Levitra

Description

Common use
Levitra is an oral drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. Sexual stimulation causes the production and release of nitric oxide from the nerves endings of the cavernous bodies of the penis hereby activating enzyme guanylate cyclase. Guanylate cyclase in its turn is responsible for the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The cGMP causes widening and relaxation of the blood vessels carrying blood to the penis. Levitra prevents phosphodiesterase-5 enzyme from destroying cGMP and thus helps to support blood flow to the penis.

Dosage and direction
The recommended dose of Levitra is 10 mg per day taken an hour before intercourse. If no side effects are experienced, the dosage can be increased up to 20 mg. In case of adverse effects, the dose is reduced to 5 mg daily. Do not take more than one tab of Levitra a day.

Precautions
Levitra has not been studied in people with cardiovascular disease, so it is preferable to avoid Levitra in patients who have had a stroke or heart failure, or a heart attack in their history, especially within the last six months. Before taking Levitra, inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, a bleeding disorder, stomach ulcer, or an inherited retinal disorder such as retinitis pigmentosa, an allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines, deformation of the penis such as angulation, cavernous fibrosis (Peyronie’s disease), as well as in diseases that contribute to the development of priapism (sickle-cell anemia, multiple myeloma, leukemia, or leukemia).

Contraindications
Levitra is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to its ingredients, those treated with organic nitrates, patients under 16 y.o., or those who take HIV protease inhibitors such as indinavir and ritonavir.

Possible side effect
Levitra is usually well tolerated and side effects, if they occur, are transient. The most frequent side effects are: headache, flushing (hyperemia of the face), frequent dizziness, diarrhea phenomenon, nausea, nasal congestion. More rare and uncommon adverse effects are photosensitivity of the skin, hypertension, back pain, watery eyes, hypotension, myalgia, priapism.

Drug interaction
Levitra’s metabolism is inhibited by erythromycin, ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), indinavir (Crixivan), and ritonavir (Norvir). Levitra reduces the concentration of ritonavir and indinavir. In patients treated with nitrates, Levitra may aggravate chest pain by increasing heart rate and lowering blood pressure. Levitra is able to exaggerate the blood pressure lowering effects of alpha-blocking drugs (terazosin or Hytrin). Levitra should never be administered in patients who are treated with organic nitrates.

Missed dose
Levitra is taken when needed but not more often than once daily so a missed dose is not supposed.

Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include pain in the back, jaw, arm, blindness, blurred vision, chest pain or discomfort, decreased vision, and blurred vision.

Storage
Store at room temperature between 15-30 C (59-86 F) away from children, pets, moisture, and sunlight.

Disclaimer
We provide only general information about medications which do not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information on the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and any mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.