Precautions and Contraindications for Levitra 100mg

Levitra > levitra 100 mg


My belief is that clinical experience will show them to be similar. Data from Six Degrees Survey, October 2001. men who require fast onset or better absorption should avoid fatty meals or take these pills on an empty stomach; start foreplay later in older patients (who may need up to 2 hours to absorb the medicicne); do not give up before making at least 3 attempts at intercourse having at the maximum dose: Viagra 100 mg, Levitra 20mg. Contains inactivated NDC Code(s)NDC Code(s): 43353-323-02, 43353-323-06 If you are a consumer or patient please visit this version. DESCRIPTION LEVITRA® is an oral therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

This monohydrochloride salt of vardenafil is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5).Vardenafil HCl is designated chemically as piperazine, 1-[[3-(1,4-dihydro-5-methyl-4-oxo-7-propylimidazo[5,1-f ][1,2,4]triazin-2-yl)-4-ethoxyphenyl]sulfonyl]-4-ethyl-, monohydrochloride and has the following structural formula:Vardenafil HCl is a nearly colorless, solid substance with a molecular weight of 579.1 g/mol and a solubility of 0.11 mg/mL in water. LEVITRA is formulated as orange, round, film-coated tablets with “BAYER” cross debossed on one side and “2.5”, “5”, “10”, and “20” on the other side corresponding to 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg of vardenafil, respectively. LEVITRA® is an oral therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Vardenafil HCl is designated chemically as piperazine, 1-[[3-(1,4-dihydro-5-methyl-4-oxo-7-propylimidazo[5,1-f ][1,2,4]triazin-2-yl)-4-ethoxyphenyl]sulfonyl]-4-ethyl-, monohydrochloride and has the following structural formula: Vardenafil HCl is a nearly colorless, solid substance with a molecular weight of 579.1 g/mol and a solubility of 0.11 mg/mL in water. CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Mechanism of ActionPenile erection is a hemodynamic process initiated by the relaxation of smooth muscle in the corpus cavernosum and its associated arterioles. During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide is released from nerve endings and endothelial cells in the corpus cavernosum. Nitric oxide activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase resulting in increased synthesis of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the smooth muscle cells of the corpus cavernosum.

What happens if I miss a dose?

The cGMP in turn triggers smooth muscle relaxation, allowing increased blood flow into the penis, resulting in erection. The tissue concentration of cGMP is regulated by both the rates of synthesis and degradation via phosphodiesterases (PDEs). The most abundant PDE in the human corpus cavernosum is the cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5); therefore, the inhibition of PDE5 enhances erectile function by increasing the amount of cGMP. Because sexual stimulation is required to initiate the local release of nitric oxide, the inhibition of PDE5 has no effect in the absence of sexual stimulation.In vitro studies have shown that vardenafil is a selective inhibitor of PDE5. The inhibitory effect of vardenafil is more selective on PDE5 than for other known phosphodiesterases (>15-fold relative to PDE6, >130-fold relative to PDE1, >300-fold relative to PDE11, and >1,000-fold relative to PDE2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, and 10).PharmacokineticsThe pharmacokinetics of vardenafil are approximately dose proportional over the recommended dose range.

Vardenafil is eliminated predominantly by hepatic metabolism, mainly by CYP3A4 and to a minor extent, CYP2C isoforms. Concomitant use with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir, indinavir, ketoconazole, as well as moderate CYP3A inhibitors such as erythromycin results in significant increases of plasma levels of vardenafil (see PRECAUTIONS, WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Product Dosage Quantity + Bonus Price
Levitra Original20mg76 + 4 Pills344.39€ 327.99€
Levitra Generic60mg30 + 2 Pills109.43€ 104.22€
Levitra Generic40mg270 + 10 Pills561.89€ 535.13€
Levitra Original20mg64 + 4 Pills298.45€ 284.24€
Levitra Soft Tabs20mg270 + 10 Pills521.78€ 496.93€
Levitra Soft Tabs20mg180 + 10 Pills398.14€ 379.18€
Levitra Soft Tabs20mg20 Pills74.68€ 71.12€
Levitra Generic20mg60 + 6 Pills131.11€ 124.87€
Levitra Generic20mg10 Pills31.49€ 29.99€
Levitra Professional20mg20 Pills101.00€ 96.19€
Levitra Generic10mg10 Pills28.93€ 27.55€
Levitra Generic40mg10 Pills41.37€ 39.40€
Levitra Professional20mg270 + 6 Pills738.98€ 703.79€
Levitra Generic60mg120 + 8 Pills372.33€ 354.60€

