What is Levitra?

Levitra is a modern alternative to Viagra, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction. Almost everyone has heard about Viagra. This drug of synthetic origin was the first drug for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (impotence). The drug turned out to be very popular but it had many side effects. Since there have been no analogues on the market for a long time, consumers were forced to buy blue pills. However, the chemical industry does not stand still and released stronger and less harmful drugs. That is how Levitra (vardenafil) appeared on the pharmacy shelves.

How Levitra works

The drug works by blocking a chemical that causes the outflow of blood from the penis, which returns it back from an erection state. To understand how Levitra works, it is necessary to understand how an erection occurs. When a man is agitated, the transmitted nerve signals cause a release of a chemical, leading to an increase in blood flow to the penis. In the normal state, blood does not flow in such an amount into the corpus cavernosum of the penis. When excited, blood flow through the arteries fills the penis, squeezing the abductor veins, creating an erection. The reverse process occurs when those chemicals are destroyed by another substance in the body, called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5). Vardenafil blocks this PDE-5. This allows to achieve and maintain an erection.

How fast does Levitra work and how long will it last?

The time it takes for a pill to work is individual for every man. Usually, tablets begin to act within an hour. Often men report that the drug starts working within 30 minutes. Duration of action may also vary, but as a rule, it is 4-5 hours.

When and how should I take these tablets?

A tablet should be taken 1 hour before sexual activity. But never take more than 1 tablet per day. It is recommended to take a tablet with a glass of water. Vardenafil is compatible with food, however, a large amount of fatty foods can reduce the amount of vardenafil in the blood and reduce the effectiveness and duration of action.

Dosage

Manufacturers usually release tablets of 2.5 mg, 5, 10 and 20 mg. The dosage must be prescribed by a doctor and may depend on many factors, including age, other existing diseases, medications taken

Side effects

Levitra has a number of side effects, but not every man who takes the drug experiences them. Most people tolerate it well. Even when side effects do occur, they are often minor and do not require any treatment. You may experience the following side effects:

• headache – 15% of men;
• face redness – 11% of men;
• indigestion (dyspepsia) – 4% of men;
• nasal congestion or runny nose (rhinitis) – 9% of men;
• flu symptoms – 3% of men;
• nausea – 2% of men;
• dizziness – 2% of men;
• back pain – 2% of men.

Things you should remember

Before taking Levitra, you need to tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease;
• liver disease or liver failure;
• kidney disease that requires dialysis;
• cases of heart attacks, strokes or life-threatening arrhythmias in the last six months;
• retinitis pigmentosa, which is a rare eye problem;
• cases of vision loss, including ischemic optic neuropathy;
• low blood pressure (hypotension);
• high blood pressure (hypertension);
• stomach ulcers;
• bleeding problems;
• sickle cell anemia;
• multiple myeloma;
• leukemia;
• cases of priapism – a painful erection lasting more than 4 hours;
• any problems of penile deformity, like Peyronie’s disease or cavernous fibrosis;
• any allergies;
• rare heart disorder known as QT lengthening (Long QT Syndrome).

Who should not take Levitra?

This medication is contraindicated in case of allergy to vardenafil or one of the auxiliary ingredients. The drug is also incompatible with nitrates (drugs used to treat angina).

What to do in case of overdose?

In case of overdose, side effects are similar to those that may occur when consuming normal doses. These side effects include temporary back pain, muscle pain, vision problems. In such cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor!