What is Generic Levitra?

Generic Levitra is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men. The main active ingredient of Levitra is Verdenafil Hydrochloride which acts by increasing the amount of cyclic GMP. This cGMP is responsible for the increased blood flow in the erectile tissues in the penis. The term erectile dysfunction is regarded as an inability to maintain an erection required for physical intercourse. ED can lead to many problems in life like depression, problem in marital relationship and impotence. About 40-50% men at the age of 40-70 years, suffers from this problem. But this problem is treatable with some oral medication which helps keep sustaining the required erection for a satisfactory intercourse. Levitra or vardenafil hydrochloride is a potent medication which can be very helpful in ED and medication is available at the strength of 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. Levitra has a good effect on the narrowed or constricted arteries that increase the blood circulation into male genital area. This medication should be used in the men between the age group of 18-65 years. Levitra should always be taken atleast 1 hour prior to the physical intercourse. It is also very effective in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Pulmonary arterial hypertension occurs due to the deposition of thrombus (fats) in the arteries and impairs the blood circulation.

What are the indications of Levitra 20mg?

Levitra or Vardenafil hydrochloride is used in the following problems:

• Levitra is used mainly to maintain and sustain a satisfactory erection in men.
• Levitra is also used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Method of taking Levitra 20mg:

• It is taken orally.
• This medication should be taken only once in 24 hours.
• You should always take this medication one hour prior to physical intercourse.

Dosage of Levitra:

Levitra is available in the strength of 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. The most recommended dose is 10mg. But it can be increased up to 20mg or decreased to 5mg, depending on the requirement and the tolerance capacity of the patient. One should always take advice from the physician before starting any dose of Levitra.

What are the contraindications of Levitra?

Since Verdenafil hydrochloride is the active ingredient of this Levitra, it can interact with some other drugs like:

• If you are allergic to Vardenafilhydrochloride and other ingredient of the drug.
• A person suffering from any cardiac disorder like myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke or angina.
• You should not use this medication if you are under anticonvulsants.
• This medication is not used if you are suffering from any blood disease.
• You cannot use this medication if you have a gastro-intestinal problem.
• This medication is not indicated if a person is suffering from eye problem.
• If you have any congenital defect in the penis.
• Levitra is not used in men below the age of 18 years.

What are the drug interactions of Levitra 20mg?

Since vardenafil hydrochloride is the strong ingredient of Levitra, so it can interact with other drugs and can cause complication. Some of the drugs which interact with Levitra are:

• Levitra can cause serious complications if it is taken with the anti-histamins like cimetidin, warfarin or heparin.
• This medication can effect on the metabolism of anti-fungal drugs like ketoconazole, itraconazole that can decease the effects of these drugs.
• Antihypertensives like calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors are prohibited if you are taking this medication because it increases the side effects of the vardenafil hydrochloride.
• Alpha-blockers like verapamil, deltiazin may change the mechanism of Levitra.

What are the side effects of Levitra?

Almost all the medications have side effects. A side effect is an adverse or unwanted reaction of a medication in normal doses. The side effects of this medication are not seen in every patient. A study says that only 1% patient catches the side effects who take this medication. Some of the possible side effects are:

• Headache
• Indigestion
• Stuffy nose

Always consult with your physician if you catch any of the following side effects, such as:

• Abnormal vision (e.g., decreased vision, blurry vision, increased sensitivity to light, changes in the ability to tell the difference between blue and green)
• Loss of hearing
• Loss of memory (temporary).

What are the precautions or warning signs of Levitra?

Before taking this medication you should always talk to your physician to avoid the unwanted complications. Always take some precautions while taking this medication, such as:

• Consumption of alcohol can reduce the ability to get an erection and may also decrease blood pressure, causing dizziness and fainting.
• Always inform your physician if you are taking medications for high blood pressure, before taking this medication because Levitra can decrease the blood pressure-lowering effect of these medications.
• If you experience loss of hearing or any other ear problem, you should ask medical assistance immediately.
• A person who is suffering from any heart disease or a heart attack or stroke, should talk to your doctor before taking medication for erectile dysfunction. Stop this medication if you catch chest pain, dizziness, or nausea,and speak to your doctor.
• Always use lower doses of this medication if you have poor liver function.
• Nitrate-containing medications: You should never be taken this medication with any drug that contains nitrates. Because it can drop the blood pressure and lead to life-threatening condition.
• If you have an anatomical deformity in the penis such as angulation, always prefer to monitor closely by your doctors before you take this medication.
• If your erection lasts for more than 4 hours (a rare occurrence), take immediate medical assistance.Because it can cause penile tissue damage and permanent loss of the capacity to get an erection.

Levitra or Vardenafil does not prevent sexually transmitted infections such as HIV.