Generic Levitra

Levitra, which is generically prescribed as vardenafil, is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction. Levitra increases blood flow to the appropriate areas of the body to encourage an erection. It also relaxes muscles to encourage an erection.

Levitra is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be assessed prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes a heart attack in the previous 6 months, angina, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke, blood clots, Long QT Syndrome, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease, blood cell disorder, bleeding disorders, stomach ulcer, physical deformity of the penis, retinis pigmentosa, or simply not healthy enough for sexual intercourse may not be able to take Levitra or may require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with Levitra, depending on the condition or the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated Levitra as a pregnancy risk category B. While Levitra is not appropriate for women, this medication is not expected to cause harm or birth defects to an unborn baby. Levitra has not been proven to pass through the mother’s breast milk and affect a nursing baby, however the prescribing physician would have no cause to prescribe this medication for a woman.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Levitra, some of which are severe. A patient who is experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms such as facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects which require emergency medical attention include symptoms such as sudden vision loss, dizziness, nausea, pain, tingling or numbness during sexual activity, chest pain or heaviness that includes the arm, irregular heart beat, swelling in the hands and feet, shortness of breath, vision changes, lightheadedness, fainting, an erection which lasts more than 4 hours.

Other less serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical treatment but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as headache, back pain, redness or warmth in the face, neck or chest, or upset stomach. Less serious side effects can often be reduced to a tolerable level by reducing the dosage of Levitra.

Levitra should be taken as it has been prescribed by the physician. Levitra is taken only as needed, and there is no dosing schedule. The patient should never take a double dose to improve performance or effectiveness as this can lead to an overdose. If an overdose is suspected, the patient should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An overdose will present with symptoms which include irregular heart rate, chest pain, nausea, lightheadedness, and fainting.

There is a risk of negative drug interactions associated with Levitra. A thorough medical history should be understood prior to prescribing this medication. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Medications which have a known interaction with Levitra include rifampin, HIV medications, cimetidine, erythromycin, doxazosin, itraconazole, and carbamazapine. Patients who take medication for heart problems can not take Levitra, as there is a significant risk of a serious and dangerous drop in blood pressure or other complications.