Generic
Vardenafil
12 brands available in the market
At a glance
Vardenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It increases blood flow to the penis to help men get an erection. It works by helping to relax the blood vessels in your penis, allowing blood to flow into your penis when you get sexually excited.
Description
Vardenafil is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). 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.
Indications
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Therapeutic class
Drugs for Erectile Dysfunction
Pharmacological class
Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitor
Pharmacology
Vardenafil is a selective inhibitor of cGMP-specific PDE5. During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide is released, activating guanylate cyclase and increasing cGMP synthesis. cGMP triggers smooth muscle relaxation, allowing increased blood flow into the penis, resulting in an erection. Inhibition of PDE5 enhances erectile function by increasing the amount of cGMP.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits PDE5, increasing cGMP and blood flow to the penis to facilitate erection.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Starting dose: 10 mg once daily, approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity
- May be increased to a maximum of 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg based on efficacy and side effects
- Maximum dosing frequency: once per day
- Patients >65 years: Consider starting dose of 5 mg
- Moderate hepatic impairment: Starting dose 5 mg; max 10 mg; do not use in severe hepatic impairment
Administration
- May be taken with or without food
- Swallow whole; do not chew, crush or break
- Take approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible; if almost time for next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Stiffness
- Headache
- Flushing
- Blurred vision
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Back pain
Precautions & warnings
- May decrease alertness; do not drive
- Contraindicated with nitrates; may cause dangerous drop in blood pressure
- Do not use if you have severe heart or liver problems, recent stroke or heart attack, or low blood pressure
- Do not drive if you feel dizzy
- Avoid alcohol
Contraindications
- Contraindicated with nitrates (regular or intermittent) and nitric oxide donors
- Hypersensitivity to vardenafil or any ingredients
Drug interactions
- Antihypertensive agents: can potentiate blood pressure lowering effect
- Other vasodilators (alpha blockers): caution advised
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, indinavir, ritonavir, erythromycin): may reduce vardenafil excretion
Food interactions
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Vardenafil.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Not indicated for women.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Information not available; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy not established in children
Geriatric use
Consider starting dose of 5 mg in patients >65 years
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: No dose adjustment required; no clinical studies in ESRD requiring dialysis
Hepatic Impairment: Moderate: starting dose 5 mg, max 10 mg; severe: do not use
Overdose effects
Symptoms: Blurred vision and back pain (at single 120 mg dose); single doses up to 80 mg and multiple doses up to 40 mg once daily over 4 weeks did not show serious adverse effects.
Treatment: Contact doctor immediately.
Storage conditions
Store at room temperature and protect from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.