Levitra Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Levitra Tablet (vardenafil) is a prescription medicine belonging to the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor class, used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in adult men aged 18 years or over. It works together with sexual stimulation to help achieve and maintain an erection, but it does not cure erectile dysfunction, increase sexual desire, or protect against pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. It is available as a film-coated tablet and as an orodispersible (dissolving) tablet in different strengths.

What is Levitra Tablet

Levitra is a prescription medicine taken by mouth to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in adult men. It belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It does not cure erectile dysfunction, does not increase sexual desire, and does not protect against pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections such as HIV.

Levitra Tablet uses

• Treatment of erectile dysfunction (impotence) in adult men aged 18 years or over

Benefits of Levitra Tablet

• Helps men get and keep an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual activity when combined with sexual stimulation
• Shown to be significantly more effective than placebo at improving the ability to achieve and maintain an erection in clinical studies, including in men with diabetes and men who had prostate surgery

How Levitra Tablet works

During sexual stimulation, the body releases a chemical that relaxes the smooth muscle in the penis, allowing more blood to flow in and cause an erection. This medicine blocks the enzyme (PDE5) that normally breaks down the substance responsible for that muscle relaxation, so the effect lasts longer and blood flow to the penis increases. It only works with sexual stimulation and does not cause an erection on its own.

Levitra Tablet dosage

Take the tablet only when needed, about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity, and not more than once a day. Sexual stimulation is required for the medicine to work; an erection will not occur from the pill alone. It can be taken with or without food, but taking it after a heavy or high-fat meal may delay how quickly it starts working.

The orodispersible (dissolving) tablet form should be placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve, then swallowed with saliva, without drinking any liquid. Do not switch between the regular swallowed tablet and the dissolving tablet without your doctor's advice, and do not combine them. Allow at least 24 hours between doses.

Older adults (65 years and older) are often started on a lower dose because the medicine can build up to higher levels in their body. Tell any healthcare provider treating you for a heart problem when you last took this medicine.

Available forms and strengths

• Film-coated tablet (5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg)
• Orodispersible tablet (10 mg, dissolves in the mouth)

Side effects of Levitra Tablet

Common

• Flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
• Stuffy nose, sinus pain
• Headache, dizziness
• Upset stomach
• Back pain

Serious

• Signs of allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart attack symptoms: chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating
• Vision changes or sudden vision loss
• Erection that is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours (prolonged erection can damage the penis)
• Ringing in the ears or sudden hearing loss
• Irregular heartbeat
• Swelling in hands, ankles, or feet
• Shortness of breath
• Light-headed feeling, like you might pass out
• Seizure (convulsions)
• Severe skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (skin peeling, blistering, mouth sores)

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine is not approved for use in women, and it is not intended for use during pregnancy. This medicine is not intended for use by women, including breastfeeding women.
• People with severe kidney problems or those on dialysis should not use this medicine, or may need a lower starting dose depending on severity. People with severe liver disease should not use this medicine; those with mild to moderate liver problems may need a lower starting dose.
• Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of this medicine and can also make erection difficulties worse. This medicine can cause dizziness or affect vision in some people; avoid driving or operating machinery if this happens to you.
• Do not take this medicine together with nitrate drugs for chest pain or heart problems, or recreational drugs called "poppers," as this combination can cause a sudden, dangerous drop in blood pressure.
• Do not take this medicine with riociguat, a medicine for high blood pressure in the lungs, as the combination can cause a serious drop in blood pressure.
• Get emergency help if an erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours, since this can permanently damage the penis.
• Stop taking this medicine and get emergency help right away if you have sudden vision loss, as this may be a sign of a rare eye condition linked to this type of medicine.
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as well as Seville oranges and marmalade made from them, since these can raise blood levels of the medicine and increase side effects.
• Do not use this medicine together with other treatments for erectile dysfunction unless your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine should be used with caution in people with a physical deformity of the penis or conditions that can cause prolonged erections, such as sickle cell disease, multiple myeloma, or leukemia.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste; ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use
• The orodispersible tablets should be stored in the original package to protect from humidity and light

When to see a doctor

• Seek emergency medical help if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using this medicine and get emergency help if you have heart attack symptoms, vision changes or sudden vision loss, or an erection that is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours.
• Call your doctor right away if you notice ringing in your ears or sudden hearing loss, an irregular heartbeat, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, shortness of breath, feeling like you might faint, or a seizure.
• During sexual activity, stop and call your doctor right away if you become dizzy or nauseated, or have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, as these could be signs of a serious side effect.
• Stop taking this medicine and seek medical attention immediately if you notice a severe skin rash, skin peeling, blistering, or mouth sores.

Alternatives

• Staxyn
• Cialis (tadalafil)
• Viagra (sildenafil)