What is Levitra?
Levitra is a prescription medication taken orally to treat Erectile Dysfunction or ED. It is manufactured by Bayer Healthcare, marketed by GlaxoSmithKline and distributed/marketed by Schering-Plough.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction is simply the inability to attain or maintain an erection of the penis for sexual intercourse. ED can stem from both physiological(biochemical, physical, and mechanical) or psychological(mental processes and behavior) factors. To achieve an erection the nerves in the penis must be properly functioning, blood circulation to the penis needs to be uninhibited, and the brain must be stimulated. As you can see the there are a couple of places to go wrong.
How does Levitra treat Erectile Dysfunction or impotence?
Levitra helps increase blood flow to the penis to help maintain and sustain an erection for complete sexual intercourse. Levitra has been show to help men who have health problems contributing to ED such as high blood pressure, diabetes, abnormal cholesterol, and cardiovascular illnesses. Levitra is in a class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors. It works specifically when a man is feeling aroused and blood begins to fill two chambers in the penis leading to an erection.
Is Levitra better than Viagra and Cialis?
Levitra differs from Viagra and Cialis in several ways. Levitra acts in 30 to 40 minutes and lasts about 16 hours. Comparatively, Viagra takes 30 minutes lasting 4 hours and Cialis works best in 24 hours and lasts approximately 3 days.
Possible Side Effects
The most common side effects of levitra are headaches, stuffy or runny nose, and flushing. Some uncommon side effects are priapism (an erection that won't go away) and vision changes such as a blue tinge to objects. In rare instances men taking PDE5 inhibitors have reported a sudden decrease or loss of vision in either or both eyes. It has not been determined whether these events are a result of taking the PDE5 inhibitors solely, or a other factors such as cardiovascular problems, diabetes, blood pressure, or a combination. If you experience any loss of vision stop taking any PDE5 inhibitors and call a doctor right away.
What medications should I not take in conjunction with Levitra?
Do not take Levitra if you are taking Nitrates, or if you use recreational drugs like amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate, commonly known as poppers. Also, if you have been advised by your doctor not to have sex because of other health issues do not use this medication. Levitra can interact with other medications and chemicals, please consult your doctor with your healthcare professional first before using.
What about alcohol and food?
Levitra can be taken with food and in most cases has shown to be more effective on a full stomach. Heavy amounts of alcohol can contribule to Erectile Dysfunction, if you do take the medication while drinking only imbibe a moderate amount.
What Levitra does not do
Levitra does not cure Erectile Dysfunction. It does not increase a man's sexual desire. It does not protect you or your partner from any sexually transmitted diseases including HIV. It is not a form of birth control.
Where might I find more information on Levitra?
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.
