Levitra

What is Levitra (Vardenafil)?

Levitra is a medication containing vardenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction. Manufactured by Bayer AG, it is available as film-coated tablets in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg strengths, and as 10 mg orodispersible tablets that dissolve in the mouth without water. While the brand name Levitra is no longer marketed in places like the U.S., generic vardenafil is accessible and FDA-approved for ED treatment. For more information, visit Healthline – Generic Levitra.

Key Features of Vardenafil

• Active Ingredient: Vardenafil hydrochloride
• Manufacturer: Bayer AG (brand); various for generics
• Forms: Film-coated tablets (5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg); orodispersible tablets (10 mg)
• Primary Use: Treatment of erectile dysfunction

How Does Vardenafil Work?

Vardenafil works by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, which breaks down cyclic GMP (cGMP), a molecule that relaxes smooth muscles in the penis. By blocking PDE5, vardenafil increases cGMP levels, promoting blood vessel relaxation and enhancing blood flow during sexual arousal. This process facilitates an erection, but sexual stimulation is required for the medication to be effective. Vardenafil does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Learn more at Cleveland Clinic – Vardenafil.

Mechanism of Action

1. PDE5 Inhibition: Vardenafil prevents cGMP breakdown.
2. Muscle Relaxation: Elevated cGMP relaxes penile blood vessels.
3. Increased Blood Flow: Enhanced circulation supports an erection.

Uses of Vardenafil

Vardenafil is primarily prescribed for erectile dysfunction in men aged 18 and older, helping them achieve and maintain erections sufficient for sexual activity. It requires sexual stimulation to work and does not increase sexual desire or prevent STDs. Safe sex practices, such as using condoms, are recommended. For detailed uses, refer to WebMD – Vardenafil.

Dosage and Administration

Vardenafil is taken orally, with or without food, about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. The typical starting dose is 10 mg, which may be adjusted to 5 mg or increased to 20 mg based on effectiveness and tolerability. The maximum recommended frequency is one dose per day.

Dosage Guidelines

• Film-coated Tablets: Swallow whole with water; 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg.
• Orodispersible Tablets: 10 mg, place on tongue to dissolve without liquid.
• Timing: Take 25-60 minutes before sexual activity; effects may last 4-5 hours.
• Food Impact: High-fat meals may delay onset.

Note: Follow your doctor’s prescription to avoid risks. Overdosing can increase side effects. For precise guidance, see Mayo Clinic – Vardenafil Proper Use.

Side Effects of Vardenafil

Most users tolerate vardenafil well, but side effects can occur. Common side effects are typically mild and temporary, while serious ones require immediate medical attention.

Common Side Effects

• Headache
• Flushing (warmth in face, neck, or ears)
• Nasal congestion
• Indigestion
• Dizziness

Serious Side Effects

• Prolonged erection (priapism, lasting over 4 hours)
• Sudden vision loss or distortion
• Sudden hearing loss or ringing in ears
• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty)

Seek medical help immediately for serious side effects. For a full list, visit Drugs.com – Vardenafil Side Effects.

Precautions and Warnings

Vardenafil is not suitable for everyone. Discuss your medical history and medications with your doctor to ensure safe use.

Who Should Avoid Vardenafil?

• Those allergic to vardenafil or any ingredients.
• Individuals taking nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) or nitric oxide donors (e.g., amyl nitrite).
• Patients with severe heart or liver conditions.
• Those with a recent stroke (within 6 months) or heart attack.
• Individuals with low blood pressure or hereditary retinal disorders (e.g., retinitis pigmentosa).
• Those using riociguat for pulmonary hypertension.

Conditions Requiring Caution

• Heart conditions (e.g., angina, irregular heartbeat)
• Kidney or liver disease
• Blood disorders (e.g., sickle cell anemia)
• Penile deformities (e.g., Peyronie’s disease)
• Bleeding disorders or stomach ulcers

Additional Precautions

• Alcohol: Excessive alcohol may worsen erection difficulties.
• Driving: Avoid driving if experiencing dizziness or vision changes.
• Age: Not for those under 18 or women.

Warning: Combining vardenafil with nitrates can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Consult your doctor before use. More details are available at Mayo Clinic – Vardenafil Precautions.

Drug Interactions

Vardenafil may interact with medications, affecting its efficacy or increasing side effect risks. Share all medications with your doctor, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products.

Notable Interactions

• Nitrates: Can cause severe hypotension.
• Alpha-blockers: May lead to dizziness; dose adjustments needed.
• Antifungals/Antibiotics: Drugs like ketoconazole or erythromycin may increase vardenafil levels.
• HIV protease inhibitors: Require dose adjustments.
• Other ED drugs: Avoid concurrent use to prevent overdose.

For a complete interaction list, refer to Drugs.com – Vardenafil Interactions.

Storage and Disposal

Proper storage and disposal ensure vardenafil’s safety and effectiveness:

• Storage: Keep at room temperature (15-30°C), away from moisture and heat, in original packaging.
• Orodispersible Tablets: Store in original package to protect from humidity and light.
• Safety: Keep out of reach and sight of children.
• Disposal: Return unused or expired tablets to a pharmacy; do not flush or discard in household waste.

Patient Information Leaflet for Vardenafil

The patient information leaflet (PIL) for vardenafil, based on the Levitra brand, provides critical guidance on safe use, dosage, and precautions. Below is a summarized version of key points.

Key Information from the PIL

• Purpose: Treats erectile dysfunction in adult men, requiring sexual stimulation.
• Contraindications:
  • Avoid if allergic to vardenafil or ingredients.
  • Do not use with nitrates, nitric oxide donors, or riociguat.
  • Contraindicated in severe heart/liver issues, recent stroke/heart attack, low blood pressure, or vision loss due to NAION.
• Special Care:
  • Inform doctor about heart, kidney, liver, blood, or penile conditions.
  • Stop use and seek help for sudden vision/hearing loss or serious skin reactions.
• Dosage Adjustments:
  • Lower doses (e.g., 5 mg) for liver/kidney issues or with certain drugs.
• Administration:
  • Take 25-60 minutes before sexual activity; swallow film-coated tablets with water or dissolve orodispersible tablets on tongue.
  • High-fat meals or grapefruit juice may delay effects.
• Side Effects:
  • Very Common (>1/10): Headache.
  • Common (1-10/100): Flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, dizziness.
  • Uncommon (1-10/1,000): Vision changes, rapid heartbeat, nausea, back pain.
  • Rare (1-10/10,000): Priapism, vision/hearing loss, allergic reactions.
• Storage: Store at room temperature; orodispersible tablets in original packaging.
• Ingredients:
  • Active: Vardenafil (as hydrochloride).
  • Inactive: Crospovidone, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, etc.

For the full PIL, see EMA – Levitra PIL.

Table: Vardenafil Patient Information Leaflet Summary

Conclusion

Vardenafil, previously marketed as Levitra, is a reliable treatment for erectile dysfunction when used under medical guidance. Its ability to enhance blood flow during sexual stimulation makes it effective for many men. The patient information leaflet provides vital information on safe use, dosage, and precautions. Always consult a healthcare provider to confirm vardenafil is suitable for your needs and to receive personalized advice.