Levitra 60 mg (Vardenafil) Tablet

How It Works

Levitra 60mg falls under the class of drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors. It relaxes and widens blood vessels in different parts of the body, including the penis. This encourages better blood circulation. 

• For an erection to occur, proper blood circulation is needed. cGMP is a molecule that controls the contraction and dilation of blood vessels. PDE5 interferes with this action of cGMP, making erections weak during sex.
• Vardenafil blocks this action of PDE5 and allows cGMP to increase. This helps blood to flow to the penis properly. As a result, a hard erection occurs, suitable for sex. 
• This medication is a powerful erectile dysfunction treatment option. However, it can’t work without sexual stimulation (e.g., physical touch, stroking, etc.). 

Uses

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) 

Inability to get or maintain an erection while having sexual intercourse.

Benefits

• Helps to get and maintain an erection during sex
• Builds sexual confidence 
• Increases relationship satisfaction
• Improves quality of life

Levitra Dosage

• For sexual dysfunction treatment, your doctor may prescribe you to take Levitra 60mg once a day. 
• The dosage depends on other factors, e.g., your age, health, etc. Levitra should not be taken more than once in 24 hours. 
• The drug needs to be taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity. 
• The effects of this medicine last for around 5 hours. So do not chew, crush, or break the tablet. Take it as a whole with sufficient water. 

Missed Dosage: 

This medicine is taken as and when needed for erectile dysfunction. So, the chances of missing a dose are very low.

Overdose: 

An overdose of the drug can lead to harmful effects. If such a case arises, seek immediate medical help.

Safety Advice

Alcohol : UNSAFE
It is unsafe to drink alcohol with Levitra 60mg (vardenafil) Tablets.

Pregnancy : POSSIBLY UNSAFE
This medicine is not approved for use in women. It’s for male sexual health problems (impotence or ED). So, it is unlikely to be used during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding : CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Sufficient information is not available about the use of Levitra 60mg during breastfeeding. Consult your doctor.

Driving : UNSAFE
This drug can make you dizzy or affect your vision. Do not drive or use hazardous machinery until you are fully aware of its effects on you.

Kidney : CAUTION
Use caution if you have severe kidney disease. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

Liver:  CAUTION
This medication will be processed by your liver, so use caution if you have an existing liver problem. Consult your doctor for further advice. Your doctor will probably adjust the Levitra dosage for you. 

Other Precautions

Before you take Levitra 60 mg, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to Levitra or any other medications.
• If you are undergoing any surgery or treatment.
• If you take nitrates for chest pain.
• If you have a history of heart attack, stroke, or congestive heart failure.
• If you suffer from problems such as diabetes, hypertension, angina, etc.
• If you have a physical deformity of the penis or Peyronie’s.
• If you have blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia, or multiple myeloma.
• If you suffer from an eye-related disorder such as retinitis pigmentosa.
• If you have stomach ulcers.
• If you suffer from a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia.

Levitra Side Effects

Like any other medicinal drug, Levitra 60mg may cause certain side effects. Some common side effects include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Flushing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Usually, the side effects are mild and will go away in a while. In some rare cases, more serious side effects can occur, such as:

• Chest pain during sex
• Vision loss in one or both eyes
• A prolonged erection of more than 4 hours

Vardenafil 60 mg is a strong dose, only used for erectile dysfunction treatment. The higher the dose, the higher the chances of side effects. Do not take it if you don’t have ED or without speaking to your doctor. If you experience any serious symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Drug Interactions

Several drugs are known to interact with Levitra 60mg and affect the way it works. If you take any form of recreational, OTC, or any other drugs, let your doctor know about them. This medication may interact with: 

• Amlodipine
• Alfuzosin, doxazosin, and terazosin
• Clarithromycin and erythromycin
• Itraconazole and ketoconazole
• Nitroglycerin
• Efiravenz
• Atenolol
• Atazanavir, indinavir, and ritonavir
• Moxifloxacin
• Other medicines for ED

Interaction with alcohol

Alcohol is known to increase the chances of experiencing side effects and impart negative effects on your health. Avoid consuming alcohol along with this medicine.

Storage Instructions

• Store in a cool and dry place.
• Keep it away from the reach of children and pets.
• Retain the original packaging of the medicine.
• Do not consume the medicine past its expiration date.

Substitutes Available

Levitra 10 mg

Levitra 20 mg

Levitra 40 mg

References

• Wang H, Guo B, Huang Z, Zhao X, Ji Z. Vardenafil in the Treatment of Male Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Adv Ther. 2021 Feb;38(2):1301-1313. doi: 10.1007/s12325-020-01559-9. Epub 2021 Jan 11. PMID: 33432539.  Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12325-020-01559-9
• Ashour AE, Rahman AF, Kassem MG. Vardenafil dihydrochloride. Profiles Drug Subst Excip Relat Methodol. 2014;39:515-44. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-800173-8.00009-X. PMID: 24794912. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B978012800173800009X?via%3Dihub
• Keating GM, Scott LJ. Vardenafil: a review of its use in erectile dysfunction. Drugs. 2003;63(23):2673-703. doi: 10.2165/00003495-200363230-00010. PMID: 14636086. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003495-200363230-00010
• Crowe SM, Streetman DS. Vardenafil treatment for erectile dysfunction. Ann Pharmacother. 2004 Jan;38(1):77-85. doi: 10.1345/aph.1D019. PMID: 14742800. Available from: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1345/aph.1D019
• Sofikitis N, Kaltsas A, Dimitriadis F, Rassweiler J, Grivas N, Zachariou A, Kaponis A, Tsounapi P, Paterakis N, Karagiannis A, Skouros S, Giannakis I, Champilomatis I, Paschopoulos M, Daphnis D, Giakoumakis I, R Gabales M, M Chua JB, Lantin Iii PL, Mamoulakis C, Takenaka A. The Effect of PDE5 Inhibitors on the Male Reproductive Tract. Curr Pharm Des. 2021;27(23):2697-2713. doi: 10.2174/1381612826666200226121510. PMID: 32101115. Available from: https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/104866
• Pyrgidis N, Mykoniatis I, Haidich AB, Tirta M, Talimtzi P, Kalyvianakis D, Ouranidis A, Hatzichristou D. The Effect of Phosphodiesterase-type 5 Inhibitorson Erectile Function: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Sep 7;12:735708. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.735708. PMID: 34557099; PMCID:PMC8452927. Available from: https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/26/3/777/29274/Vardenafil-a-New-Phosphodiesterase-Type-5