Mean vardenafil plasma concentrations measured after the administration of a single oral dose of 20 mg to healthy male volunteers are depicted in Figure 1.Figure 1: Plasma Vardenafil Concentration (Mean ± SD) Curve for a Single 20 mg LEVITRA DoseAbsorption:Vardenafil is rapidly absorbed with absolute bioavailability of approximately 15%. Maximum observed plasma concentrations after a single 20 mg dose in healthy volunteers are usually reached between 30 minutes and 2 hours (median 60 minutes) after oral dosing in the fasted state. Two food-effect studies were conducted which showed that high-fat meals caused a reduction in Cmax by 18%-50%.Distribution:The mean steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) for vardenafil is 208 L, indicating extensive tissue distribution. Vardenafil and its major circulating metabolite, M1, are highly bound to plasma proteins (about 95% for parent drug and M1).

Vardenafil vs. Viagra vs. Cialis

Additional blood pressure and heart rate changes were not detected when LEVITRA 20 mg was dosed 24 hours before NTG. )Figure 2: Placebo-subtracted point estimates (with 90% CI) of mean maximal blood pressure and heart rate effects of pre-dosing with LEVITRA 20 mg at 24, 8, 4, and 1 hour before 0.4 mg NTG sublingually.Because the disease state of patients requiring nitrate therapy is anticipated to increase the likelihood of hypotension, the use of vardenafil by patients on nitrate therapy or on nitric oxide donors is contraindicated (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).Electrophysiology:The effect of 10 mg and 80 mg vardenafil on QT interval was evaluated in a single-dose, double-blind, randomized, placebo- and active-controlled (moxifloxacin 400 mg) crossover study in 59 healthy males (81% White, 12% Black, 7% Hispanic) aged 45-60 years. The QT interval was measured at one hour post dose because this time point approximates the average time of peak vardenafil concentration. The 80 mg dose of LEVITRA (four times the highest recommended dose) was chosen because this dose yields plasma concentrations covering those observed upon co-administration of a low-dose of LEVITRA (5 mg) and 600 mg BID of ritonavir.

What is the most effective ED drug?

This protein binding is reversible and independent of total drug concentrations.Following a single oral dose of 20 mg vardenafil in price levitra 10mg healthy volunteers, a mean of 0.00018% of the administered dose was obtained in semen 1.5 hours after dosing.Metabolism:Vardenafil is metabolized predominantly by the hepatic enzyme CYP3A4, with contribution from the CYP3A5 and CYP2C isoforms. The major circulating metabolite, M1, results from desethylation at the piperazine moiety of vardenafil. The plasma concentration of M1 is approximately 26% that of the parent compound. This metabolite shows a phosphodiesterase selectivity profile similar to that of vardenafil and an in vitro inhibitory potency for PDE5 28% of that of vardenafil.

Related/similar drugs

Therefore, M1 accounts for approximately 7% of total pharmacologic activity.Excretion:The total body clearance of vardenafil is 56 L/h, and the terminal half-life of vardenafil and its primary metabolite (M1) is approximately 4-5 hours. After oral administration, vardenafil is excreted as metabolites predominantly in the feces (approximately 91-95% of administered oral dose) and to a lesser extent in the urine (approximately 2-6% of administered oral dose).Pharmacokinetics in Special PopulationsPediatrics: Vardenafil trials were not conducted in the pediatric population.Geriatrics: In a healthy volunteer study of elderly males (≥65 years) and younger males (18–45 years), mean Cmax and AUC were 34% and 52% higher, respectively, in the elderly males (see PRECAUTIONS, Geriatric Use and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Consequently, a lower starting dose of LEVITRA (5 mg) in patients ≥65 years of age should be considered.Renal Insufficiency: In volunteers with mild renal impairment (CLcr = 50-80 ml/min), the pharmacokinetics of vardenafil were similar to those observed in a control group with normal renal function. In the moderate (CLcr = 30-50 ml/min) or severe (CLcr<30 ml/min) renal impairment groups, the AUC of vardenafil was 20–30% higher compared to that observed in a control group with normal renal function (CLcr>80 ml/min).

