Levitra 20 mg – Generic Vardenafil

How Does Levitra 20 mg Work?

The active component in Levitra 20 mg is vardenafil, a salt classified as a Phosphodiesterase Type-5 inhibitor (PDE5 inhibitor). PDE5 inhibitors work by opening up and dilating blood vessels, facilitating increased blood flow. Since the PDE5 enzyme is present in the corpora cavernosa of the penis, dilating the blood vessels here increases the amount of blood flowing to the penis, which helps in maintaining an erection and thus, helps people with erectile dysfunction. 

Levitra, like other similar drugs, works only in the presence of nitric oxide, which is naturally released in the body when one feels aroused sexually. Thus, Levitra will only be effective in getting an erection in a state of sexual arousal.

Dosage

Levitra 20 mg is taken as needed, and the maximum recommended dosage is once per day.

As needed dosage for Levitra usually starts from 10 mg but can be increased by your physician depending on your medical condition. The medicine usually takes about 1 to 2 hours to work and only works in a state of sexual arousal, so it should be taken accordingly before intercourse. 

The optimal dose for each individual can vary, according to their lifestyles and other preexisting health conditions. A physician should be consulted to help suggest the ideal dose for you, to avoid any drug interactions. 

What happens if I miss a dose?

Levitra 20 mg is usually taken as needed. Therefore, it is quite unlikely that you might miss a dose. 

What happens if I overdose?

In no situation should you take more than the suggested dose, as it can lead to a painful condition called priapism, which is an erection for a prolonged period of time. The damage caused to the penis tissue by priapism may be permanent, so care should be taken to avoid an overdose. Taking more than the prescribed dose can also cause extremely low blood pressure, which can be fatal. Other issues caused by an overdose include severe dizziness or fainting. Seek immediate medical help in case of an overdose.

Side Effects

The side effects of Levitra are similar to those caused by other PDE5 inhibitors, which can be caused either by the drug’s reaction to the body or due to an interaction with another drug you may be taking for a preexisting condition. Some common side effects include but are not limited to:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Flushing
• Indigestion, or dyspepsia
• Back pain

These side effects are quite common and will usually subside on their own once your body adjusts to the medication. Other serious side effects which are more concerning include:

• Priapism, or a painful and prolonged erection that lasts for more than 4 hours
• Reduced hearing or changes in vision
• Low blood pressure
• Heart attack symptoms, such as radiating pain in arms or jaw

These side effects can be quite serious, and emergency services should be immediately contacted in case you experience any of them. 

Warnings

1. Levitra should be prescribed only for people suffering from erectile dysfunction, and care should be taken not to use it for recreational purposes to avoid any adverse drug interactions and side effects. 
2. It is not advisable to consume any food items high in fat content for at least 1 hour before taking Levitra, as it slows down the functioning of the constituent salt vardenafil.
3. Nitrates or alpha-blockers should not be taken along with Levitra. In fact, if you take any drugs for blood pressure or heart conditions that include the mentioned ingredients, you should disclose them to your doctor so that they can prescribe other drugs.
4. Levitra affects the QT interval of the heart, and thus should not be taken along with other drugs like amiodarone which also changes the QT interval.
5. Levitra should be kept away from children to avoid accidental consumption. 
6. Consumption of alcohol when taking Levitra should also be monitored, as excessive alcohol can inhibit your ability to get aroused, without which Levitra will not work. It can also reduce your blood pressure to dangerous levels, so it is advisable to refrain from consuming alcohol while taking Levitra.
7. Levitra is not recommended for use by women.

Storage Instructions

• Store Levitra in a proper container in a cool and dry place, away from heat, moisture, or direct sunlight.
• Ensure that the drug is out of the reach of children and pets.
• The pills should not be taken past their date of expiration to avoid complications

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long do the effects of Levitra last?

The effects of Levitra normally last for 4-5 hours. However, in case the erection lasts for longer than four hours, you should consult emergency services to avoid permanent damage to the penis tissue.

• Can Levitra be used for men above 65?

Levitra can be prescribed for geriatric use, but the dosage is lowered considerably. Usually, a 10 mg dose is prescribed to men over the age of 65 to reduce the severity of side effects.

• Is Levitra safe?

Levitra is safe for consumption if taken as prescribed by your physician. Care should be taken to avoid any drug interactions with other medication you may be taking.

1. Can you increase the dosage of Levitra as needed?

A dose should be arrived at after consulting your doctor. In case the 20mg dose does not work, increasing the dose may not help produce desired results. Your doctor will recommend some other medication in its place. IN no case should two doses be taken within 24 hours.