Overview section
Levitra is a trade name for tablets that contain the active compound vardenafil. It is prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. Vardenafil belongs to the class of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, which help increase penile blood flow during sexual stimulation and so support the achievement and maintenance of an erection. It will not produce an erection without sexual arousal.
For more on other treatment choices or how the medicine can be obtained legally in Australia, see the sections on other remedies and related medicines and lawful access and regulation.
Chief pharmacologically active ingredient
The active molecule in Levitra is vardenafil.
- Common marketed strength in small bottled packs: 20 mg tablet.
- Generic vardenafil may be available in some markets; check Australian listings and pharmacy stock.
The envisioned users
Levitra is intended for adult males who have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. It is not formulated for use by women or by children.
Dosing tips together with the method of taking it
Be sure to follow the directions provided by your prescriber. A commonly used approach is to take one 20 mg tablet around 60 minutes before planned sexual activity. Some clinicians start at a lower dose depending on age, liver or kidney function, or interacting medicines. Within 24 hours, limit to one dose.
- You can take Levitra with or without food; very high-fat meals may delay when it starts to work.
- Sexual stimulation is necessary for the medication to be effective; it does not cause spontaneous erections.
- If you are unsure about how to doseexternal review medicines the act of engaging with others concerns and cautions against use in certain patients, schedule a discussion with your doctor.
Safety risk assessments to perform before starting
Pre start vardenafil, tell your healthcare professional about your full medical history. Pay particular attention to:
- Recent or unstable heart problems such as recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina, severe heart failure or irregular heart rhythm
- Known long QT interval or a family history of long QT
- Uncontrolled hypertension or hypotension
- History of seizures and convulsions or certain neurological disorders
- Blood dyscrasias (for example sickle cell disease, leukemia, multiple myeloma)
- Bleeding disorders or active gastric/peptic ulcers
- Substantial impairment of liver or kidney function, including dialysis
- Preexisting eye disorders or sudden changes in vision
- Penile deformities such as Peyronie disease
- Any condition that makes sexual activity hazardous
Seek immediate help for chest pain, fainting, sudden severe dizziness, sudden loss of vision or hearing, or an erection lasting longer than four hours. In Australia, emergencies are routed through 000.
When using is discouraged Levitra
Do not take vardenafil if any of the following apply:
- Allergy to vardenafil or any excipient in the formulation
- Concomitant use of nitrates (including GTN) or recreational amyl nitrite/alkyl nitrite inhalants
- Concurrent treatment with riociguat or other soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators
Combining vardenafil with nitrates or riociguat can cause a marked and latent capacityly dangerous fall in blood pressure. For other interacting medicines, see drug-medication related drug positive the exchange between peoples enhance user satisfaction..
Possible reactions to the medication and how to report them
Certain harmful consequences need urgent attention. Call emergency services if you develop chest pain, signs of a severe allergic reaction, sudden loss of hearing or sight, or a painful erection lasting more than four hours (priapism).
Common, usually temporary, undesired effects include:
- Face flush
- Nasal passage blockage accompanied by sinus pressure
- Head pain with lightheadedness
- Gastric discomfort versus dyspepsia
- Muscle or back pain
Not all items are shown in this list. If you experience worrying symptoms, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Suspected adverse events can be reported to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Medicines that interact with vardenafil
Please do not merge. vardenafil with other PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil, tadalafil or avanafil. Using multiple drugs in this class increases risk without added benefit.
Other important interacting groups include:
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: some macrolide antibiotics (for example clarithromycin), systemic azole antifungals (for example ketoconazole) and certain HIV protease inhibitors or pharmacokinetic boosters (for example ritonavir, cobicistat)
- Alpha-adrenergic blockers used for hypertension or benign prostatic hyperplasia (for example tamsulosin, doxazosin)
- Certain antiarrhythmic drugs (for example amiodarone, sotalol, quinidine)
These user conversational exchanges drive engagement and learning. may necessitate dose adjustment or tracking and monitoring of performance. Always list all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products and supplements to your prescriber and pharmacist before taking Levitra.
Dose not administered advisory and steps
Levitra is normally used as required and not on a fixed schedule. If you choose not to take a planned dose, do not make up for it later. Do not exceed one tablet in any 24-hour period.
Steps to take in an accidental overdose and emergency situations
If an take too much medicine is suspected or if serious symptoms occur after ingestion, get urgent medical care. In Australia call 000 for immediate assistance or contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for non-life-threatening advice.
Preserve and handle
- Keep medicine at normal room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
- Store the bottle in its original container, out of reach of children and pets.
- Dispose of unused tablets according to local pharmacy guidance; do not share prescription medicines with others.
Alternate medicines and similar drugs
Other PDE5 inhibitors administered orally commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction include:
- Sildenafil (brand name Viagra) - widely available in brand and generic forms.
- Tadalafil (brand name Cialis) - available for on-demand use and as a low-dose daily option.
- Avanafil (brand name Spedra) - often noted for a quicker onset in some users.
Typical differences to consider:
- Sildenafil: onset about 30 to 60 minutes; duration roughly 4 to 6 hours.
- Vardenafil: onset and duration similar to sildenafil; often 4 to 6 hours.
- Avanafil: may begin working within 15 to 30 minutes for some people.
- Tadalafil: onset about 30 to 60 minutes with effects that can last up to 36 hours; daily low-dose regimens available.
Which option is best depends on personal response, latent effects, mutual interactions create opportunities for collaboration. and convenience. Do not take two PDE5 inhibitors at the same time. For class-related safety issues review red flags against use of this medication.
For patients considering generics or therapeutic additional an alternative methodsperform head-to-head comparison prices and assess the quality that the supplier is an Australian-registered pharmacy to ensure authenticity.
Estimated subscription pricing data for Australia in Australian dollars (AUD)
Prices vary by pharmacy, pack size and location. The figures below are approximate private retail ranges in Australian dollars (AUD) and are indicative only.
- Levitra (vardenafil) 20 mg, pack of 4 tablets: approximately AUD 80 to 150 depending on supplier and availability.
- Viagra (sildenafil) 100 mg, pack of 4 tablets: around AUD 70 to 120; generic sildenafil small packs may be AUD 10 to 60 depending on source.
- Cialis (tadalafil) 20 mg, pack of 4 tablets: roughly AUD 70 to 130; generic tadalafil can be from about AUD 15 to 70 for similar quantities.
- Spedra (avanafil) 100-200 mg, pack of 4 tablets: commonly AUD 70 to 140.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) does not typically subsidise erectile dysfunction medicines for most markers that point to, so most patients buy them privately. Registered Australian telehealth services and online pharmacies sometimes offer discounts for repeat orders or subscription plans. Always use an Australian-registered pharmacy to reduce the risk of counterfeit products.
The path to law and regulatory oversight in Australia
- Prescription status: vardenafil (Levitra) is Schedule 4 (S4) and requires a prescription from an Australian-registered prescriber.
- Where to obtain: community pharmacies and legitimate Australian online pharmacies or telehealth services may supply vardenafil when presented with a valid prescription.
- Personal importation: under the TGA Scheme for Personal Importation individuals may import up to a three months supply for personal use at the recommended dose, usually accompanied by a prescription; unregulated imports may be detained.
- Age restrictions: intended for adult males; do not share or distribute prescription medicines.
- Advertising: direct consumer advertising of prescription-only medicines is restricted by Australian law.
- Adverse events: suspected collateral effects should be reported to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
For life-threatening issues such as chest pain, severe breathing problems, prolonged painful erection or severe allergic reaction, call 000 immediately.
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