Men of all ages can experience issues with erections from time to time. However, when this problem becomes a part of everyday life, we are talking about a condition called erectile dysfunction. This health concern may develop at an early age due to various factors, but it’s possible to deal with it effectively by using modern drugs. One of the drugs that are commonly prescribed for this purpose is Levitra. In this article, you can find out more about this medication, how it works, and important precautions.
Levitra – effective and safe ED solution
There are many health supplements out there that claim to treat ED. But, the proven drugs, such as Levitra, remain the most widely used and thoroughly tested. Just like Viagra, Levitra belongs to the group of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors. To put it simply, the active component in this drug, Vardenafil, promotes the relaxation of blood vessels in the body and ensures a better supply of blood to the penis. Such an effect occurs only when a man gets aroused because of sexual stimulation. If this doesn’t happen, there shouldn’t be any uncomfortable sensations. Because natural arousal is required for this drug to work, it is used only when ED was caused by physical ailments. They may include diabetes, cardiovascular problems, atherosclerosis, high levels of cholesterol, and more.
It’s important to mention that Levitra is not a permanent cure. By boosting the blood flow, this drug allows men to overcome their erectile problems for up to 5 hours. To get the results again, a man should continue taking this drug before intercourses.
When it comes to the dosages of Levitra, there are several options. This drug can be purchased in the dosages of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg. The standard initial dosage of Levitra is 5 mg. It can be decreased to 2.5 mg due to individual reactions or older age. Or, it can be increased to 10 mg if you don’t get the needed results but also don’t experience any side effects. It may take some adjustments to find the right dosage for you and you should pay attention to your reactions.
Taking Levitra the right way
Levitra is the type of drug that should be consumed only when you need it. There is no treatment plan that you need to adhere to, so when you don’t plan to have sex, you should simply skip taking this drug.
Levitra should be taken about 30-40 minutes before sexual intercourse with a glass of water. During this time, the drug can fully absorb in your system and start working. You should avoid crushing the tablet and let it dissolve naturally. Once the drug is absorbed, it will continue working in your body for up to 5 hours. You can engage in sexual activities and get firm erections. It’s important not to exceed the dosage of a single tablet over 24 hours.
Contraindications: your medical history is essential
Consulting a medical specialist and assessing your medical history is important to determine if Levitra is the right drug for you. If you notice any components in Levitra that you are allergic to, you should skip taking this medication. Moreover, there are some conditions that are incompatible with the consumption of Levitra. They include the following:
- Severe kidney problems
- Severe liver diseases
- Angina and some other cardiovascular problems
- Degenerative eye disease
- Unmonitored blood sugar levels
- Severe hypotension or hypertension
There may be other conditions that are contraindications to taking this drug. You should consult a professional to know if it can be consumed and the right dosage. Also, you should avoid taking this drug if you have recently undergone any surgeries.
Drug interactions to avoid
Another type of precaution when it comes to Levitra is drug interactions. Not all drugs can be consumed simultaneously with Levitra as they can either cause side effects or become less effective. To make sure this doesn’t happen, you should provide a list of any drugs that you take to your health care specialist.
Some of the groups of drugs that can interact with Levitra include:
- Alpha-blockers
- Some protease inhibitors
- Some antihypertensive drugs
- CYP3A4 inhibitors
- Any drugs containing nitrates
- Certain QT-prolonging agents
These are the most common group of drugs that interact with Levitra, but this is not a complete list. If you have any doubts about whether a medication can be consumed with Levitra, you should always consult a specialist.
Levitra and adverse reactions
To avoid adverse reactions, you should not exceed the right dosage and make sure that you follow all the recommendations. If you still get side effects, you should stop taking this drug at once and get medical help. Mild side effects may require simple adjustment of the dosage or you may need to switch to another drug.
If you get an allergic reaction to Levitra, there are several most common symptoms. You may get a skin reaction (hives, redness), breathing difficulties, and swelling in the face or body parts. Such reactions require immediate medical assistance.
Mild side effects of taking Levitra include the following:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Dizziness
- Excessive sweating
- Runny nose
- Flushing in the chest or face
Such mild reactions are not dangerous but they may require you to take a lower dosage of Levitra. In some cases, such symptoms can go away once you get used to the medication.
Serious adverse reactions are rare and they require immediate medical attention so that you don’t get any complications. Such severe side effects may include:
- Vision changes
- Severe muscle pain
- Painful erection that lasts several hours
- Fast heart rate or other irregularities
- Numbness in any body parts
The moment that you notice any of these or other symptoms, you should stop consuming Levitra and get emergency medical help.
Storing this drug correctly
Storage is something that shouldn’t be overlooked as any changes in the drug due to improper storage can cause side effects.
You should keep Levitra away from any sources of direct sunlight, moisture, or heat. The medication should be kept in a dry place at room temperature. You should keep this drug in its original packaging and make sure that it cannot be reached by pets or children. If you notice that tablets look different, have any damaging, are melting, or have other problems, you should discard them.
Product Disclaimer:
The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This article shouldn’t be used as a substitute for a one-on-one consultation with a medical professional. It is important to analyze the risks before consuming Levitra and make sure that there aren’t any contraindications. You may need to undergo a physical examination and/or certain laboratory tests to assess the state of your health. While this drug is tolerated well by most patients, it should be safe in your particular situation. Being monitored by a medical specialist is the best way to avoid any unwanted adverse effects and complications.