Conditions treated by Levitra and Viagra

Maximum observed plasma concentrations after a single 20 mg dose in healthy volunteers are usually reached between 30 minutes and 2 hours (median 60 minutes) after oral dosing in the fasted state. Two food-effect studies were conducted which showed that high-fat meals caused a reduction in Cmax by 18%-50%.Distribution:The mean steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) for vardenafil is 208 L, indicating extensive tissue distribution. Vardenafil and its major circulating metabolite, M1, are highly bound to plasma proteins (about 95% for parent drug and M1). This protein binding is reversible and independent of total drug concentrations.Following a single oral dose of 20 mg vardenafil in price levitra 10mg healthy volunteers, a mean of 0.00018% of the administered dose was obtained in semen 1.5 hours after dosing.Metabolism:Vardenafil is metabolized predominantly by the hepatic enzyme CYP3A4, with contribution from the CYP3A5 and CYP2C isoforms. The major circulating metabolite, M1, results from desethylation at the piperazine moiety of vardenafil.

What should I know about vardenafil before taking it?

The plasma concentration of M1 is approximately 26% that of the parent compound. This metabolite shows a phosphodiesterase selectivity profile similar to that of vardenafil and an in vitro inhibitory potency for PDE5 28% of that of vardenafil. Therefore, M1 accounts for approximately 7% of total pharmacologic activity.Excretion:The total body clearance of vardenafil is 56 L/h, and the terminal half-life of vardenafil and its primary metabolite (M1) is approximately 4-5 hours. After oral administration, vardenafil is excreted as metabolites predominantly in the feces (approximately 91-95% of administered oral dose) and to a lesser extent in the urine (approximately 2-6% of administered oral dose).Pharmacokinetics in Special PopulationsPediatrics: Vardenafil trials were not conducted in the pediatric population.Geriatrics: In a healthy volunteer study of elderly males (≥65 years) and younger males (18–45 years), mean Cmax and AUC were 34% and 52% higher, respectively, in the elderly males (see PRECAUTIONS, Geriatric Use and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Consequently, a lower starting dose of LEVITRA (5 mg) in patients ≥65 years of age should be considered.Renal Insufficiency: In volunteers with mild renal impairment (CLcr = 50-80 ml/min), the pharmacokinetics of vardenafil were similar to those observed in a control group with normal renal function. Vardenafil pharmacokinetics have not been evaluated in patients requiring renal dialysis (see PRECAUTIONS, Renal Insufficiency, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).Hepatic Insufficiency: In volunteers with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A), the Cmax and AUC following a 10 mg vardenafil dose were increased by 22% and 17%, respectively, compared to healthy control subjects. In volunteers with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B), the Cmax and AUC following a 10 mg vardenafil dose were increased by 130% and 160%, respectively, compared to healthy control subjects.

Common Side Effects Less Common Side Effects Serious Side Effects
Headache Dizziness Vision loss
Flushing Nasal congestion Priapism (prolonged erection)
Indigestion Muscle aches Sudden hearing loss

Consequently, a starting dose of 5 mg is recommended for patients with moderate hepatic impairment, and the maximum dose should not exceed 10 mg (see PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Vardenafil has not been evaluated in patients with severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment.PharmacodynamicsEffects on Blood Pressure:In a clinical pharmacology study of patients with erectile dysfunction, single doses of vardenafil 20 mg caused a mean maximum decrease in supine blood pressure of 7 mmHg systolic and 8 mmHg diastolic (compared to placebo), accompanied by a mean maximum increase of heart rate of 4 beats per minute.

