Blood pressure (BP) problems and erectile malfunctions often coexist. There is an opinion that anti-impotence medications can cause alterations in blood pressure. Levitra, one of the most frequently used pharmaceuticals (produced by a German company Bayer), is considered to be a preferred choice for patients with diabetes mellitus, but what about BP? Can it influence arterial pressure rates?
What is Levitra and How Does It Work?
Levitra is a branded trading nomenclature for vardenafil, a powerful PDE5 inhibitor. It contains vardenafil hydrochloride, a hydrocarbon compound featuring 16 per cent bioavailability. This substance improves blood circulation in the pelvic organs and enhances the response to erotic stimulation. It performs that by suppressing phosphodiesterase type five enzyme which negatively affects erection, namely biochemical processes which are needed for it. Levitra does not work if a patient is not sexually excited.
The pill works for 4-5 hours. User experience shows few possible side effects. The recommended dose is 10 mg, approximately 25-60 minutes before sex. Based on efficiency and tolerance, it can be decreased to 5 mg, or, vice versa, increased to twenty milligrams.
Levitra and Its Effect on Blood Pressure: Cases Researched in Science
There is an official information that Levitra can cause BP to suddenly drop to a dangerous level if combined with other meds. Severe decrease in BP can lead to dizziness and even fainting. This especially applies to nitrate-containing medicines, such as nitroglycerine. But can it cause such an undesirable consequence by itself?
Scientists at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Journal of Urology, 2008) studied effect of Levitra on BP profile of males with ED concomitantly therapied with doxazosin (brand name Cardura). The combination drug therapy resulted in a minor decrease of systolic blood pressure. Only 1 male had standing systolic BP of less than 85 mm Hg (asymptomatically).
According to a study by Klinikum Osnabrück researchers (The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2005), there were no considerable fluctuations in BP (both systolic and diastolic) and heart rate between Levitra and placebo groups of patients.
It should be also noted that it’s usually safe to combine vardenafil with high blood pressure medications. Please carefully leaflet (interaction section) before initiating therapy with the medicine. More importantly, you need to consult a doctor (see why below).
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The Bottom Line
Hence Levitra does not usually affect blood pressure levels and can be used by patients with normal low or high blood pressure. However, with severe hypertension and uncontrolled hypertension, it is better to refrain from taking the drug (be sure to consult a doctor and do medical tests to determine if you are an eligible candidate for using the orange-colored pill).
Levitra is a well-tested and researched drug, but it does not work for everyone and does not always work properly, although in most cases.
