Product Summary
Levitra tablets contain the active ingredient vardenafil, which is a medicine used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (impotence). Vardenafil is called a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, and works by preventing the action of a chemical in the body called phosphodiesterase type 5.
An erection is produced via a complex chain of events, involving signals from the nervous system and the release of chemical messengers within the tissues of the penis. One of these chemical messengers is called cyclic GMP.
Cyclic GMP causes the blood vessels in the penis to widen by relaxing a thin layer of muscle found in the blood vessel walls. This allows more blood to enter the penis, which ultimately results in the penis becoming rigid and erect.
Cyclic GMP is normally broken down by another chemical in the body called phosphodiesterase type 5. Vardenafil works by preventing the action of phosphodiesterase type 5, thus stopping the breakdown of cyclic GMP. This means that the blood vessels are kept dilated for longer, improving blood flow to the penis and maintaining an erection.
As vardenafil enhances the actions of the chemical messengers responsible for producing an erection, it will only work once these messengers are present. This means that sexual stimulation is required for it to produce and maintain an erection. The dose should be taken approximately 25 minutes to one hour before intended intercourse, and it may produce an erection in response to sexual stimulation up to five hours after taking the dose.
Product Details
Recommended dosage for Levitra
ADULT MALES
Doses range from 5 milligrams to 20 milligrams, depending on the drug's effect. The recommended starting dose is 10 milligrams for most people. However, if you're 65 or older, the doctor may start you at 5 milligrams.
Take Levitra only before sexual activity. The manufacturer recommends a maximum of one dose per day. However, your doctor may need to lower the dose if you're taking certain drugs that affect the liver, including erythromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and ritonavir.
If you have moderate liver impairment, the recommended starting dose is 5 milligrams, not to exceed a daily dose of 10 milligrams. If your liver problems are mild, no dosage adjustment is required.
How should you take Levitra?
Take one Levitra tablet about one hour before sexual activity, with or without food.
- If you miss a dose...
Take Levitra only before sexual activity, but no more than once a day. Do not take two doses at once.
- Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.