Staxyn (other name Zhewitra)

Common use

Zhewitra is a medicine that is often used to treat impotence or erectile dysfunction (ED) in males. The medical condition when a male loses the ability to get and maintain an erection is called ED. Vardenafil is the active ingredient of Zhewitra.

Dosage and direction

Usually, the recommended dose per day (24 hours) is one tablet, or as directed by your physician. If you do not notice the desired result, your doctor may increase the dosage for several weeks. Take the tablet whole by mouth with a glass full of water and avoid other beverages such as grapefruit juice or alcohol because it may increase the risk of side effects. While swallowing do not crush, break, or chew the tablet.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have ever had: heart disease, heart rhythm problems; a heart attack, stroke, or congestive heart failure; long QT syndrome (in you or a family member); high or low blood pressure; seizure (convulsions); a blood cell disorder such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia; a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia; a stomach ulcer; hearing or vision problems, vision loss; an eye disorder such as retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited condition of the eye); a physical deformity of the penis (such as Peyronie's disease); if you have been told you should not have sexual intercourse for health reasons; or liver disease, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

Contraindications

Zhewitra is not approved for use in women, and the effects of vardenafil during pregnancy or in breastfeeding women are unknown.
You should not use Zhewitra if you are allergic to vardenafil, or if you take other medicines to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, such as riociguat (Adempas).
Do not take Zhewitra if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems, including nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, and isosorbide mononitrate. Nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). Taking vardenafil with a nitrate medicine can cause a sudden and serious decrease in blood pressure.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Zhewitra and get emergency medical help if you have: heart attack symptoms - chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating; vision changes or sudden vision loss; or erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours (prolonged erection can damage the penis); ringing in your ears, or sudden hearing loss; irregular heartbeat; swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; shortness of breath; a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or eizure (convulsions).
Common side effects of Zhewitra may include: flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); stuffy nose, sinus pain; headache, dizziness; upset stomach; or back pain.

Drug interaction

Do not use Zhewitra with similar medications such as avanafil (Stendra), sildenafil (Viagra), or tadalafil (Cialis). Tell your doctor about all other medications you use for erectile dysfunction.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially: an antibiotic - clarithromycin, erythromycin; antifungal medicine - itraconazole, ketoconazole; drugs to treat high blood pressure or a prostate disorder - alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, silodosin, terazosin, tamsulosin; heart rhythm medicine - amiodarone, dronedarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol; or HIV/AIDS medicine - atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, cobicistat, and others.

Missed dose

If you forget and miss a dose, you should take it as soon as possible. However, if it is near the time for the next dose, just skip the missed dose and continue the regular treatment.

Overdose

Stop using Zhewitra and consult a doctor right away if you notice any of the following symptoms: passing out, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Stop using Zhewitra and get emergency medical help if you have sudden vision loss.

Storage

It is recommended to store this medication at room temperature and away from moisture and direct sunlight. It is not allowed to keep Zhewitra in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.