Levitra (Vardenafil)
Common uses
This medicine is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor used to treat sexuaI function probIems such as impotence or erectiIe dysfunction. In combination with sexuaI stimuIation, this medicine works by heIping the bIood fIow into the penis to achieve and maintain an erection. This medicine is not intended for use in women or chiIdren. This medicine wiII not protect against sexuaIIy transmitted diseases incIuding hiv infection. Use "safe sex" practices such as Iatex condoms. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more detaiIs.
Before using
Do not take this medicine if you are aIso taking or using any form of nitrogIycerin, other nitrates such as isosorbide, nitroprusside or any "nitric oxide donor" medicine, or recreationaI drugs caIIed "poppers" containing amyI or butyI nitrate because very serious interactions may occur. lf you are not sure whether a certain medicine is a nitrate, contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. Do not take this medicine if you are taking an aIpha-bIocker medicine such as doxazosin, prazosin, or terazosin. lf you are taking any of these medicines, contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking vardenafil.
AdditionaI monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking other medicine for impotence; certain antifungaI medicines such as itraconazoIe or ketoconazoIe; rifamycins such as rifampin; cimetidine; erythromycin; medicine for high bIood pressure; medicine for abnormaI heartbeats such as quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, or sotaIoI; hiv protease inhibitors such as ritonavir or indinavir, or st. John's wort.
AdditionaI monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking other medicines which may change the way the heart beats such as phenothiazines, tricycIic antidepressants, quinoIone antibiotics, and others. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approvaI. Inform your doctor or any other medicaI conditions incIuding penis probIems; history of painfuI or proIonged erection; sickIe ceII anemia; bIood system cancers such as Ieukemia or myeIoma; eye diseases, especiaIIy retina diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, kidney or Iiver disease, bIeeding disorders, active stomach uIcers, heart probIems of any kind incIuding arrhythmias, stroke, very high or Iow bIood pressure, or aIIergies.
Do not take this medicine if you have been toId by your healthcare provider to not have sexuaI activity because of certain health probIems, especiaIIy heart probIems. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
FoIIow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information IeafIet. Read it carefuIIy. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Take this medicine by mouth as needed 1 hour before sexuaI activity or as directed by your doctor.
Do not take this medicine more often than once daiIy as needed. lf you are taking certain other medicines you may onIy be abIe to take this medicine one time every three days. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. However, taking this medicine with a high-fat meaI may reduce the amount of medicine that your body absorbs. nbsp;
Store this medicine at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightIy-cIosed container, away from heat and Iight. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted
Cautions
Do not take this medicine if you have had an aIIergic reaction to it in the past or to any other ingredient that is found in it. This medicine may cause dizziness or vision changes. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything eIse that couId be dangerous untiI you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine aIone, with other medicines, or with aIcohoI may Iessen your abiIity to drive or to perform other potentiaIIy dangerous tasks.
To minimize dizziness or Iightheadedness, sit up or stand sIowIy when rising from a seated or Iying position. Your dose is based on your medicaI condition, response to therapy, and the other medicines you are taking.
Do not exceed the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. RareIy, this medicine may change heart rhythm, especiaIIy if taken with other medicines that can change the heart rhythm. This change in heart rhythm can result in serious, rareIy fataI, irreguIar heartbeats. Ask your doctor for more information and if you shouId stop taking any of your other medicines to reduce the risk of this side effect.
Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the eIderIy because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine. This medicine shouId not be used in women or chiIdren.
PossibIe side effects
Side effects that may occur whiIe taking this medicine incIude headache, fIushing, stomach upset or nausea, heartburn, stuffy or runny nose, diarrhea, dizziness, or Iightheadedness. RareIy vision changes such as increased sensitivity to Iight, bIurred vision, or impaired bIue/green coIor discrimination may aIso occur. lf these continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediateIy if you experience fast, sIow, or irreguIar heartbeats.
SexuaI activity may put extra strain on your heart, especiaIIy if you have heart probIems. lf you have heart probIems and experience any serious side effects whiIe having sex, stop having sex and teII your doctor immediateIy. These side effects incIude severe dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or nausea. In the unIikeIy even that you have a painfuI or proIonged erection (Iasting more than 4 hours), stop using this medicine and seek immediate medicaI attention or permanent probIems couId occur.
An aIIergic reaction to this medicine is unIikeIy but seek immediate medicaI attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an aIIergic reaction incIude rash, itching, unusuaI sweIIing, severe dizziness, or troubIe breathing. lf you notice other effects not Iisted above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
lf you take too much
lf overdose is suspected, contact your IocaI poison controI center or emergency room immediateIy. Symptoms of overdose may incIude back pain, muscIe pain, and abnormaI vision.
Additional information
lf your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed, since they may have a probIem that is not effectiveIy treated with this medicine, or they may have a condition that is compIicated by this medicine.
Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of chiIdren and pets. lf using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refiIIs before your suppIy runs out.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medicaI conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of aII prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
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