Levitra (Vardenafil Hcl) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence; inability to get or keep an erection) in men. Vardenafil is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. This increased blood flow can cause an erection. Vardenafil does not cure erectile dysfunction or increase sexual desire. Vardenafil does not prevent pregnancy or the spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Both the Brand name Levitra and it's generic alternative, Vardenafil Hcl, are available for purchase. 

Vardenafil comes as a tablet and a rapidly disintegrating (dissolves in the mouth and is swallowed without water) tablet to take by mouth.

Levitra Dosage in adults:

• Initially 10mg taken as needed, with or without food, 60 minutes before sexual activity
• Usually should not be taken more often than once every 24 hours. If you have certain health conditions or are taking certain medications, your doctor may tell you to take vardenafil less often. 
• Your doctor will probably start you on an average dose of vardenafil tablets and increase (up to 20mg) or decrease (up to 5mg) your dose depending on your response to the medication. 

Levitra Rapidly Disintegrating Tablet Dosage in adults:

• Check the blister pack before you take your first dose. Do not use any of the medication from the pack if any of the blisters are torn, broken, or do not contain tablets. Follow the package directions to remove the tablet from the blister package. Do not try to push the tablet through the foil. After you remove the tablet from the blister package, immediately place it on your tongue and close your mouth. The tablet will quickly dissolve. Do not take the rapidly disintegrating tablet with water or other liquids.
• Your doctor will not be able to adjust your dose because the rapidly disintegrating tablets are only available in one strength. If you need a higher or lower dose, your doctor may prescribe the regular tablets instead.
• Vardenafil rapidly disintegrating tablets cannot be substituted for vardenafil tablets. Be sure that you receive only the type of vardenafil that was prescribed by your doctor.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take vardenafil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the type of vardenafil you were given. Tell your doctor if vardenafil is not working well or if you are experiencing side effects. 

Before taking Levitra,

• tell your doctor if you are allergic to Vardenafil or other ingredients in Levitra capsules. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor if you take other medicines to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension such as Adempas
• tell your doctor if you have ever had:
• • heart disease or heart rhythm problems; 
  • a heart attack, stroke or congestive heart failure; 
  • high or low blood pressure;
  • seizures;
  • liver disease, kidney disease;
  • a stomach ulcer
  • a bleeding disorder;
  • an eye disorder;
  • hearing or vision problems
• taking Vardenafil with a nitrate medicine can cause a sudden and serious decrease in blood pressure

Levitra can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye, causing sudden vision loss. This has occurred in a small number of people, most of whom also had heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or certain pre-existing eye problems, and in those who smoked or were over 50 years old. It is not clear whether vardenafil is the actual cause of vision loss.

Vardenafil may cause side effects including:

• headache
• upset stomach
• heartburn
• flushing
• stuffy or runny nose
• flu-like symptoms

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours
• sudden severe loss of vision (see below for more information)
• blurred vision
• changes in color vision (seeing a blue tinge on objects, difficulty telling the difference between blue and green, or difficulty seeing at night)
• sudden decrease or loss of hearing
• ringing in ears
• signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; difficulty breathing or swallowing; fainting; hives; rash
• hoarseness 

Vardenafil may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. Some patients experienced a sudden loss of some or all of their vision after they took vardenafil or other medications that are similar to vardenafil. The vision loss was permanent in some cases. It is not known if the vision loss was caused by the medication. If you experience a sudden loss of vision while you are taking vardenafil, call your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of vardenafil or similar medications such as sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) until you talk to your doctor. Some patients experienced a sudden decrease or loss of hearing after they took vardenafil or other medications that are similar to vardenafil. The hearing loss usually involved only one ear and may not get better. It is not known if the hearing loss was caused by the medication. If you experience a sudden loss of hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears or dizziness, while you are taking vardenafil, call your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of vardenafil or similar medications such as sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) until you talk to your doctor.

Q: Why is Levitra prescribed?

A: Levitra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED)

Q: Does Levitra have a generic alternative?

A: Yes, Vardenafil Hcl is available for purchase at a lower price than the brand name.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while taking Levitra?

A: Avoid the use of grapefruit. Also, avoid alcohol consumption as that can increase unwanted side effects.

Q: How should I store this medication?

A: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).