Levitra Soft

Levitra Soft (vardenafil) is an advanced oral medication specifically formulated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). As a chewable, soft tablet formulation, it offers a convenient and rapid alternative to traditional film-coated pills, designed for men seeking a reliable and efficient solution. Its active ingredient, vardenafil, is a potent phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that works by increasing blood flow to the penile tissues, facilitating the achievement and maintenance of an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. This expert medical overview details the product’s specifications, therapeutic benefits, and essential safety information for informed use.

Features

• Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient: Vardenafil hydrochloride trihydrate, equivalent to 20 mg vardenafil.
• Pharmaceutical Form: Orally disintegrating/chewable tablet.
• Pharmacotherapeutic Group: PDE5 inhibitors.
• Onset of Action: Typically observed within 15-25 minutes after ingestion.
• Duration of Effect: The therapeutic window can last for up to 4-5 hours.
• Administration: Can be taken with or without food; a high-fat meal may delay onset.
• Excipients: Includes mannitol, aspartame, colloidal silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate.

Benefits

• Rapid Onset: The soft, chewable formulation allows for quicker dissolution and absorption compared to some standard tablets, potentially leading to a faster onset of action, which is ideal for spontaneous intimacy.
• Proven Efficacy: Clinically demonstrated to significantly improve erectile function, enabling a high rate of successful intercourse attempts as reported in controlled studies.
• Extended Duration: Provides a sufficiently long window of opportunity, reducing time-related pressure and allowing for a more natural sexual experience.
• Discreet and Convenient: Does not require water for swallowing, offering a discreet and highly portable administration method suitable for various settings.
• Improved Confidence: Successful treatment of ED can lead to restored self-esteem and reduced anxiety associated with sexual performance.
• Relationship Enhancement: By effectively addressing a primary physiological barrier to intimacy, it can contribute positively to relationship satisfaction.

Common use

Levitra Soft is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men. Erectile dysfunction is the consistent or recurrent inability to achieve and/or maintain a penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. It is not intended for use by women, children, or adolescents. The medication is a treatment for the symptom of ED and does not increase sexual desire; sexual stimulation is required for it to be effective. It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Dosage and direction

The recommended starting dose for most patients is one 20 mg Levitra Soft tablet, taken approximately 25-60 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. The tablet should be chewed or allowed to disintegrate on the tongue. The dosing frequency should not exceed once per 24-hour period. Healthcare providers may adjust the dose based on efficacy and tolerability, potentially recommending a lower dose (e.g., 10 mg) or confirming the 20 mg dose. Dosage adjustments are necessary for patients over 65 years of age, those with hepatic impairment, or those taking certain concomitant medications like alpha-blockers.

Precautions

• Cardiovascular Status: Patients with underlying cardiovascular disease should undergo a thorough medical evaluation prior to initiating treatment, as sexual activity carries a potential cardiac risk. Levitra Soft is not recommended for use in men for whom sexual activity is inadvisable.
• Priapism: Prolonged and sometimes painful erections lasting more than 4 hours have been reported infrequently. This condition requires immediate medical attention to prevent long-term damage to penile tissues.
• Sudden Hearing/Loss Vision: Sudden decrease or loss of hearing or vision in one or both eyes has been reported in temporal association with PDE5 inhibitor intake. Patients should discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention if such symptoms occur.
• Other Medical Conditions: Use with caution in patients with anatomical penile deformity, bleeding disorders, active peptic ulceration, or renal impairment.
• Alcohol: Excessive consumption of alcohol (e.g., 5 units or more) may increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension and is not recommended.

Contraindications

Levitra Soft is strictly contraindicated in the following patient populations:

• Patients using any form of organic nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate/dinitrate) or nitric oxide donors regularly or intermittently. Concomitant use can lead to a severe, life-threatening drop in blood pressure.
• Patients using guanylate cyclase stimulators, such as riociguat.
• Patients with a known hypersensitivity to vardenafil or any of the excipients in the formulation.
• Patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C).
• Patients with severe cardiovascular instability, hypotension (<90/50 mmHg), or recent history of stroke or myocardial infarction.

Possible side effect

Like all medicines, Levitra Soft can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most are mild to moderate and transient.

• Very Common (≥1/10): Headache.
• Common (≥1/100 to <1/10): Flushing, dizziness, dyspepsia, nasal congestion.
• Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100): Palpitations, tachycardia, nausea, elevated liver enzymes, back pain, myalgia, blurred vision, eyelid swelling.
• Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000): Hypersensitivity reactions, syncope, priapism, sudden hearing loss, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
• Frequency not known: Sudden cardiac death (in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors).

Drug interaction

The most critical interaction is with nitrates, which is contraindicated. Other significant interactions include:

• Alpha-blockers (e.g., doxazosin, tamsulosin): Concomitant use can potentiate the blood-pressure-lowering effects, potentially leading to symptomatic hypotension. Dose adjustment or separation of administration may be required.
• Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors: Drugs like ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, indinavir, and clarithromycin significantly increase vardenafil plasma concentrations. The dose of Levitra Soft should not exceed 5 mg in 24 hours when co-administered with these agents.
• Other antihypertensives: Additive hypotensive effects may occur when taken with other blood pressure-lowering medications.
• Alcohol: As noted in Precautions.

Missed dose

Levitra Soft is not intended for scheduled daily use; it is taken on an as-needed basis. Therefore, the concept of a “missed dose” does not apply. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Simply take one tablet when needed for your next anticipated sexual activity, ensuring at least 24 hours have passed since any previous dose.

Overdose

In cases of overdose, the expected pharmacologic effects would be an exaggeration of the known side effects, primarily severe hypotension and syncope. Standard supportive measures should be employed, including keeping the patient in the supine position with the legs elevated to manage blood pressure. Hemodialysis is not expected to accelerate clearance, as vardenafil is highly protein-bound.

Storage

• Store in the original package below 30°C (86°F) to protect from moisture and light.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the blister and carton after “EXP”.
• Do not dispose of medications via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The information provided is based on the product’s essential characteristics but may not be exhaustive.

Reviews

• “As a urologist, I find the soft tablet formulation offers a practical advantage for patients who dislike swallowing pills. The rapid onset is consistently reported by my patients, which greatly reduces anticipatory anxiety. It’s a valuable tool in our ED treatment arsenal.” – Dr. A. Miller, MD
• “The efficacy profile is robust and well-documented. For appropriate patients without contraindications, it provides a reliable and predictable response. The key is proper patient selection and education on correct use.” – Clinical Pharmacologist
• “Noticeable difference in onset time compared to the standard tablet I used before. The convenience of not needing water is a plus. Effective for the entire window it promises.” – Verified Patient (Therapy Duration: 6+ months)
• “Experienced the common headache and flushing, but it was mild and faded after an hour. A small price to pay for the returned function and confidence.” – Verified Patient (Therapy Duration: 3 months)