Uses
This medicine is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor used to treat sexual
function problems such as impotence or erectile dysfunction. In combination
with sexual stimulation, this medicine works by helping the blood
flow into the penis to achieve and maintain an erection.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor.
This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully.
Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have
about this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE by mouth as needed 1 hour
before sexual activity or as directed by your doctor. DO NOT TAKE
THIS MEDICINE more often than once daily as needed. If you are taking
certain other medicines you may only be able to take this medicine
one time every three days. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more
information. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with
food. However, taking this medicine with a high-fat meal may reduce
the amount of medicine that your body absorbs. AVOID EATING GRAPEFRUIT
OR DRINKING GRAPEFRUIT JUICE while being treated with this medicine
unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
Side efects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include headache,
flushing, stomach upset or nausea, heartburn, stuffy or runny nose,
diarrhea, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Rarely vision changes such
as increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or impaired blue/green
color discrimination may also occur. If these continue or are bothersome,
check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience
fast, slow, or irregular heartbeats. SEXUAL ACTIVITY may put extra
strain on your heart, especially if you have heart problems. If you
have heart problems and experience any serious side effects while
having sex, stop having sex and tell your doctor immediately. These
side effects include severe dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or nausea.
In the unlikely even that you have a painful or prolonged erection
(lasting more than 4 hours), stop using this medicine and seek immediate
medical attention or permanent problems could occur. AN ALLERGIC REACTION
to this medicine is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention
if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching,
unusual swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Precautions
Do NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to
it in the past or to any other ingredient that is found in it. THIS
MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS OR VISION CHANGES. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE
MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know
how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other
medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to
perform other potentially dangerous tasks. TO MINIMIZE DIZZINESS OR
LIGHTHEADEDNESS, sit up or stand slowly when rising from a seated
or lying position. Your dose is based on your medical condition, response
to therapy, and the other medicines you are taking. DO NOT EXCEED
THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. Rarely, this
medicine may change heart rhythm, especially if taken with other medicines
that can change the heart rhythm. This change in heart rhythm can
result in serious, rarely fatal, irregular heartbeats. Ask your doctor
for more information and if you should stop taking any of your other
medicines to reduce the risk of this side effect. BEFORE YOU BEGIN
TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter,
check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING
THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to
the side effects of this medicine. THIS MEDICINE SHOULD NOT BE USED
IN WOMEN OR CHILDREN.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent
a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to
find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include back
pain, muscle pain, and abnormal vision.
Missed Dosage
Not applicable
Storage
STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees
C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Brief
storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted.
Levitra
