Generic Levitra is a cheaper version of Levitra, a very effective and trusted erectile dysfunction medicine. Generic and brand name Levitra have identical active ingredient Vardenafil hydrochloride, and Vardenafil will produce the same therapeutic effect as the brand name drug. Generic medications can usually be purchased for a fraction of the cost of their branded counterparts. Because generic medications are often much cheaper than their branded counterparts, many people choose buying generic medications online, and many insurance companies actually require that they be used. The combination of generic substitutions and reference pricing would give patients an incentive to choose the cheapest product, while helping them avoid unnecessary costs.
Vardenafil HCl (Generic Levitra, Levitra® equivalent) is a potent medication for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men.
Generic Levitra helps increase blood flow to the penis and may help men with ED get and keep an erection satisfactory for sexual activity. Once a man has completed sexual activity, blood flow to his penis should decrease and his erection should go away.
Erectile dysfunction results because of decreased blood supply to the penile arteries. In order to enhance the blood supply, the muscles should be relaxed. An enzyme known as PDE5 prevents the synthesis of a compound called cGMP, which is required to relax the muscles. Vardenafil HCL inhibits the action of the PDE5 enzyme, thereby allowing the synthesis of cGMP and allowing increased blood supply to the penile arteries.
During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide is released from nerve endings and endothelial cells in the corpus cavernosum. Nitric oxide activates an enzyme called guanylate cyclase resulting in increased synthesis of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the smooth muscle cells of the corpus cavernosum.
Levitra works by inhibiting PDE-5, which results in enhanced erectile function due to increased amounts of cGMP in the penis.
How Vardenafil is taken
Vardenafil is available in oral tablets containing 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 mg of active drug. The recommended starting dose is 10 mg, taken one hour before sexual activity.
Thereafter, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg based on effectiveness and tolerability.
The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day.
Vardenafil tablet can be taken with or without food.
Vardenafil drug interactions
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially any nitrate medications cimetidine, erythromycin, azole antifungals or high blood pressure medicines, other medications or treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
Vardenafil side effects
Side effects associated with Generic Levitra tend to be mild; however as with any other medication it is not suitable for everyone and should not be taken without precaution. Patients taking Generic Levitra should be aware that reactions vary from person to person and side effects cannot be anticipated.
Vardenafil does not protect a man or his partner from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly.
Serious side effects may include: erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, vision changes, swelling of the face, throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, blurred vision, fainting, hives, rash. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.