Levitra (Vardenafil HCl)

Levitra is available in tablet form in the following dosages:

2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg

Your doctor will determine the correct dose for you depending on your age, condition, and response to the drug, if you have certain health conditions or are taking certain medications. Then, depending on the adequacy of the response or side effects, the dose may be increased to 20 mg or decreased to 2.5 mg.

Levitra should be taken for erectile dysfunction (ED) exactly as your doctor prescribes. Follow the directions given by your doctor or pharmacists carefully, do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed. Tell your doctor if Levitra is not helping your impotence or if you are experiencing side effects.

Levitra dosage adjustments:

• Individuals 65 years or older should begin with 5 mg, once daily.
• If you are taking certain drugs that affect the liver, such as erythromycin, indinavir (Crixivan), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or ritonavir (Norvir) you may need to lower the dose to no more than 5 mg a day.
• If you have moderate liver impairment, the recommended starting dose is 5 mg, not to exceed 10 mg a day.
• If your liver problems are mild, no dosage adjustment is required.
• If you experience prostate problems or high blood pressure for which you take medications called alpha blockers, your doctor will start you on a lower dose of 5 mg.

Do not take Levitra more than once a day. In some cases, the use of Levitra may be restricted to once every 72 hours (3 days). Levitra is usually taken when needed and may be taken anywhere between 15 minutes up to 5 hours before sexual activity. The amount of time Levitra takes to work varies from person to person, but generally takes between 25 to 60 minutes. Some form of sexual stimulation is needed for an erection to occur when taking Levitra, an erection will not occur just by taking a pill.

When taking Levitra, you don’t need to plan around meals or avoid certain foods because the absorption of Levitra is not affected by food. You can eat and drink like you normally do, although there are two things to avoid:

• Excessive alcohol consumption (for example, 5 glasses of wine or 5 shots of whiskey). Excessive alcohol may increase the risk of getting a headache, feeling dizzy, increasing your heart rate, or lowering your blood pressure.
• Grapefruit or grapefruit juice may interact with Levitra causing potentially adverse effects and even cause fatal consequences.

Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.

Keep Levitra in the container it came in, tightly closed, and away from children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom, your car or near a sink). Dispose of any tablets that have passed their expiration date.

What happens if I miss a dose of Levitra?

Levitra is taken as needed, so it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose on Levitra?

If you take too much Levitra or if you develop dizziness, nausea, or angina (pain, tightness, discomfort, numbness, or tingling in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw) during sexual activity, refrain from further sexual activity and call your doctor or emergency room right away.

Related posts:

1. When and How much Levitra should be taken?
2. Can LEVITRA be taken with food?