Generic Vardenafil HCI (Brand Name: Levitra®) is oral therapy for Erectile Dysfunction. Vardenafil HCI belongs to a class of drugs called "PDE-5 inhibitors." It works by increasing blood flow to the penis to improve erectile function. In clinical trials, Vardenafil HCI was shown to help men get and keep an erection for successful intercourse.
What is Vardenafil HCI?
Vardenafil HCI is a tablet used to treat Erectile Dysfunction (impotence) in men. It can help men who have Erectile Dysfunction get and sustain an erection when they are sexually excited. One does not get an erection just by taking this medicine. Vardenafil HCI helps a man with Erectile Dysfunction get an erection only when he is sexually excited.
How does Vardenafil HCI work?
Vardenafil HCI enables many men with ED to respond to sexual stimulation. When a man is sexually aroused, the arteries in the penis relax and widen, allowing more blood to flow into the penis. As the arteries in the penis expand and harden, the veins that normally carry blood away from the penis become compressed, restricting the blood flow out of the penis. With more blood flowing in and less flowing out, the penis enlarges, resulting in an erection. Please understand that Vardenafil HCI is not a hormone or aphrodisiac, it works only when a man is sexually stimulated.
How much time does it take to work?
Take Vardenafil HCI about one hour before you plan to have sex. Beginning in about 30 minutes and lasts for up to 4 hours, Vardenafil HCI can help you get an erection if you are sexually excited. If you take Vardenafil HCI after a high-fat meal (such as fish & chips, cheeseburger or French fries), the medicine may take a little longer to start working. Vardenafil HCI can help you get an erection when you are sexually excited. You will not get an erection just by taking the pill.What Vardenafil HCI does not do.Vardenafil HCI does not cure Erectile Dysfunction. It is a treatment for erectile dysfunction. Vardenafil HCI does not protect you or your partner from getting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV-the virus that causes AIDS. Vardenafil HCI is not a hormone or an aphrodisiac.
Who should take Vardenafil HCI?
Ask your doctor if your heart is healthy enough for sexual activity. If you take any medicines that contain nitrates - either regularly or as needed - you should never take Vardinafil HCI. If you take Vardenafil HCI with any nitrate medicine or recreational drug containing nitrates, your blood pressure could suddenly drop to an unsafe level. You could get dizzy, faint, or even have a heart attack or stroke.
Nitrates are found in many prescription medicines that are used to treat angina (chest pain due to heart disease) such as: nitroglycerine (sprays, ointments, skin patches or pastes, and tablets that are swallowed or dissolved in the mouth) isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate (tablets that are swallowed, chewed, or dissolved in the mouth) Nitrates are also found in recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). If you are not sure if any of your medicines contain nitrates, or if you do not understand what nitrates are, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Vardenafil HCI is only for patients with erectile dysfunction. Vardenafil HCI is not for newborns, children, or women. Do not let anyone else take your Vardenafil HCI. Vardenafil HCI must be used only under a doctor's supervision.
Side effects.
Like all medicines, Vardenafil HCI can cause some side effects. These effects are usually mild to moderate and usually don't last longer than a few hours. Some of these side effects are more likely to occur with higher doses.
The most common side effects of Vardenafil HCI are headache, flushing of the face and upset stomach. Less common side effects that may occur are temporary changes in colour vision (such as trouble telling the difference between blue and green objects or having a blue colour tinge to them), eyes being more sensitive to light or blurred vision. In rare instances, men have reported an erection that lasts many hours. You should call a doctor immediately if you ever have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours. If not treated right away, permanent damage to your penis could occur.
Heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeats and death have been reported rarely in men taking Vardenafil HCI. Most, but not all, of these men had heart problems before taking this medicine. It is not possible to determine whether these events were directly related to Sildenafil Citrate. Sildenafil Citrate may cause other side effects besides those listed on this sheet. If you want more information or develop any side effect or symptom you are concerned about, call your doctor.
What to tell your doctor before beginning Vardenafil HCI.
Only your doctor can decide if Vardenafil HCI is right for you. Vardenafil HCI can cause mild, temporary lowering of your blood pressure. You will need to have a thorough medical exam to diagnose your Erectile Dysfunction and to find out if you can safely take Vardenafil HCI alone or with your other medicines.Your doctor should determine if your heart is healthy enough to handle the extra strain of having sex.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have had:
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Any heart problems (e.g., angina, chest pain, heart failure, irregular heart beats, or heart attack), have ever had a stroke
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Low or high blood pressure
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A rare inherited eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa
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Any kidney problems or any liver problems
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Any blood problems, including sickle cell anemia or leukemia
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Allergies to Sildenafil or any of the other ingredients of Vardenafil HCI tablets
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A deformed penis, Peyronie's disease, or ever had an erection that lasted more than 4 hours
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Stomach ulcers or any types of bleeding problems or, if you are taking any other medicines.