Generic Levitra 20 mg

Levitra was the second of the three major drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. The first one on the market was Viagra, which was introduced in 1998. Cialis was introduced after Levitra. Levitra appeared on the market in 2003, challenging Viagra’s monopoly on erectile dysfunction drugs. Clearly Viagra was a big moneymaker for Pfizer Pharmaceutical, and Bayer Pharmaceutical hoped that Levitra would do for them what Viagra did for Pfizer.

Adding a second choice of erectile dysfunction drugs did nothing to dampen enthusiasm for the type of drug. To distinguish itself from its very popular rival, Bayer had to point out some way in which it was different from Viagra, and that turned out to be the advantage that Levitra did not have to be taken with food, as did Viagra.

While Levitra is the name brand of the drug, the active ingredient is called vardenafil, which, like other erectile dysfunction drugs, is known as a PDE5 inhibitor. PDE5 is an enzyme that breaks down a compound called cyclic GMP, sometimes abbreviated as simply cGMP. Without adequate levels of cGMP in the male genital system, it can be difficult or impossible to achieve a satisfactory erection. Therefore, a drug that stopped the breakdown of cGMP could help with erectile dysfunction.

Vardenafil does just that. PDE5 breaks down cGMP, and inhibiting the action of PDE5 allows more cGMP to circulate in the penis, allowing the smooth muscles to relax so that blood flow is increased. It is important to note that vardenafil does not produce an erection by itself, but only allows for an erection in the presence of sexual stimulation.

Vardenafil, by causing the smooth muscles to relax, causes blood pressure to drop. This is normally not serious enough to cause problems, but there are some men who should not take vardenafil. Men who take nitrates for chest pain should not take vardenafil. These nitrates include nitroglycerine, and drugs like Isordil and Sorbitrate. Men who use a recreational drug called amyl nitrate – sometimes called “poppers” – should not take vardenafil either. The risk is that the combination of the nitrates and vardenafil could cause a drop in blood pressure severe enough to cause fainting, a heart attack, or even death. Indeed, men have died of heart attacks after taking nitrates in combination with erectile dysfunction drugs.

The side effects of vardenafil in healthy men are mild, and usually go away quickly. These side effects include indigestion, headache, muscle ache, and a change in vision. Some men also experience a stuffy or runny nose when taking vardenafil. Increased heart rate and sensitivity to light have also been reported as a side effect of vardenafil. Normally these side effects are not serious enough to cause the patient to stop taking the drug, however.

One side effect that requires immediate medical attention is priapism, or a painful erection that lasts longer than four hours. Left untreated, priapism can cause permanent damage.

Vardenafil, or generic Levitra, has become a very popular treatment option for men with erectile dysfunction. Since its introduction in 2003, millions of men have successfully taken the drug and have been satisfied with their results.