oral prescription medication for the
treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED)
in men. Levitra is taken
only when needed. It works along with sexual stimulation to help
achieve an erection when taken 30 to 60 minutes before sexual
activity. Levitra is effective for most men.
How Levitra
Works
Levitra works by increasing blood flow to the penis. Men taking
it report harder erections and ability to keep their erection
long enough to finish having sex. Afterwards, the blood flow
decreases and the erection goes away.
Most men find Levitra works the very first time they use it. It
works for men who have occasional ED and for men who need more
frequent help. The most common side effects of Levitra are mild
(see below).
The most commonly prescribed dosages of Levitra are 10 mg and 20
mg. Your prescribing doctor will tell you what dosage is right
for you .
Advantage of Levitra
For some men, Levitra may work when other ED treatments don't.
It's simple to use – just take one pill shortly before sexual
activity. It goes to work fast and is effective for most men. Be
sure to tell your doctor about all health problems and
medications you're taking before using Levitra, as there may be
drug interactions and/or side effects.
How to Take Levitra
Levitra is a pill taken orally when needed 30 to 60 minutes
before sexual activity. Levitra should be taken only as directed,
usually once daily as needed.
Levitra Side Effects
The most common side effects include headache, flushing, upset
stomach, stuffy nose, urinary tract infection, visual changes
such as mild and temporary changes in blue/green colors or
increased sensitivity to light, and diarrhea. If these effects
persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Levitra Precautions
It is important that the doctor knows your complete medical
history. Before taking Levitra, tell your doctor about all your
medical problems, including heart problems such as angina, heart
failure, irregular heartbeats, or heart attack; low blood
pressure or high blood pressure that is not controlled; if
you've had a stroke or any family members have a rare heart
condition known as prolongation of the QT interval (long QT
syndrome); liver problems; kidney problems that require dialysis;
retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic eye disease; stomach ulcers;
a bleeding problem; a deformed penis shape or Peyronie's disease;
you've had an erection that lasted more than 4 hours; blood cell
problems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma or
leukemia.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including
prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and
herbal supplements. Levitra and other medicines may affect each
other. Always check with your doctor before starting or stopping
any medicines. Especially tell your doctor if you take nitrates;
alpha-blockers - these include Hytrin® (terazosin HCl), Flomax®
(tamsulosin HCl), Cardura® (doxazosin mesylate), Minipress® (prazosin
HCl) or Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl); medicines that treat
abnormal heartbeat - these include quinidine, procainamide,
amiodarone and sotalol; ritonavir (Norvir®) or indinavir sulfate
(Crixivan®); ketoconazole or itraconazole (such as Nizoral® or
Sporanox®); erythromycin or other medicines or treatments for
ED.