Erectile dysfunction can be caused by numerous conditions of different nature. Risk factors are psychological disbalance (depression, constant stress etc.), inherited or gained cardiovascular diseases (diabetes, high/low blood pressure and others). Although, irrespective of the cause, impotence can be effectively treated with newly formulated innovative drugs. There exist a wide array of brand name and generic medications as well as herbal supplements and other nutraceutical remedies available on the market which are rather efficient and fast acting in fight with ED. Levitra is one of the three most popular FDA approved brand name "magic pills" (on a par with Viagra and Cialis). Below we are going to dwell upon its formula, action and other essential information regarding this drug.
How It Works
The active ingredient of the drug was initially developed and co-marketed by three pharmaceutical companies: Bayer, Schering Plough (currently it is a part of Merck and Co.) and GSK (GlaxoSmithKline). Today it is sold by Bayer under Levitra brand name and under Vivanza trade mark by GSK.
The active ingredient of Levitra is Vardenafil which belongs to the class of drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors. This kind of chemicals has been proven as an efficacious option to treat ED in men after profound clinical testing of Sildenafil and other earlier discovered chemicals. Being in system, Vardenafil blocks the action of certain enzymes which control the dilation of penile vessels thus providing increased blood flow to the cavernous bodies which are responsible for erection.
Levitra comes in the form of round orange tablets with 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg dosage. Most patients are prescribed 10 mg (this amount equals 50 mg of Sildenafil). The pill is taken orally one-two hours before sexual activity. In some countries (UK, for instance) the only available dosage is 5, 10 and 20 mg.
Contraindications
The drug is undoubtedly very effective, although it is not designed right for everyone. Patients should tell their therapists about all their health conditions and suspicions prior to taking the drug, especially if they suffer from:
- penile deformities (like Peyronie's disease);
- heart diseases (angina, irregular heart rate);
- hearing and vision problems;
- stomach ulcers;
- liver and kidney conditions.
Patients should also tell about experienced strokes, heart attacks and priapism.
If mixed with certain drugs, Levitra can cause a significant drop in blood pressure which is called hypotension. These medications include: nitrates, recreational drugs (poppers) and others. Provide your doctor with a complete list of medications you are currently taking to avoid possible interactions and thus undesired consequences.
Possible Side Effects
As a rule, most of the patients do not experience severe reactions with Levitra. Common side effects which do not require medical attention include dizziness, stuffy nose, stomach upset and flushing. More severe reactions are rare and require immediate medical help. These include swelling, chest pain, priapism, color differentiating problems etc. Vision deterioration in either one or both eyes is very rare. It mainly occurs in patients who already have eye problems and are susceptible to heart diseases, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Warnings and Tips- It can take some time to figure out the perfect dosage for your particular case. Don’t self adjust treatment course - contact your doctor if you suspect that the drug is ineffective.
- After sex patient's genitals must go back to their usual flaccid state. If the erection lasts for more than four hours (priapism), seek for immediate medical help, since this condition can seriously damage your penis.
- Call your doctor or a nurse if you suspect unusual side effects when taking the drug.Remember that the dosage was prescribed for your particular case (your age, overall health state and contraindications were taken into account). Thus it’s a bad idea to share drugs with other people, since it can cause unpredictable consequences. The pills are not designed for children and women. Store them in a safe place at room temperature ( between 59° and 86° F) away from animals. Levitra has been proven to be a highly effective ED treatment product all over the world. However, Vardenafil treatment requires serious approach and responsibility for the best results.