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Vardenafil
|
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 |
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
|
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).
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.
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