A health problem that some men have, but are a little hesitant to talk about in society, is difficulty getting an erection during sexual intercourse. In medical terms, this is called ' Erectile Dysfunction ' (ED) or impotence . Vardenafil is a type of medication that is used to treat this condition. So today, let's talk about this medication, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about, very simply.
What is Vardenafil?
Simply put, Vardenafil is a medication that is given to men with erectile dysfunction (ED). It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping to create and maintain an erection. One of the most popular brands on the market is Levitra. But remember, this only helps temporarily, and it only works with sexual stimulation.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before deciding if this medication is right for you, your doctor will need to know your complete health history . Be sure to tell them about any of the conditions listed below.
| Situation or problem | Description (Tell your doctor if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Heart disease | If you have heart disease, angina, a heart attack, or an irregular heartbeat. |
| Blood pressure | If you have high or low blood pressure. |
| Eye problems | Vision problems, especially if you have rare hereditary eye diseases like Retinitis Pigmentosa. |
| Penis problems | A history of a penis deformity, such as Peyronie's disease or priapism - a condition in which the penis remains painful and erect for a long time. |
| Blood diseases | A history of blood diseases such as sickle cell anemia or leukemia. |
| Other medical conditions | Liver or kidney disease, stomach bleeding, stroke, bleeding disorders. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to vardenafil or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This should be used exactly as your doctor advises.
- This pill is usually taken about an hour before sex.
- Swallow this tablet with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food.
- Do not take this medicine more than once a day, i.e. within 24 hours. Taking more than the prescribed dose can have dangerous consequences.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
Attention: If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Can this interact with other medications? (Drug Interactions)
Yes, this is very important. Vardenafil is a drug that can interact with some other medications. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Drug type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Never take Vardenafil with this medicine. | |
| Nitrate-type drugs | Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide dinitrate/mononitrate (medicines for heart disease) |
| Other ED medications | Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Avanafil |
| Riociguat | (A medicine for pulmonary hypertension) |
| Vardenafil may interact with this medication. | |
| Some fungicides | Ketoconazole, Itraconazole |
| Some antibiotics | Erythromycin, Clarithromycin |
| Medicines for HIV or AIDS | Antiviral medications |
| Some medications for high blood pressure | (such as alpha-blockers) |
This list is not complete. So when you go to see your doctor, tell him about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements ) . Also, don't forget to tell him if you smoke or drink alcohol .
What are the things to be careful about when taking medicine?
- Vision changes: If you experience any changes in your vision, especially sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, stop taking the medication immediately and call your doctor.
- Erection that lasts more than 4 hours: If the penis remains erect for more than 4 hours , or if it becomes painful, it could be a serious condition called priapism . Seek immediate medical attention to avoid permanent damage.
- Symptoms during sexual activity: If you experience nausea, dizziness, chest or arm pain during sexual activity after taking the medication, stop the activity immediately and call a doctor as soon as possible.
- Alcohol Use: Be very careful when taking this medication with alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause dizziness, headache, increased heart rate, and low blood pressure.
- STDs: This is very important. Please remember that using this medicine does not protect you or your partner from HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases . Use a condom as a barrier method of protection.
Side effects that may occur with this medicine
Like any medication, Vardenafil can cause side effects in some people.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Changes in vision or hearing | Sudden loss of vision, hearing loss, or ringing in the ears. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion. |
| Painful cramping lasting more than 4 hours | (Priapism) - This is a condition that requires emergency medical treatment. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Redness of the face |
| Nasal congestion or runny nose | Stomach ache |
| Back pain | Muscle pain |
Take-Home Message
- Vardenafil is a medication that should only be taken on medical advice. Never use it on the advice of friends or on your own.
- Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects, such as loss of vision or dizziness lasting more than 4 hours.
- This medicine does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Please use other safe methods.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else.
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