Vardenafil is an orally administered medication that is known as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. This type of medication inhibits the action of a particular enzyme while a man is sexually aroused. This allows the penis to remain firmer for a longer period of time. Along with sildenafil and tadalafil, vardenafil is one of the three most prescribed oral medications used for erectile dysfunction in men. Anyone can suffer from ED for a variety of reasons. Its brand names are Levitra and Vivanza. This type of medicine had become available only within the last decade or so.
History of Generic Levitra
| number of pills | price per pill | |
| 500 | - | $2.00 |
| 90 | - | $2.54 |
| 30 | - | $3.63 |
Generic Levitra
Generic Levitra works like Viagra only faster and stronger (so lower dosages are required).
Vardenafil HCL 20mg
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Generic levitra was, at the outset, created and produced by Bayer Pharmaceuticals. Glaxo Smith Kline was brought on board at the behest of Bayer to help market Levitra in 2005. Glaxo later turned back over the marketing rights for Levitra to Bayer. Bayer now markets in many worldwide areas outside of the United States. In other countries, Bayer markets generic levitra under the brand name of Levitra and Glaxo Smith Kline markets it under the brand name Vivanza.
How Generic Levitra Works
Initially nitric oxide is produced when a man is sexually stimulated and then it travels to the blood vessels and tissues in the penis. Once that happens, the penis releases a chemical called cyclic GMP. This chemical is what allows the blood vessels and tissues of the penis to relax and dilate. When they do, the blood flow is greatly increased to the penis which causes a man to get an erection. Following sexual intercourse, the enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) is sent out. Its job is to destroy the cGMP. This is what lets the penis shrink and return to normal size. Vardenafil delays the release of phosphodiesterase type 5. Since there is little PDE5 to break down the cGMP, the penis remains erect for a longer period of time.
Generic Levitra Uses
Generic levitra is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men. Unlike tadalafil, this medication is not prescribed as a once a day medication. It is only to be taken before sexual intercourse and not more than once in a 24 hour period. ED can be the total inability to get an erection or it can be the inability to keep an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse. Impotence has been a term that’s been interchangeably used for erectile dysfunction. Some in the medical community believe up to 10 to 20 percent of ED and sexual dysfunction cases are actually psychological in origin. There is more often than not a physical reason for erectile dysfunction in older men. There are estimates that 15 to 30 million men experience some form of ED. ED can occur for a number of reasons. Smoking, no exercise and being overweight are though to be likely reasons for erectile dysfunction. Diseases such as high cholesterol, hyper tension and diabetes can all cause ED. Surgeries which cause injury that influence nerve function, blood flow, or damage muscle or tissue function can lead to ED. Erectile dysfunction is caused as a side effect to certain medications. Many antidepressants and anti-psychotics, antihistamines and some ulcer medications are a few that have been documented to cause ED.
Generic Levitra Side Effects
Some of the most frequent side effects from using Generic Levitra are:
- Headaches
- Feeling flushed
- Indigestion
- Upset stomach
- Vertigo
- Stuffy nose
- Vision changes such as trouble differentiating between the colors blue and green
- Photosensitivity
Potential Serious Side Effects (discontinue use and call a doctor)
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain
- Sudden loss of vision
- Sudden loss of hearing
- Blurred vision
- A Painful erection
- An erection that lasts for more than 4 hours
- Rash
- Difficulty breathing
In May 2005 an association was discovered by the FDA between phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and a type of vision impairment brought on by a condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). During further investigation, the FDA found that most experiencing this adverse side effect had other conditions which influenced whether they developed it or not. The FDA required the drug companies add an additional warning on all PDE5 inhibitor type medications that there was a higher than average risk for developing sudden hearing loss.
Generic Levitra Contraindications
- Vardenafil should not be used by people using nitrates for chest pain because of the risk of a sudden, dangerous drop in blood pressure
- Generic levitra should not be used by anyone with liver or renal problems
- If you have had a stroke or heart attack in the past three months tell your doctor before using generic levitra
- Do not use vardenafil if you are allergic to any ingredients contained in it
Generic Levitra drug interactions
- Nitrates like nitroglycerin, isosorbide, nitroprusside or amyl nitrate
- Alpha blockers for high blood pressure
- Other types of medications used for high blood pressure
- Erythromycin
- Tagamet
- Anti-fungals like ketoconazole or fluconazole
- Protease inhibitors used for HIV patients such as indinavir and ritonavir
- Alcohol