Vitara 20mg N10 (Vardenafil)

Vitara 20 contains 20mg of the active ingredient Vardenafil which is a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor. This drug works by inhibiting the action of the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) in destroying cGMP. As long as cGMP is available in the penis, the engorgement of blood in the penis lasts long.

Along with sexual stimulation, Vitara can help a man get and maintain an erection needed for a sexual intercourse.

Manufacturer

Vitara is manufactured by Signature

Dosage

The recommended dose stated below will only serve as guidelines. A physician must be consulted to get the right dose per individual, as it will depend on one’s health condition, age, and other medications being taken.

The usual adult dose of Vardenafil is 10mg, taken as needed, about 1 hour before sexual activity. The tablet must be taken by mouth, swallowed whole with a glassful of water. It may be taken without any regard for food. Only 1 tablet of Vitara must be taken within a 24-hour period. The next dose must be taken after at least 24 hours.The next dose may be reduced to 5mg or increased to 20mg depending on the response of the patient taking the drug.

Men aged 65 and older must start with 5mg of the drug. Men taking stable alpha blocker therapy should begin therapy with 2.5mg or 5mg once per day. Note that the maximum dose of Vitara is 20mg per day.

Sexual stimulation is needed in order to get a response from the drug. The drug may take effect in about 30 minutes after intake, and lasts for up to 6 hours.

Contraindications

Men with known allergy to the active ingredient Vardenafil and all inactive ingredients of the tablet must not take Vitara.

Men who are also advised not to engage in sexual activity due to heart problems must not take Vitara. Other medical conditions contraindicated with Vitara use are as follows:

• Severe heart failure or angina
• Low or high blood pressure
• Severe liver and kidney problems
• History of degenerative eye problems like retinitis pigmentosa
• History of congenital QT prolongation
• Had heart attack, stroke and other life-threatening heartbeat irregularity in the past 6 months
• This drug is not recommended for use in women and children below 18 years of age.

Side effects

Patients taking Vitara will have different side effect experiences. Some will experience mild to severe side effects; others may have no side effects. Common side effects of Vitara include dizziness, headache, flushing, heartburn, upset stomach, and stuffy or runny nose. These common side effects usually go away after a few hours. Vision changes like blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and trouble in differentiating blue and green, can also occur. Notify a healthcare professional if any of the symptoms persist or become worse.

Sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes may also occur. Those with heart problems, diabetes, high cholesterol and other eye problems are at a higher risk of this side effect. Stop taking the drug and seek medical help if this symptom occurs.

Stop the medication and seek urgent medical help if an erection is painful or lasts for 4 hours or more. Ignoring this symptom may cause further damage to the penis. Experiencing dizziness, fainting, nausea, and chest, jaw or left arm pain during sexual intercourse may be signs of a heart problem. Stop taking the drug and seek medical help immediately.

Other side effects that require stopping intake of Vitara are as follows:

• Sudden decrease or loss of hearing, ringing in the ears with dizziness
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Seizure
• Temporary memory loss

A serious allergic reaction to Vitara is rare. If it occurs, medical help must be sought immediately. Symptoms include rash, itching, breathing difficulty, swelling of lips, face, tongue and throat.

Warnings and Precautions

It must first be determined if a medication is safe for use to avoid undesirable effects. Patients must inform a healthcare professional of all current medical conditions and medical history to help determine the safety of the drug.

Caution is advised to patients if any of the following medical conditions apply:

• History of priapism or any conditions that increase risk of priapism
• Deformed penis
• Blood cell problems, bleeding problems and blood vessel problems
• History of eye problems and hearing problems
• History of liver and kidney problems
• Heart problems
• History of heart attach, stroke, long QT syndrome

Vitara can also interact with other drugs and may cause adverse effects. Caution is advised to patients using these medications:

• Alpha-blockers and other blood pressure drugs
• Antiarrhythmia drugs
• Antifungals
• HIV protease inhibitors
• Macrolide antibiotics
• Rifampin
  

Vitara must not be taken concomitantly with the following drugs:

• Nitrates in any form
• Recreational drugs
• Other PDE5 inhibitors

Caution is advised when driving or performing tasks requiring alertness because Vitara can cause dizziness, drowsiness, fainting and blurring of vision.

This medication does not prevent the pregnancy, spreading of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Use of condoms and birth control is recommended to prevent such.

This drug is not approved for use by women, including pregnant women. Caution is advised to breastfeeding women.

Vitara and Alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking Vitara is not advisable as it may increase and worsen side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, blurring of vision, and fainting.

Vitara and Grapefruit

Consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice must be avoided as it can increase the risk of side effects of Vitara due to increased levels of the drug by inhibiting the breakdown and elimination of the drug from the body.