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Vardenafil

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Make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows if you suffer from heart disease.
Avoid foods high in fat content.
Avoid large quantities of alcohol.
Avoid grapefruit juice.

About vardenafil

Type of medicine	Phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor
Used for	Erectile dysfunction
Also called	Levitra®
Available as	Tablets

Vardenafil works by preventing the action of a chemical in the body called phosphodiesterase type 5. This means that the blood vessels are kept dilated for longer, improving blood flow to the penis and maintaining an erection.

Before taking vardenafil

Before taking vardenafil make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are using any other products to treat erectile dysfunction.
If you have liver or kidney problems.
If you have problems with your eyesight.
If you have angina, heart disease or a low blood pressure.
If you have a physical abnormality of your penis.
If you have recently suffered a stroke.
If you have a bleeding disorder or stomach ulcer.
If you have been told you have sickle-cell disease, multiple myeloma or leukemia.
If you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take vardenafil

Take vardenafil exactly as directed by your doctor.
You must follow the printed instructions you have been given with your medication.
Take your medicine approximately 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity.
Your medicine can be taken with or without food.
Do not take more than one dose in any 24 hour period.

Getting the most from your treatment

Avoid foods high in fat content; it may take longer for your medicine to work.
Avoid large quantities of alcohol; it makes problems with erection worse.
Avoid grapefruit juice; it may interfere with your medicine.

Can vardenafil cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer
Dizziness, sleepiness Problems with vision	Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness
Blocked nose	Inhaling steam may help
Feeling sick, indigestion	Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast
Flushing, muscle or back pain	Speak with your doctor if any of these trouble you

Important: If you suddenly have difficulty seeing or hearing, do not take vardenafil and contact your doctor straight away.

Note: if you have a persistent erection for four hours or more, contact your doctor at once.

Important: If you experience chest pains, an irregular heartbeat or a sudden sharp headache with numbness or tingling on one side of the body contact your doctor or seek medical attention as soon as possible.

How to store vardenafil

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light

Important information about all medicines

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Levitra®, Bayer plc, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised July 2008, accessed September 2008.
British National Formulary; 56th Edition (September 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID:
1507

DocRef:
dils3870

Last Updated:
6 Nov 2008

Date of Next Review:
6 Nov 2010

Version:
24

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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