Levitra
What is Levitra?
Levitra is the latest oral treatment for treating erectile dysfunction among men. It belongs to a series of drugs known as phosphodiesterase inhibitors. ‘Bayer pharmaceuticals’ manufactures Levitra tablets and GlaxoSmithKline and Schering-Plough market these tablets to countries worldwide. It is the latest prescription drug that entered the market after Viagra and Cialis. Both the European Union and the FDA have approved the sale of Levitra in the UK and the US respectively. It is also available in many European nations.
How does Levitra work?
Levitra contains vardenafil, as the main ingredient, which relaxes the muscles and dilating the blood vessels in the penis, causing an increase of blood flow in the penis and ultimately and erection. Levitra works by blocking the enzyme called PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5). When PDE5 is blocked, chemicals called cGMP, which are responsible for an erection, do not get inhibited by PDE5, so the muscles in the penis do not contract and the erection isn’t lost. Levitra works when you are sexually aroused.
Levitra is not an aphrodisiac. Levitra cannot increase the sex drive. It only treats erectile dysfunction/impotence.
What dosages of Levitra are available?
Levitra comes in tablet form in strengths of 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20 mg. The standard dosage is one tablet that is recommended by the doctor. It should be taken with a glass of water about 30 minutes to one hour before sexual activity. Taking higher dosage of Levitra without consulting a doctor may result in side effects. The effects of Levitra become visible within 30-60 minutes after taking the dosage and the effects last for about four to 12 hours.
Levitra can be taken with or without food but its intake should be avoided with grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
What are the contraindications for Levitra?
· Intake of Levitra is not recommended to men who are already taking nitrate drugs such as nitro-glycerine and isosorbide dinitrate
· Levitra is also not recommended for men who take recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite or poppers
· Levitra is not intended for use among women and children
What are the side effects of Levitra?
Levitra is a prescription pill and it may have some mild side effects. Some of the common side effects of Levitra include flushing, mild dizziness, headache, nasal congestion, upset stomach, eye sensitivity to light, and vision abnormalities like blue tinted vision.
Some other side effects are also associated to intake of Levitra such as allergic reactions, difficulty in breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, chest pain, swelling of the ankles or legs, or even back pain. These side effects may vary among different men taking Levitra.
Brief description
Levitra is an erectile dysfunction drug. It is manufactured by Bayer and marketed by GlaxoSmithKline and Schering-Plough. It comes in a pill form and is only available on prescription. The active ingredient in Levitra is vardenafil and it works by inhibiting the enzyme called PDE5. Its effects start in 30 minutes to an hour and last for four to 12 hours. It should be used by men only, women and children should not use it. Some of the common side effects of Levitra include flushing, headache, sensitivity to light, and nasal congestion.