Levitra

Levitra is a drug from the group of cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The active substance in this medicine is vardenafil, which restores erection by increasing the flow of blood into the penis. Sexual stimulation is required for the drug to work effectively. Levitra is supplied in the form of tablets by prescription.

Levitra, Producer: Bayer Schering Pharma AG

Indications for the use of Levitra

Levitra contains the active substance vardenafil, it is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. Sexual stimulation is required for the drug to work effectively.

Levitra and contraindications

Contraindications to taking Levitra are:

1. allergy to any ingredient of the drug,
2. parallel use of nitrates or nitric oxide donors in any form,
3. severe liver failure,
4. end-stage renal failure requiring dialysis treatment,
5. arterial hypotension (<90/50 mm Hg),
6. a recent stroke or heart attack,
7. unstable angina,
8. Congenital degenerative diseases of the retina (e.g. retinitis pigmentosa)
9. simultaneous use of strong inhibitors of the CYP3A4 isoenzyme (ritonavir, indinavir, and in men over 75 years of age also with ketoconazole or itraconazole p.o.).
10. Do not use in people who have lost sight in one eye due to non-arterial anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.
11. It should not usually be used in people for whom sexual activity is inappropriate (e.g. unstable angina, severe heart failure).

Dosage of Levitra

Adults.

Film-coated tablets: taking this medicine with a high fat meal may delay the onset of action. Usually 10 mg is used; depending on the effectiveness and tolerability of the drug, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg;

1. Ne preparation should be used more often than once a day.

Tabl. orodispersible: the usual dose is 10 mg.

1. In patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment, consider using the starting dose of 5 mg in the form of tables. plot; Depending on the effectiveness and tolerability of the drug in people with severe renal impairment, the dose may be increased to 10-20 mg in the form of tablets. pow. or 10 mg in the form of tabl. disintegrating in the mouth; in people with moderate impairment of liver function, the maximum dose is 10 mg in the form of tablets. pow.
2. When CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as erythromycin or clarithromycin, are used in parallel, the dose of vardenafil (max. 5 mg in the form of a powl) must be adjusted. A dose of 10 mg of the drug in the form of a tablet. pow. is not bioequivalent to a dose of 10 mg in the form of tablets. disintegrating in the mouth.

WARNING!

Levitra should be taken orally, regardless of meals, 25-60 minutes before sexual activity.

Levitra and warnings

1. Levitra should not be used by people under 18 years of age.
2. There is no information on the safety of Levitra in people with bleeding disorders or in patients with an active stomach ulcer. Before use, the doctor will assess the benefit / risk ratio.
3. Before starting the treatment, the doctor should diagnose the patient with erectile dysfunction and determine their causes.
4. Simultaneous administration of the drug with grapefruit or grapefruit juice may increase its plasma concentration (such a combination should be avoided).
5. In people with conditions predisposing to priapism (e.g. sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, leukemia) or anatomical deformation of the penis (e.g. arching, cavernous fibrosis, Peyronie’s disease), use should be made with caution.
6. Avoid using the preparation in patients with risk factors for prolongation of the QT interval, e.g. with hypokalaemia, congenital long QT syndrome, concomitant use of class Ia antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g. quinidine, procainamide) or class III (e.g. amiodarone, sotalol) .
7. The treatment should be discontinued and a doctor should be consulted immediately if visual disturbances occur.
8. Levitra is not intended for use by women.

Levitra – interactions

Levitra should not be taken in parallel with:

1. with ketoconazole or itraconazole; (it is contraindicated in men over 75 years of age;
2. with nitrates; vardenafil enhances their antihypertensive effect;
3. with HIV protease inhibitors such as ritonavir and indinavir (contraindicated).

Levitra – side effects

Levitra can cause side effects such as: dizziness, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion.

Uncommon the following may occur: allergic edema, angioedema, sleep disturbances, somnolence, paraesthesia, sensory disturbances, abnormal vision, eye hyperaemia, abnormal color differentiation, eye pain and discomfort, photophobia, tinnitus, tachycardia, palpitations, dyspnoea, feeling stuffy nose, gastroesophageal reflux, gastritis, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, elevated transaminases, erythema, rash, back pain, increased creatine phosphokinase and transaminases, erythema, rash, back pain, muscle pain, increased muscle stiffness and spasm, increased erections, malaise.