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What is Levitra?
Levitra is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. It works by helping to relax muscles and increase blood flow into the penis during sexual stimulation. This helps men to achieve and maintain an erection.
Levitra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence).
Levitra may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Levitra
Do not take Levitra if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems. This includes nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, and others), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket). Nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). Taking Levitra with a nitrate medicine can cause a serious decrease in blood pressure, leading to fainting, stroke, or heart attack.
During sexual activity, if you become dizzy or nauseated, or have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, stop and call your doctor right away. You could be having a serious side effect of Levitra.
Do not take Levitra more than once a day. Allow 24 hours to pass between doses. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours. A prolonged erection (priapism) can damage the penis.
Levitra can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye, causing sudden vision loss. This has occurred in a small number of people taking Levitra, most of whom also had heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or certain pre-existing eye problems, and in those who smoke or are over 50 years old. It is not clear whether Levitra is the actual cause of vision loss.
Stop using Levitra and get emergency medical help if you have sudden vision loss.
How should I take Levitra?
Take Levitra exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Levitra can be taken with or without food.
Levitra is usually taken only when needed, about 60 minutes before sexual activity. The medication can help achieve an erection when sexual stimulation occurs. An erection will not occur just by taking a pill. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not take Levitra more than once a day. Allow 24 hours to pass between doses. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours. A prolonged erection (priapism) can damage the penis. Store Levitra at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Levitra is used as needed, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.
Levitra side effects
Stop using Levitra and get emergency medical help if you have sudden vision loss. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. During sexual activity, if you become dizzy or nauseated, or have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, stop and call your doctor right away. You could be having a serious side effect of Levitra.
Stop using Levitra and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
* sudden vision loss;
* ringing in your ears, or sudden hearing loss;
* chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
* irregular heartbeat;
* swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
* shortness of breath;
* vision changes;
* feeling light-headed, fainting;
* penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer; or
* seizure (convulsions).
Less serious Levitra side effects may include:
* warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest;
* stuffy nose;
* headache;
* memory problems;
* upset stomach; or
* back pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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