Levitra (vardenafil hydrochloride) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence). It is an erectile dysfunction agent that works by blocking a certain enzyme (phosphodiesterase-PDE5). Common side effects include headache, flushing, nasal stuffiness, stomach upset, heartburn, runny nose, dizziness, or nausea.
The recommended starting dose of Levitra is 10 mg, taken orally, as needed, approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity. The dose may be increased to a maximum 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg based on efficacy and side effects. The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day. Levitra may interact with nitrate drugs for chest pain or heart problems, other medications for erectile dysfunction, conivaptan, diclofenac, imatinib, isoniazid, antidepressants, antibiotics, antifungals, drugs to treat high blood pressure or a prostate disorder, heart or blood pressure medications, heart rhythm medicine, or HIV/AIDS medicine. Tell your doctor all medications you use. This medication is not usually used in women. Therefore, it is unlikely to be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Consult your doctor if you have questions.
Our Levitra (vardenafil hydrochloride) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
During sexual activity, if you become dizzy or nauseated, or have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, stop and call your doctor right away. You could be having a serious side effect of vardenafil.
Stop using vardenafil and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
sudden vision loss;
ringing in your ears, or sudden hearing loss;
chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
irregular heartbeat;
swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
shortness of breath;
vision changes;
feeling light-headed, fainting;
penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer; or
seizure (convulsions).
Less serious side effects may include:
warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest;
runny or stuffy nose;
headache, dizziness;
upset stomach; or
back pain.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, flushing, stuffy/runny nose, or dizziness may occur. Vision changes such as increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or trouble telling blue and green colors apart may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Sexual activity may put extra strain on your heart, especially if you have heart problems. If you have heart problems and experience any of these serious side effects while having sex, stop and get medical help right away: severe dizziness, fainting, chest/jaw/left arm pain, nausea.
Rarely, sudden decreased vision in one or both eyes (NAION) may occur. This effect may or may not be caused by vardenafil. If this serious problem occurs, stop taking vardenafil and get medical help right away. You have a slightly greater chance of developing NAION if you have heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, certain other eye problems (“crowded disk”), high blood pressure, if you are over 50, or if you smoke.
Rarely, a sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears and dizziness, may occur. Stop taking vardenafil and get medical help right away if these effects occur.
In the rare event you have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures, temporary memory loss.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
