by Dr. Manura Nanayakkara

Created on: October 09, 2010

Levitra is a drug prescribed in erectile dysfunction. Its generic name is Vardenafil. It is a Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor.  

How Levitra works?

Pooling of blood inside the penis causes it to erect. For this to happen, penile vascular smooth muscle must be relaxed. A neurotransmitter called Nitrous oxide is required for the initiation of this cascade. Levitra inhibits PGE type 5 enzymes and potentiates the reaction, but does not initiate it. Nitrous oxide is released only in a proper emotional background.  So ultimately Levitra increases the erection initiated by the Nitrous oxide. Therefore Levitra cannot erect a penis alone.

Since Levitra is dealing with the vascular system, cardiovascular side effects are common. Some of them can be dangerous.

What are the dangerous side effects?

Levitra brings down blood pressure in susceptible individuals. This can result in sudden faintish attacks, heart attacks (Myocardial infarction) and can cause problems with cardiac rhythm (Cardiac arrhythmias). Some patients can become blind by a reduction of blood supply to the retina. So it is quite dangerous to order Levitra from the internet and taking without proper medical advice.

Sometimes penile erection can become so strong that it refuses to go back into the original position and it is called priapism. So seek medical advice if the penile erection lasts more than 4 hours. Very rarely penile fracture can occur.

Some patients may get seizures, allergic reactions and hearing loss as well. Allergic reactions are characterized by hives, pallor, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

Some patients can get problems in hearing. If you get ringing in your ear or hearing loss then you should seek medical help immediately.

Certain people can get alteration of color vision. So if you start seeing, blue tinge in objects or unable to differentiate between blue and green then you must seek medical help.

What are the other common side effects?

Gastrointestinal disturbances like dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth and abdominal pain are common. Some patients may get headache. This medication can precipitate migraine in susceptible individuals. Certain patients may get flushing. Dizziness is another common side effect. Muscle and joint pain can become troublesome. Visual disturbances and nasal congestion can occur in certain patients. Nasal congestion can occur with some patients.

What the doctor should know before prescribing Levitra?

If you have following problems then inform your doctor before writing the prescription,

* Any heart disease

* Any vascular disease

* Anatomical deformity of the penis

* Sickle cell disease

* Eye disease

* Recent stroke

* Recent myocardial infarction

*Blood cancers such as leukemia and multiple myeloma

*Diabetes

If you are on Nitrates (Imdur®), anti-impotent drugs or alpha blockers (Hyprovase®) then you must inform your doctor before prescribing. Basically you must tell your medications history to the doctor, including all the over the counter as well as, recreational drugs.

Sources

BNF

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