Vardenafil (Levitra)

The third type of impotence medication: the other two being Viagra and Cialis. Levitra works in exactly the same way as the other two medications in that it relaxes and widens blood vessels within the penis which means that more blood can access the penis.

This increased blood supply causes the penis to become stiff and erect and ready for penetrative sex.

Sexual stimulation is required for Levitra to trigger and help sustain an erection.

Levitra dosage

Levitra is taken as and when needed and is designed to work ‘ on demand’. It is taken 25 minutes to an hour before sexual intercourse.

Levitra must not be taken more than once a day.

Levitra effects

One dose can result in an erection which will last for up to 5 hours.

Levitra caution

Levitra is to be used with caution in the following cases:

• Low blood potassium levels
• Cardiovascular disease
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Obstructed blood flow out of the heart e.g. aortic stenosis
• Bleeding disorders, e.g. haemophilia
• Active peptic ulcer
• Decreased kidney function
• Decreased liver function
• Leukaemia
• Sickle cell disease
• Bone cancer
• Physical abnormality of the penis, e.g. severe curvature or Peyronie’s disease
• Elderly men

Levitra can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. But, its effects may be delayed if taken with a high fat meal.

Do not take Levitra with grapefruit juice unless your GP or pharmacist says it is safe for you to do so. Grapefruit juice can increase the risk of side effects.

If Levitra causes you to have an erection for more than 4 hours (known as priapism) then seek medical help as soon as possible. Do not delay as this can cause permanent damage to the erectile tissues in the penis. This can result in irreversible erectile dysfunction.

Levitra can cause double vision and dizziness. Be aware of these side effects before driving, operating any machinery or performing any task which requires concentration.

Levitra avoidance

Levitra must not be taken by the following groups of people:

• Young people under 18
• Women
• People with low blood pressure
• People with unstable angina
• Medical conditions in which sexual intercourse is not recommended e.g. severe heart disease
• People with severely decreased liver function
• People with severe kidney failure which requires dialysis
• Severe heart failure
• People who have recently had a heart attack
• People who have recently had a stroke
• Retinitis pigmentosa or other degenerative eye disorders
• People taking a protease inhibitor, e.g. ritonavir, to treat HIV
• People who are taking any form of nitrate medication, e.g. glyceryl nitrate.
• People who have ever experienced an eye condition called ‘ non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).

Levitra side effects

All forms of medication cause side effects although the severity of these will differ between individuals. Some people have only a few mild effects whereas others are more severely affected.

Levitra, Viagra and Cialis all have side effects but not everyone is affected by these. Side effects of Levitra include:

• Dizziness
• Flushing
• Headache
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Drowsiness
• Blurred vision/watery eyes/blue-green tint to vision
• Increased heartrate
• Blocked or runny nose
• Palpitations
• Low blood pressure
• High blood pressure
• Fainting
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds
• Skin rash
• Muscle pain
• Anxiety
• Chest pain

If you are worried about side effects before taking Levitra or any impotence medicine then speak to your GP or pharmacist.

Also, if you experience an allergic reaction whilst taking Levitra then stop taking it and consult your GP or pharmacist as soon as possible.

Levitra and other forms of medication

Levitra, like Viagra and Cialis can cause an adverse effect if taken in conjunction with other medicines. So, check first with your GP if you are already taking any medication before starting with Levitra.

This applies to prescription medication, over the counter medication and herbal or complimentary medication.

Equally, if you are already using Levitra and want to start taking a new medication then also check with your GP first.

It is important to take a safe combination of drugs .

Some types of medication react badly with others so it is important to check first with either your GP or pharmacist that you are safe to do so.

Levitra must NOT be taken with:

• Nitrate medication as this can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure.
• Other forms of medication for erectile dysfunction
• Itraconazole: anti-fungal medication (by mouth)
• Ketoconazole: another anti-fungal medication (by mouth)
• Amiodarone: anti-arrhythmic medication
• Procainamide: anti-arrhythmic medication
• Quinidine: anti-arrhythmic medication
• Sotalol: anti-arrhythmic medication

These four types of anti-arrhythmic medication are used to treat irregular heartbeat.

Men who are currently taking the antibiotic erythromycin should not take more than 5mg in a 24 hour period.

Levitra can react with medicines called alpha-blockers which are used to treat high blood pressure. This combination may cause a sudden decrease in blood pressure which can lead to dizziness or fainting.

If you are taking an alpha-blocker then you can use Levitra, but, do not take more than 5mg and not within 6 hours of taking your alpha-blocker.

How much does Viagra, Cialis or Levitra cost?

Our paying for impotence treatment section contains more information about these and a few examples of prices.