Levitra a new approach to the treatment of erectile dysfunction
Levitra is a phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor developed as an oral therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED). Multiple phase 3 clinical trials have been completed and Levitra is expected to launch worldwide in 2003. Two pivotal, randomized, double-blind, multicenter studies have evaluated the use of Levitra in men with ED. Levitra improved the rate of achieving and maintaining an erection during sexual intercourse. Improvement also was noted in other aspects of sexual function, including confidence, orgasmic function, and overall satisfaction. Levitra produces clinically and statistically significant improvements in erectile function regardless of age, baseline severity, and etiology and is efficacious for the treatment of ED in diabetic and postprostatectomy patients. Levitra has a rapid onset of action and completion of successful sexual intercourse is possible for some patients 16 minutes after its administration. Twenty milligrams of Levitra has sustained long-term efficacy by providing up to 92% of patients with improved erections during more than 2 years of treatment. Levitra is well tolerated, with an adverse event profile typical of the class of PDE-5 inhibitors. The most common adverse events were headache, flushing, rhinitis, and dyspepsia, which were mild or moderate and generally decreased with continued treatment. Levitra may be associated with transient reductions in blood pressure and commensurate increases in heart rate, with the overall incidence of cardiovascular-related adverse events similar to that of placebo.