Levitra (Vardenafil)
Levitra is a prescription drug for men with erectile dysfunction or infertility like Viagra and Cialis. It, however, isn’t a cure for these conditions. Levitra improves blood flow to the penis and allows one to achieve and maintain an erection throughout sexual intercourse. The drug, nevertheless, needs sexual stimulation for it to work since it is not a sexual male enhancement drug. In clinical trials, Generic Levitra has revealed outstanding results in the treatment of dysfunction it was extremely effective in up to 86% of patients. It has also positively affected patients suffering from diabetes, kidney diseases, and multiple sclerosis. These studies were carried out using a sample of 20 mg Levitra.
How it works
Generic Levitra works by boosting the levels of the enzyme cGMP-cyclic guanosine monophosphate causing muscle relaxation thus allowing more blood to flow and maintain a better erection. It does this by inhibiting enzymes that break down this enzyme (phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors). It works better than similar medicines as it targets the specific enzyme that affects the cGMP and not others.
Dosage
The Levitra pills come in three doses 3 mg, 5mg, and 20 mg. For beginners, it is advisable to start with the 10 mg dose if you have not consulted a doctor (not a good move). That way one can gauge the reaction. If it is severe, then it is wise to switch to 5 mg. If it was barely felt, then one can advance to 20 mg. Stick to the said dose if the reaction is right.
Levitra can be taken with or without food. However, a meal high in fat slows down its absorption making it less effective. Take the pills only when needed, which is about 60 minutes before the sexual activity. Follow the doctor’s instructions to achieve and maintain a strong erection.
You should avoid taking an overdose as it can negatively affect blood circulation and would not result in a prolonged erection. In addition, avoid taking Levitra together with other drugs that treat erectile dysfunction drugs such as Cialis and Viagra.
Age Limit
Levitra is the ideal solution for both young and old folks. As years, progress men develop erectile dysfunction due to andropause and the aging process. Young men also experience this disorder, as a result, of psychological problems, stress, and fatigue. Generic Levitra is not age-biased; it is good for any case.
Levitra and alcohol
You may take Levitra with moderate amounts of alcohol. However, heavy drinking may increase the risk of getting prolonged or serious side effects. Heavy drinking has been linked with cases of erectile dysfunction.
Serious side effects
Levitra rarely has any serious side effects when taken as recommended by the doctor. However, you may get serious side effects if you have any serious pre-existing medical conditions that cause adverse body reactions. Some of the rare side effects include shortness of breath, convulsions (seizure), a painful penis erection or an erection that lasts for more than four hours (priapism), changes in vision, sudden hearing loss, or ringing in your eyes. The other serious side effects are the symptoms of heart attack which include profuse sweating, nausea, irregular heartbeat, pressure in the chest, and pain that spreads from your left jaw to your left shoulder.
You may also get a reaction if you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Levitra. The symptoms include tongue and throat swelling, the lips, and difficulty in breathing. If you experience any of the above symptoms, stop using Levitra and seek emergency medical assistance.
Viagra (Sildenafil)
Viagra is a blue, diamond-shaped round tablet with a film coating in 25, 50, and 100mg of sildenafil- the active ingredient in Viagra. It has the following inactive agents; microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, lactose, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, triacetin, and titanium dioxide.
How it works
Viagra works by stimulating and increasing blood flow to the penis to keep the penis hard enough for sex. However, there must be sexual stimulation for it to work. Viagra should be taken one hour before sexual activity although individuals have a different reaction. It can last in the body up to four hours after taking and in 24 hours all traces are gone. It should not be sold to persons under the age of 18.
Dosage and administration
Viagra can be taken with or without food. However, different doses are recommended for different cases like drug interactions. For example
Ritonavir: ritonavir treated patients should start with 25mg before engaging in sex and a maximum of 25mg within a 48-hour duration because it increases blood levels eleven times more
CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Clinical studies show that co-administration of CYP3A4 inhibitors and Viagra increases blood levels three times.
