How It Works
How It Works
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Vardenafil
Levitra ®️
Vardenafil is the active ingredient in Levitra. Vardenafil is a prescribed drug that is used primarily to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, which is the inability to get or maintain an erection satisfactory for intercourse.
Clinical studies have found Vardenafil to be highly effective for the treatment of ED in patients who have diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia (high cholesterol). Further studies revealed that men with low testosterone as well as ED respond well to Vardenafil in combination with a testosterone replacement regimen.
Vardenafil is the active ingredient in Levitra. Vardenafil is a prescribed drug that is used primarily to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, which is the inability to get or maintain an erection satisfactory for intercourse.
Clinical studies have found Vardenafil to be highly effective for the treatment of ED in patients who have diabetes, hypertensions, and dyslipidemia (high cholesterol). Further studies revealed that men with low testosterone as well as ED respond well to Vardenafil in combination with a testosterone replacement regimen.
The process of achieving an erection is complex. The first step is for a man to experience sexual arousal or an erotic stimulus. This arousal signals a cascade of events that relaxes cavernosal artery smooth muscles in the phallus. Parasympathetic nerves in the phallus release nitric oxide (N.O.), which increases cyclic GMP (cGMP), decreases intracellular calcium levels, and enhances smooth muscle relaxation. The relaxation of smooth muscle in the phallus allows for an influx of arterial blood, increased intracavernosal pressure, and erectile expansion and rigidity. Increased venous outflow, a passive process, maintains the phallus in an erect state.
When arousal has subsided, sympathetic nerves release norepinephrine, which stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors. The resulting smooth muscle contraction causes the erection to reduce in size in rigidity.
Nitric oxide and cGMP are essential components for smooth muscle relaxation in the phallus and vascular dilation. Without enough nitric oxide or cGMP, not enough blood can flow to the phallus for an erection.
Phosphodiesterase (PDE) enhances the breakdown of nitric oxide (N.O) and reduces the presence of cGMP. There are several types of PDE enzymes, but PDE-5 is the primary PDE enzyme in the male phallus. By preventing or inhibiting PDE-5, cGMP can maintain blood flow by increasing N.O. to the phallus, promoting an erection.
All oral ED medications, including Vardenafil (Levitra), are PDE-5 inhibitors.
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to obtain or maintain an erection that is strong enough for sexual activity, including sexual intercourse. Approximately 52% of men older than 40 years old and 26% of men less than 40 years old have some degree of erectile dysfunction.
Many situations can interfere with a normal erectile function, including stress, depression, anxiety, low testosterone, smoking, physical inactivity, and the use of alcohol and/or drugs.
Other causes for ED can include an underlying cardiovascular condition or atherosclerosis. For example, obstructed or narrowed blood vessels can make it difficult for an erection to occur.
The purpose of Vardenafil is to relax restricted or narrowed blood vessels and relax smooth muscles in the phallus in order for an erection to be achieved. Vardenafil specifically aims to address blood vessel-related erectile dysfunction by enhancing blood flow, relaxing cavernosal smooth muscle and increasing intracavernosal pressure resulting in a firm, rigid, and natural erection.
Vardenafil is one example of a type of drug known as a PDE-5 inhibitor (phosphodiesterase). PDE-5 inhibitors prevent the breakdown of nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator that is necessary to maintain a rigid and firm erection. Taking Vardenafil typically results in increased NO in the penile cavernosal tissue and muscles, which ensures a prolonged, stronger, more easily attained erection.
Vardenafil is the active ingredient in Levitra. (There are several inactive ingredients, too.) Levitra is a brand name of the drug, whereas Vardenafil is the generic ingredient that can often be obtained in compound or at a more affordable price. Levitra is specifically marketed for the on-demand treatment of ED.
Swallow the medication whole or allow it to dissolve underneath your tongue, with or without food. Vardenafil takes effect quickly, as soon as 10 minutes of taking a dose, though more typically within 30 minutes. For maximum benefit, take your dose within 30-60 minutes of sexual activity. The effects of Vardenafil can last up to eight (8) hours, though in rare instances in may last for up to 12 hours.
