About Levitra

Levitra is a prescription drug which is normally used as treatment for impotency in men. The medication gains efficiency by relaxing specific muscles, and increasing the flow of blood to particular areas within the body.

Uses or Indications

Levitra is more commonly used as treatment for impotency, or erectile dysfunction in men.

How to take Levitra

Levitra is available in tablet form, which must be taken with strict observance of a doctor`s prescription. The tablet is orally ingested with a tall glass of water, with or without prior food intake. Levitra is normally taken only when it is needed, about an hour before sexual contact. However, the potency of the drug only achieves the ideal effect if sexual stimulation is made after intake and prior to sexual intercourse. Levitra is taken only once every day; allow a minimum of 24-hour intervals between each intake to avoid the occurrence of possible adverse effects.

Side Effects

Discontinue intake of Levitra if the user experiences symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, a difficulty in breathing, and a swollen throat, face, lips, or tongue. Those who experience dizziness or nausea, pain or numbness, or tingling sensations on the jaw, chest, arms and neck during sexual intercourse are strongly advised to stop and seek immediate medical help. Patients who experience the following symptoms are also advised to do the same: vision and hearing problems; an abnormal heartbeat; a shortness of breath; an erection lasting for four hours or even longer; a feeling of light-headedness; swelling in the ankles, hands, and feet; and chest pains, or a heavy feeling, accompanied by nausea and sweating.

Drug Precautions

Potential users should inform their doctor beforehand if they are taking medications which contain nitrates, such as those for heart disorders and chest pains. Patients with a history of the following disorders should also inform their doctor before an intake of the drug: recent stroke attack or blood clot; heart disease and problems with heart rhythm; abnormal blood pressure; bleeding disorders; liver or kidney disorders; deformities in the penis; stomach ulcers; a running history of `Long QT Syndrome` in the family; and disorder of the blood cells like leukemia, sickle cell anemia, and multiple myeloma.

Drug Interaction

Medications which can and may interact with Levitra include erythromycin and clarithromycin; itraconazole and ketoconazole; heart rhythm medications such as procainamide, amiodarone, quinidine, and sotalol; phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and phenytoin; rifampin; HIV medications like lopinavir/ritonavir, tipranavir, efavirenz, indinavir, fosamprenavir, atazanavir, amprenavir, darunavir, nevirapine, saquinavir, ritonavir, and nelfinavir; and heart disorder drugs and chest pain medications like nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, and amyl nitrate and nitrite.

Missed Dose

The medication is used as it is needed, so the chances of a missed dose are unlikely.

Overdose

The indications of an overdose of Levitra may include chest and back pains, swelling of the ankles and legs, dizziness, and an abnormal heartbeat and vision. In such cases, seek medical help immediately.

Storage

Store Levitra in temperatures within 15 and 30°C, away from excessive heat.