Cirrhosis: start with a low dosage of 25mg for patients suffering from hepatic and severe renal impairment and above 65 years of age due to the high plasma levels of sildenafil
Serious side effects
Common Viagra side effects are; stomach upset, headache, running nose, flushing, insomnia, and muscle and back pain. Other rarely reported effects include:
- A flashy vision where one eye of both loses vision and you are encouraged to stop use in such an occurrence.
- Priapism- an erection that won’t go away
- Hearing loss- either in one ear or both ears; some people report a recurring ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
While Viagra can help one retain an erection during sexual activity, it is not for everyone. Do not use Viagra if:
- You are taking nitrates medication, usually prescribed for patients with chest pain, and hypertension. Adding Viagra can drop your blood pressure to unsafe levels
- You are allergic to sildenafil or any other ingredients found in Viagra.
Here is a list of some things you must disclose to your physician before you take Viagra:
- History of heart problems, heart surgery in the past 6 months
- Have had a prolonged erection of up to 4 hours
- Liver or kidney problems in the past
- Blood-related issues like sickle cell anemia
- Pigmentosa- a rare genetic eye problem
Also tell the physician about all medications you are currently taking including vitamins, prescriptions, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs. Viagra may affect how other medications work and the medicines may also affect how Viagra works.
Cialis (Tadalafil)
Cialis comes in almond-shaped yellow film-coated tablets of 5, 10, and 20 mg doses. Under the name Adcirca, tadalafil is used to treat pulmonary hypertension.
How it works
Cialis just like Levitra and Viagra increase blood flow to the penis by dilating blood vessels that bring blood to the penis. When a man is stimulated sexually, nitric acid is released and it controls dilation.
Dosage
To treat erectile dysfunction, the tablets or dosage cannot be taken more than once in 24 hours. A daily dose of 10mg or 20mg is not recommended. Tadalafil used for erectile dysfunction is not for use for people under 18 years.
Side effects
Cialis and nitrate medication should not be taken together to avoid the risk of hypertension and blood pressure. A man using nitrate for chest problems or heart issues should stay away from tadalafil. Eli Lilly- the drug producer warns against use if a man develops certain symptoms during sexual activity that would be a sign of complications. These signs include nausea, dizziness, numbness, tingling, and pain in the jaws, arms, neck, and chest.
Serious side effects
In not-so-common cases, Cialis may prevent blood flow to the optic nerve leading to sudden vision loss. Loss of vision is likely to happen due to hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and previous eye problems in patients.
Priapism is also a fatal side effect of Cialis as the prolonged erection duration might permanently damage the penis if no medical assistance is provided.
People with the following conditions must seek a doctor’s opinion before taking Cialis
- Heart rhythm problems
- Low or high blood pressure
- Any form of anemia or stroke in a span of 6 months
- Liver or kidney issues
- Pigmentosa
- Any condition that is closely related to sexual activity
Caution
FDA has sternly warned about the hearing loss that is closely associated with Cialis use. In 2016 FDA announced the evaluation of the need for regulatory action against Cialis and other similar drugs following their indication to increase the risk of skin cancer. The exact risk factor is yet to be determined
Stendra (Avanafil)
Avanafil is used to treat impotence and erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to facilitate erection retention. This drug does not prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases during sexual intercourse.
Dosage
Avanafil treatment should never be administered to people under 18. The dosage is as instructed by your doctor. Avanafil should be taken 15 to 30 minutes before sexual intercourse. It can be taken with or without meals.
The recommended starting dose is 100mg although you can start with 50mg to test the body’s response and increase as instructed.
Avanafil and alcohol
Apart from its fast reaction rate, one of the most exploited advantages by users is the fact that it can be taken together with up to 3 alcohol servings. It has also proven effective in difficult-to-treat cases. Talk to the specialist about grapefruit juice consumption while using Avanafil.