There are four types of oral PDE-5 inhibitors that help treat ED and are currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These PDE-5 inhibitors work along the same pathway in the penis to promote smooth muscle relaxation and blood vessel dilation by increasing nitric oxide in the penis.
These drugs work in the same way, but differ in immediacy of action, half-life, side effect profile, and other characteristics. These slight differences may benefit some men and be ineffective for others.
Vardenafil (Levitra) was approved in 2003 for the U.S. market. It is known for its fast onset–Vardenafil can start working as quickly as 10 minutes after taking a dose. For maximum benefit, wait 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. Typically, Vardenafil stops working about eight (8) hours after taking a full dose, though its effects can last for up to 12 hours in some men.
The biggest different between Vardenafil and other PDE-5 inhibitors is that Vardenafil can increase QT prolongation, which can lead to irregular heartbeats. If you have prolonged QTc or are currently taking Class 1 or Class 3 antiarrhythmics, you may consider a different ED drug. Let your healthcare provider know about any cardiac history before starting any ED medication.
A doctor will assess your current health and your potential side effects when considering what type of ED medication is best for you. You may also have some input when choosing.
Vardenafil can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. When combined with other specific medications, your blood pressure can drop to particularly unsafe levels, resulting in dizziness, fainting, and even a heart attack or stroke. Seek immediate medical help if this occurs.
Other common side effects include:
Headache
Flushing
Indigestion or Dyspepsia (uncomfortable feeling in the uppermiddle part of your stomach)
Runny or stuffy nose
Sinusitis
Flulike symptoms
Nausea
These side effects generally decrease over time, going away altogether within a few hours.
You may also experience back or muscle aches within 12-24 hours of taking Vardenafil. These aches typically go away completely within two (2) days.
Sexual activity can strain your heart, particularly if previous heart issues such as heart disease or a heart attack have already weakened your heart. If you experience chest pains, dizziness, or nausea during sexual activity, stop right away and seek professional medical help immediately.
Uncommon side effects of Vardenafil may include, but are not limited to, the following:
An erection lasting longer than four (4) hours. Known as priapism, an erection that won’t go away must be treated as soon as possible to avoid longterm damage, including the inability to have an erection.
Changes in color vision. You may see a blue hue or have difficulty differentiating between blue and green colors.
Sudden decrease in or loss of vision. In particularly rare instances, men taking Vardenafil or other ED medications may have a sudden decrease in or loss of vision in one or both eyes. If you experience a sudden vision decrease or loss, stop taking Vardenafil and seek immediate medical help.
Sudden decrease in or loss of hearing. Ringing in your ears and/or dizziness may accompany a sudden decrease in or loss of hearing, though it is rare. If you experience a sudden hearing decrease or loss, stop taking Vardenafil and seek immediate medical help.
One dose of Vardenafil contains active ingredients that typically stay in your body for up to eight (8) hours. The effects of Vardenafil can last up to eight (8) hours, though in rare instances in may last for up to 12 hours.
Other medications you may take, especially for kidney or liver health, can cause the active ingredients to linger longer than 12 hours.
Vardenafil is not right for everyone. Only your healthcare provider and you can decide if Vardenafil is right for you.
Women and children under the age of 18 should not take Vardenafil. Only those who have specifically been prescribed Vardenafil should take it. Never share Vardenafil with others, even if their symptoms are similar, as it may cause serious harm.
Do not take Vardenafil if you are currently taking other ED medicines or treatments, including Levitra.