Common side effects of Levitra vs. Viagra

In the moderate (CLcr = 30-50 ml/min) or severe (CLcr<30 ml/min) renal impairment groups, the AUC of vardenafil was 20–30% higher compared to that observed in a control group with normal renal function (CLcr>80 ml/min). Vardenafil pharmacokinetics have not been evaluated in patients requiring renal dialysis (see PRECAUTIONS, Renal Insufficiency, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).Hepatic Insufficiency: In volunteers with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A), the Cmax and AUC following a 10 mg vardenafil dose were increased by 22% and 17%, respectively, compared to healthy control subjects. In volunteers with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B), the Cmax and AUC following a 10 mg vardenafil dose were increased by 130% and 160%, respectively, compared to healthy control subjects. Consequently, a starting dose of 5 mg is recommended for patients with moderate hepatic impairment, and the maximum dose should not exceed 10 mg (see PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Vardenafil has not been evaluated in patients with severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment.PharmacodynamicsEffects on Blood Pressure:In a clinical pharmacology study of patients with erectile dysfunction, single doses of vardenafil 20 mg caused a mean maximum decrease in supine blood pressure of 7 mmHg systolic and 8 mmHg diastolic (compared to placebo), accompanied by a mean maximum increase of heart rate of 4 beats per minute.

How long does 20mg of Levitra last?

The maximum decrease in blood pressure occurred between 1 and 4 hours after dosing. Following multiple dosing for 31 days, similar blood pressure responses were observed on Day 31 as on Day 1. Vardenafil may add to the blood pressure lowering effects of antihypertensive agents (see PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions).Effects on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate when LEVITRA is Combined with Nitrates:A study was conducted in which the blood pressure and heart rate response to 0.4 mg nitroglycerin (NTG) sublingually was evaluated in 18 healthy subjects following pretreatment with LEVITRA 20 mg at various times before NTG administration. LEVITRA 20 mg caused an additional time-related reduction in blood pressure and increase in heart rate in association with NTG administration. The blood pressure effects were observed when LEVITRA 20 mg was dosed 1 or 4 hours before NTG and the heart rate effects were observed when 20 mg was dosed 1, 4, or 8 hours before NTG. The maximum decrease in blood pressure occurred between 1 and 4 hours after dosing. Following multiple dosing for 31 days, similar blood pressure responses were observed on Day 31 as on Day 1.

Region Average Cost per 100 mg Brand Names Buying Options
USA $30 - $50 Viagra, Levitra Pharmacies, Online pharmacies
Europe €25 - €45 Levitra, Staxyn Prescription required
Asia $10 - $25 Generic versions Local pharmacies

Vardenafil may add to the blood pressure lowering effects of antihypertensive agents (see PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions).Effects on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate when LEVITRA is Combined with Nitrates:A study was conducted in which the blood pressure and heart rate response to 0.4 mg nitroglycerin (NTG) sublingually was evaluated in 18 healthy subjects following pretreatment with LEVITRA 20 mg at various times before NTG administration. LEVITRA 20 mg caused an additional time-related reduction in blood pressure and increase in heart rate in association with NTG administration. The blood pressure effects were observed when LEVITRA 20 mg was dosed 1 or 4 hours before NTG and the heart rate effects were observed when 20 mg was dosed 1, 4, or 8 hours before NTG.

Additional blood pressure and heart rate changes were not detected when LEVITRA 20 mg was dosed 24 hours before NTG.

Proper Use

During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide is released from nerve endings and endothelial cells in the corpus cavernosum. Nitric oxide activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase resulting in increased synthesis of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the smooth muscle cells of the corpus cavernosum. The cGMP in turn triggers smooth muscle relaxation, allowing increased blood flow into the penis, resulting in erection. The tissue concentration of cGMP is regulated by both the rates of synthesis and degradation via phosphodiesterases (PDEs). The most abundant PDE in the human corpus cavernosum is the cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5); therefore, the inhibition of PDE5 enhances erectile function by increasing the amount of cGMP.

What is Levitra?

