Levitra Medication - Uses & Side Effects

LEVITRA is a prescription medicine that is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Men taking nitrate drugs, often used to control chest pain (also known as angina), should not take LEVITRA. Such combinations could cause blood pressure to drop to an unsafe level. Levitra is an oral drug for male impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction (ED). It works by dilating blood vessels in the penis, allowing the inflow of blood needed for an erection.

Levitra Dosage

• Doses range from 5 milligrams to 20 milligrams, depending on the drug's effect. The recommended starting dose is 10 milligrams for most people. However, if you're 65 or older, the doctor may start you at 5 milligrams.
• If you have moderate liver impairment, the recommended starting dose is 5 milligrams, not to exceed a daily dose of 10 milligrams. If your liver problems are mild, no dosage adjustment is required.

Uses of Levitra

• Levitra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence).
• Levitra may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Levitra

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Levitra. Side effects may include:

• Indigestion, flu-like symptoms, flushing, headache, runny nose, sinus inflammation
• allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
• chest pain or an irregular heartbeats
• swelling of the ankles or legs
• shortness of breath

Warnings and precautions before taking Levitra:

• If you have heart problems severe enough to make sexual activity a danger, you should avoid using Levitra. If you take Levitra and develop cardiac symptoms (for example, dizziness, nausea, and chest pain) during sexual activity, do not continue. Alert your doctor to the problem as soon as possible.
• Because Levitra has not been studied in people with cardiovascular disease, it's best to avoid Levitra if you've recently had a stroke or heart failure, or if you've had a heart attack within the past 6 months. Be equally cautious if you have severe high or low blood pressure, heartbeat irregularities, or unstable angina (crushing heart pain that occurs at any time). If you develop angina after taking Levitra, seek medical attention immediately.
• If you have severe kidney or liver problems, a bleeding disorder, stomach ulcer, or an inherited retinal disorder such as retinitis pigmentosa, use Levitra with caution. Its safety under these circumstances has not yet been studied.
• If you have a condition that might result in long-lasting erections, such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma (a disease of the bone marrow), or leukemia, use Levitra with caution. Also use caution if you have a genital problem or deformity such as Peyronie's disease.

Drug Interaction :- If Levitra is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Levitra with the following:

• Other impotence drugs including alprostadil (Caverject), sildenafil (Viagra), and tadalafil (Cialis)
  
• Amiodarone (Pacerone)
  
• Erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, PCE)
  
• Indinavir (Crixivan)
  
• Itraconazole (Sporanox)
  
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
  
• Nifedipine (Procardia)
  
• Procainamide (Procanbid)
  
• Quinidine (Quinidex)
  
• Ritonavir (Norvir)
  
• Sotalol (Betapace)

Overdose

A small study found that a single 120-milligram dose of Levitra caused reversible side effects such as vision changes and back and muscle pain. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of a Levitra overdose are not known, but are likely to include chest pain, back pain, dizziness, an irregular heartbeat, abnormal vision, and swelling of the ankles or legs.