Do not take Vardenafil if you are currently taking any medications known as “nitrates”. Nitrates are often used to treat angina, a symptom of heart disease, that can result in pains in your jaw, chest, or arm. Ask your physician or healthcare provider if any of your other medications are nitrates. Nitrates may also be found in medicines including:
Isosorbide dinitrate
Isosorbide mononitrate
Recreational drugs known as “poppers”, which often contain nitrites called amyl nitrite or butyl nitrite
Do not take Vardenafil if take any medication known as “guanylate cyclase stimulators”, which include Riociguat (Adempas), a drug that treats pulmonary hypertension and chronic-thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
Other medications that can affect how you handle Vardenafil include:
Medicines known as “alpha blockers”, which can be prescribed for prostate problems and/or high blood pressure, among other issues. Combining alpha blockers with Vardenafil can result in dizziness or fainting. Alpha blockers may include, but are not limited to the following:
Cardura, aka doxazosin mesylate
Flomax, aka tamsulosin HCl
Hytrin, also known as (aka) terazosin HCl
Jalyn, aka dutasteride or tamsulosin HCl
Minipress, aka prazosin HCl
Rapaflo, aka silodosin
Uroxatral, aka alfuzosin HCl
Medicines that treat abnormal heartbeat, including:
Quinidine
Procainamide
Amiodarone
Sotalol
Antiretroviral drugs, including:
Ritonavir, aka Norvir
Indinavir sulfate, aka Crixivan
Satuinavir, aka Fortavase and Invirase
Atazanavir, aka Reyatax
Some types of antibiotics, including:
Biaxin, aka clarithromycin
Erythromycin, aka several brand names
Medicines known as “HIV protease inhibitors”, such as Norvir or Kaletra, aka ritonavir
Some types of antifungals, including:
Nizoral, aka ketoconazole
Sporanox, aka itraconazole
Vardenafil is not right for everyone. Only your healthcare provider and you can decide if Vardenafil is right for you. Your physician or healthcare provider must know all medications and non-prescription drugs or medicines you are currently taking.
Ask your healthcare provider if your heart is healthy enough for you to have sexual activity. You should not take Vardenafil if your healthcare provider has told you not to engage in sexual activity due to health problems. Before taking Vardenafil, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical problems, particularly if you have ever had:
Previous heart issues, such as irregular heartbeats, angina, heart failure, or heart attack
Low blood pressure
Rare heart condition known as long QT syndrome prolongation of the QT interval (this applies to family members as well)
High blood pressure that is not currently under control
Pulmonary hypertension
Stroke
Seizure
Liver problems
Kidney problems and/or required dialysis
Retinitis pigmentosa (a rare eye disease)
Severe vision loss, including a condition known as NAION
Stomach ulcers
Bleeding problems
Deformed penis shape and/or Peyronie’s disease
History of priapism (an erection that’s lasted for longer than four (4) hours)
Blood cell problems, such as multiple myeloma, sickle cell anemia, or leukemia
Hearing problems
In the case of an emergency medical situation related to your heart, you must disclose the last time you took Vardenafil.
Take Vardenafil exactly as prescribed by your physician or healthcare professional. A dose of 10 mg is standard, though your physician may increase dosage up to 20 mg or decrease as low as 2.5 mg based on your health and age, as well as your initial and longer-term tolerability and efficacy.
Do not take Vardenafil more than one (1) tablet in a 24-hour period. Do not break or split a Vardenafil tablet unless instructed by your health care provder; swallow it in its entirety, unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider. Do not use other ED medicines or treatments while taking Vardenafil.
Vardenafil is typically prescribed for use as needed. In this situation, you may take your prescribed dose of Vardenafil tablet within 10 minutes to eight (8) hours of sexual activity, though one (1) hour before sexual activity is ideal.
Never share Vardenafil with others, even if their symptoms are similar, as it may cause serious harm.
If you are taking Vardenafil on an as-needed basis, you may take one tablet before expected sexual activity. Generally, Vardenafil can help you have sex within 30 minutes and up to eight (8) hours after taking one dose.
Despite taking Vardenafil as prescribed, sexual stimulation is still necessary for an erection.
Vardenafil will not improve your desire for sexual activity or cure ED. A man’s sexual desire is only one of the many functions of testosterone. A low testosterone level can decrease a man’s desire for sexual activity. Vardenafil does not protect from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV. Vardenafil is not a form of birth control for men.
Taking Vardenafil with alcohol is not recommended. Drinking too much alcohol can increase your odds of a headache, dizziness, elevated heart rate, or lower blood pressure.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention generally recommend no more than two (2) drinks per day for men. One drink is generally defined as 12 ounces of a regular beer (approximately 5% ABV), 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (such as vodka, whiskey, gin, tequila, etc.).