Because sexual stimulation is required to initiate the local release of nitric oxide, the inhibition of PDE5 has no effect in the absence of sexual stimulation.In vitro studies have shown that vardenafil is a selective inhibitor of PDE5. The inhibitory effect of vardenafil is more selective on PDE5 than for other known phosphodiesterases (>15-fold relative to PDE6, >130-fold relative to PDE1, >300-fold relative to PDE11, and >1,000-fold relative to PDE2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, and 10).PharmacokineticsThe pharmacokinetics of vardenafil are approximately dose proportional over the recommended dose range. Vardenafil is eliminated predominantly by hepatic metabolism, mainly by CYP3A4 and to a minor extent, CYP2C isoforms. Concomitant use with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir, indinavir, ketoconazole, as well as moderate CYP3A inhibitors such as erythromycin results in significant increases of plasma levels of vardenafil (see PRECAUTIONS, WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Mean vardenafil plasma concentrations measured after the administration of a single oral dose of 20 mg to healthy male volunteers are depicted in Figure 1.Figure 1: Plasma Vardenafil Concentration (Mean ± SD) Curve for a Single 20 mg LEVITRA DoseAbsorption:Vardenafil is rapidly absorbed with absolute bioavailability of approximately 15%. )Figure 2: Placebo-subtracted point estimates (with 90% CI) of mean maximal blood pressure and heart rate effects of pre-dosing with LEVITRA 20 mg at 24, 8, 4, and 1 hour before 0.4 mg NTG sublingually.Because the disease state of patients requiring nitrate therapy is anticipated to increase the likelihood of hypotension, the use of vardenafil by patients on nitrate therapy or on nitric oxide donors is contraindicated (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).Electrophysiology:The effect of 10 mg and 80 mg vardenafil on QT interval was evaluated in a single-dose, double-blind, randomized, placebo- and active-controlled (moxifloxacin 400 mg) crossover study in 59 healthy males (81% White, 12% Black, 7% Hispanic) aged 45-60 years. The QT interval was measured at one hour post dose because this time point approximates the average time of peak vardenafil concentration.

What are the main differences between Levitra and Viagra?

My belief is that clinical experience will show them to be similar. Data from Six Degrees Survey, October 2001. men who require fast onset or better absorption should avoid fatty meals or take these pills on an empty stomach; start foreplay later in older patients (who may need up to 2 hours to absorb the medicicne); do not give up before making at least 3 attempts at intercourse having at the maximum dose: Viagra 100 mg, Levitra 20mg. Contains inactivated NDC Code(s)NDC Code(s): 43353-323-02, 43353-323-06 If you are a consumer or patient please visit this version. DESCRIPTION LEVITRA® is an oral therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Key Takeaways

This monohydrochloride salt of vardenafil is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5).Vardenafil HCl is designated chemically as piperazine, 1-[[3-(1,4-dihydro-5-methyl-4-oxo-7-propylimidazo[5,1-f ][1,2,4]triazin-2-yl)-4-ethoxyphenyl]sulfonyl]-4-ethyl-, monohydrochloride and has the following structural formula:Vardenafil HCl is a nearly colorless, solid substance with a molecular weight of 579.1 g/mol and a solubility of 0.11 mg/mL in water. LEVITRA is formulated as orange, round, film-coated tablets with “BAYER” cross debossed on one side and “2.5”, “5”, “10”, and “20” on the other side corresponding to 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg of vardenafil, respectively. LEVITRA® is an oral therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Vardenafil HCl is designated chemically as piperazine, 1-[[3-(1,4-dihydro-5-methyl-4-oxo-7-propylimidazo[5,1-f ][1,2,4]triazin-2-yl)-4-ethoxyphenyl]sulfonyl]-4-ethyl-, monohydrochloride and has the following structural formula: Vardenafil HCl is a nearly colorless, solid substance with a molecular weight of 579.1 g/mol and a solubility of 0.11 mg/mL in water. CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Mechanism of ActionPenile erection is a hemodynamic process initiated by the relaxation of smooth muscle in the corpus cavernosum and its associated arterioles. The 80 mg dose of LEVITRA (four times the highest recommended dose) was chosen because this dose yields plasma concentrations covering those observed upon co-administration of a low-dose of LEVITRA (5 mg) and 600 mg BID of ritonavir.