What You Should Know About Vardenafil

Vardenafil (brand name Levitra) is a prescription medication used to treat men with erectile dysfunction. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which can lead to erections. It is not an aphrodisiac, and it does not increase libido or sexual desire. This medication can also reduce the blood pressure that causes dizziness, and it may decrease the risk of stroke or heart attack in certain people with high blood pressure. Vardenafil is available as a tablet or orally disintegrating tablet and should be taken on an as-needed basis, about 1 hour before sexual activity. Your doctor will adjust your dose based on your response and medical history.

The typical starting dose is 10 mg taken by mouth up to once a day, usually 1 hour before sexual activity. Your doctor will determine your dosage based on your medical condition and other medications you take. It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you use, including vitamins and herbal products. Taking this medication with certain other drugs can cause dangerous side effects or prevent the drug from working.

This medication should not be taken by women, especially if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is also not safe to take during surgery or dental procedures, since it can lower your blood pressure and could affect other medications you are taking.

Using this medication during pregnancy Vardenafil can harm the unborn baby, so you should not take it unless your doctor believes the benefits outweigh the risks. It is not known if vardenafil passes through breast milk, so you should not take it if you are breastfeeding.

Do not use this medication if you are taking riociguat (Adempas) or other nitrate drugs for chest pain, or recreational drugs such as amyl or butyl nitrate (poppers). Combining vardenafil and these medications can lead to a dangerously low blood pressure. Vardenafil is also not safe for people who are 65 or older, as it can increase the chances of death from heart-related problems such as heart attack or stroke.

Vardenafil can cause vision or hearing loss, so you should let your doctor know right away if you have any of these symptoms. These conditions are more likely to happen if you drink alcohol or smoke while taking this medication.

You should also tell your doctor if you have eye or vision problems, such as blurred vision, difficulty telling the difference between blue and green, a sudden loss of vision or hearing, or a change in how clear your eyes are when looking straight ahead. These issues can occur both when you first start taking the medication and over time.

You should avoid consuming grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication, as it can increase the amount of vardenafil that gets into your system. You should also tell your doctor about any other health problems you have, such as a bleeding disorder or liver disease. You should also inform your doctor if you are having surgery, or plan to have surgery, as this medication can affect the blood vessels in your body.