Levitra | vardenafil

Medication Class: Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, PDE-5 inhibitor
Manufacturer: Bayer Healthcare Corporation
Approval date: August 2003

Levitra increases blood flow to the penis (leading to improved erection) by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5).

What is Levitra used for

Impotence also known as erectile dysfunction (ED)

How effective is Levitra

• Effective within 15-60 minutes and lasts up to 4 hours
• Levitra 5, 10, and 20 mg improved erection in 65%, 75%, and 80% of patients, respectively. Only 52% of patients on placebo achieved improvement in erection.

What are interesting facts about Levitra

• Effective in a broad range of patients with erectile dysfunction, including those with diabetes or have received prostatectomy.
• Increased sensation may last up to 24 hours

Levitra dosage and administration

2.5-20 mg by mouth one hour before sexual activity. Do not use more than once daily.

What are the side effects of Levitra

Common: headache, flushing, runny or nose, dizziness, diarrhea, indigestion

Serious: Low blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, vision or hearing loss, seizures, sudden death, priapism, Non Arteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION).

Levitra drug interactions

• Other PDE5 inhibitors (Revatio, Viagra, Levitra)
• Imdur (isosorbide mononitrate)
• Isordil (isosorbide dinitrate)
• Nitro-Dur, Transderm-Nitro (nitroglycerin)
• Sporanox (itraconazole)
• erythromycin
• Nizoral (ketoconazole)
• Tagamet (cimetidine)
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g, Norvir)
• Victrelis (boceprivir)
• Incivek (telaprivir)
• alpha blockers (e.g., Hytrin, Cardura)

What is the cost of Levitra

$15.67 to 33.66 per tablet

References: Levitra FDA Prescribing Information and Medication Guide

This medication summary is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider.