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Levitra

Generic Name: 

Vardenafil HCl

Brand Names: 

Levitra, Vivanza

Levitra Description: 

Levitra, marketed jointly by Bayer Healthcare, GlaxoSmithKline, and Schering-Plough, is a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that is prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Levitra tablets are taken on an as-needed basis approximately one hour before engaging in sexual activity.

Levitra is not a cure for ED and does not increase sexual desire. The medication is not a male form of birth control and does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Levitra Side Effects: 

Levitra and other ED medications may cause a rare side effect called priapism, or an erection lasting longer than four hours. Seek emergency medical attention to avoid permanent injury.

For more information, see our Levitra side effects page.

Levitra Uses: 

Levitra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. ED is a common condition reported to affect an estimated 30 million men in the United States at some point in their lives. ED is characterized by an inability of the penis to harden or expand when a male is aroused during sexual activity, and an inability to keep an erection.

Levitra helps increase blood flow to the penis, helping males with ED achieve and keep an erection that is satisfactory for sexual activity.

There are many possible causes of ED, and most involve inadequate blood flow to the penis. Health conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes are thought to contribute to ED.

Levitra Interactions: 

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications you may be taking along with Levitra, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. The following drugs should not be taken in combination with Levitra, as dangerously low blood pressure or other interactions could occur:

  • Alpha blockers for prostate problems or high blood pressure, including terazosin (Hytrin), tamsulosin (Flomax), doxazosin mesylate (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), alfuzosin (Uroxatral)
  • Atazanavir (Reyataz)
  • Clarithromycin
  • Erythromycin
  • Heart medications such as quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, and sotalol
  • High blood pressure medications
  • Indinavir (Crixivan)
  • Ketoconazole or Itraconazole (Nizoral, Sporanox)
  • Nitrate medications to control chest pain (angina)
  • Other ED treatments
  • Ritonavir (Norvir)
  • Saquinavir (Fortavase, Invirase)
Levitra Dosage Information: 

Typical Dosage Recommendations

Levitra is available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg strengths. Levitra is taken a maximum of once per day (once per 24-hour period), approximately 1-2 hours before sexual activity. The recommended starting dose is generally 10 mg.

Missing a Dose of Levitra

Levitra is taken only before sexual activity. Do not take more than one dose in a 24-hour period.

Levitra Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medication. Signs of overdose include vision changes and muscle pain.

Levitra FDA Approval: 

August 19, 2003

Levitra Recall/Black Box Warning Information: 

Other Warnings

Hearing Loss

In October 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers and healthcare professionals about reports of sudden decreases or loss of hearing following the use of the PDE5 inhibitors Viagra, Levitra, Cialis, and Revatio. In some cases, the hearing loss was accompanied by dizziness and tinnitus.

Vision Loss

In July 2005, the FDA warned consumers and healthcare professionals about updated labeling on Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra to include warnings of sudden vision loss that were reported in some cases with use of the drugs. The vision loss is caused by NAION (non arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy), a condition in which blood flow is blocked to the nerves in the eyes. Patients should stop using the drugs immediately if changes in vision are experienced.

Sources: 
  1. http://www.levitra.com/
  2. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm151619.htm
  3. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR601541
  4. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm152682.htm
  5. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.Overview&DrugName=LEVITRA