|
CHEMICAL NAME
VARDENAFIL.
INDICATIONS
levitra is used to treat male sexual function problems (impotence or erectile dysfunction) by blocking a certain enzyme (phosphodiesterase-PDE5). In combination with sexual stimulation, vardenafil works by helping the blood flow into the penis to achieve and maintain an erection. This drug is not indicated for use in women. Use of this drug does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis). Practice "safe sex" such as using latex condoms. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
DIRECTIONS
This drug is taken by mouth as needed, 1 hour before sexual activity with or without food or use as directed by your doctor. Do not take more often than once daily as needed. A high fat meal may decrease the amount of drug that is absorbed. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and other medications you may be taking (see also Drug Interactions section). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Read the patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist and ask questions if any of the information is unclear.
SIDE EFFECTS
Headache, flushing, nasal stuffiness, stomach upset, heartburn, runny nose, dizziness, or nausea may occur. Vision changes such as increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or impaired blue/green color discrimination may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fast/slow/irregular heartbeat. Sexual activity may put extra strain on your heart, especially if you have heart problems. If you have heart problems and experience any of these serious side effects while having sex, stop and tell your doctor immediately of: severe dizziness, fainting, chest pain. In the unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection (lasting more than 4 hours), stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention or permanent problems could occur. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, unusual swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Before taking vardenafil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: penis conditions (e.g., angulation, fibrosis/scarring, Peyronie's disease), history of painful/prolonged erection (priapism), sickle cell anemia, blood system cancers (e.g., leukemia or myeloma), eye problems (e.g., retina diseases like retinitis pigmentosa), kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding disorders, active stomach ulcers, heart problems (e.g., recent heart attack or serious arrhythmia within past 6 months, heart failure, coronary artery disease with unstable angina, aortic stenosis, idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis, congenital QT prolongation), recent stroke within past 6 months, very high or low blood pressure. This drug may make you dizzy or cause vision changes use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. This drug is not indicated for use in women or children.
OVERDOSAGE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include back pain, muscle pain, and abnormal vision.
INFORMATION
Do not share this medication with others, since they may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this drug, or they may have a condition that is complicated by this drug.
NOTES
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the
expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be
construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before taking the product.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
See also How To Use section for drug-food interactions. This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious (possibly fatal) interactions may occur: nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide), nitroprusside (or any "nitric oxide donor" drugs), recreational drugs called "poppers" containing amyl or butyl nitrite, alpha-blocker medication (e.g., doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin). If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting vardenafil. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other medications for impotence, drugs that affect certain liver enzymes (CYP 3A4 substrates, inhibitors and inducers, e.g., cimetidine, rifamycins, St. John's wort, certain anti-seizure drugs), high blood pressure medicines. If you are taking ritonavir, do not take more than a 2.5mg dose of vardenafil in a 72 hour period. If you are taking indinavir or high doses (400mg daily) of either ketoconazole or itraconazole, do not take more than a 2.5mg dose of vardenafil per day. If you are taking erythromycin or low doses (200mg daily) of either ketoconazole or itraconazole, do not take more than 5mg dose of vardenafil per day. For more details contact your doctor or pharmacist.
|