Side effects
Another advantage of avanafil is its minimal side effects. Some side effects are headaches, dizziness, and lightheadedness especially when you stand up suddenly. The prescription of avanafil is based on the benefits of the medication outweigh its risks.
Sexual activity may strain the heart, especially in people with previous heart conditions. Seek medical assistance if you experience:
- Fainting
- Loss of or decreased vision and hearing
- A prolonged and painful erection
- A severe allergic reaction to the medicine is characterized by extreme itching, trouble breathing, swelling throat and tongue, difficulty in breathing, and severe dizziness.
Common side effects with all medications
Some of the common side effects that you are likely to experience on taking most erectile dysfunction medication include stomach upset, flushing,(a tingly feeling, redness, or general increase in warmth) stuffy nose, and a slight headache. The side effects are not that serious and subside in an hour or so.
Lessening the side effects
If you are starting to use any erectile dysfunction medication start with a lower dosage for a few months and reduce the frequency of taking the drug. Increase the frequency and the intensity of the dosage gradually. This allows the body to get used to the drug and reduces the occurrence of the side effects. You can also lessen the side effects by taking lots of water. Keeping your body hydrated lowers headaches and prevents muscle cramps.
Medical problems that are made worse by Erectile Dysfunction Medication
Below are some medical conditions that may get worse or cause serious side effects on taking ED medications. Consult your doctor if you suffer from any of the conditions before buying them.
- Suffer from Peyronie’s disease or have a deformed penis
- Red blood cell conditions such as leukemia, myeloma, or sickle cell anemia
- Very low or very high blood pressure that has not been controlled
- Acute kidney and liver problems
- Stomach or peptic ulcers
- A history of stroke or prolongation of the QT heart condition
- A genetic eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Angina (pain on the left side of the chest) heart failure or heart attack
Prescriptions that may interact negatively
Avoid taking Levitra with similar medication such as Sildenafil, tadalafil(called Cialis), or avanafil(Stendra). Besides, avoid taking the drug with medicines used to treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension such as Revatio and Adcirca. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the medications below before getting a dose of Levitra.
- If you are on HIV/AIDS medication such as indinavir, ritonavir, and atazanavir
- You are taking Antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole.
- You have been put on drugs used for the treatment of the prostate or high blood pressure.
- You are taking any antibiotics, especially medicine that contains nitrate ingredients such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, and isosorbide mononitrate.
- If you are taking medicine to check the heart rhythm such as sotalol, amiodarone, and dofetilide
- You have been put on blood-thinning medication such as Warfarin and cimetidine.
- If you have been told not to engage in any sexual activity because of a heart problem or any other medical condition.
Conclusion
There are many medications out there for impotency and erectile dysfunction. Using these drugs helps prolong an erection for the purposes of engaging in sexual intercourse which is normally confused with boosting libido.
Low libido is a big deal for men because virility plays a huge role in the concept of manhood. Low libido is a matter of medical and other psychological issues. It can be a result of medical conditions, low testosterone, depression, drug and alcohol abuse, etc. Libido can be boosted by testosterone but cannot be by erectile dysfunction drugs because they only have physical effects on the penis. Taking these drugs does not automatically put you in the mood- which is libido’s function; you must be stimulated for the drugs to take effect. NB: ED medications are not designed to protect you against STDs so always practice safe sex and get tested often!
References
Visual loss with erectile dysfunction medications
Erectile Dysfunction Medication and Your Eyes and Vision
Hearing loss may be associated with the use of erectile dysfunction drug Viagra, study finds
Peter, J., et al. “Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetic Men Attending Clinics in Kingston, Jamaica.” Journal of Diabetology, vol. 3, no. 2, 2012, p. 2.
Farahat, TaghreedM, et al. “Quality of Life in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction in Shebin El Kom District.” Menoufia Medical Journal, vol. 30, no. 2, 2017, p. 607.
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