Vardenafil

Vardenafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. It belongs to the class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

Indications

Vardenafil is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult males.

Dosage

The usual recommended dose of vardenafil is 10 mg taken orally, as needed, approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity. Depending on efficacy and tolerability, the dose may be adjusted to a maximum of 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg.

Contra-Indications

Vardenafil is contraindicated in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its components. It should not be used concurrently with nitrates or nitric oxide donors due to the potential for severe hypotension.

Special Precautions

Patients with underlying cardiovascular conditions, anatomical deformation of the penis, or predisposition to priapism should use vardenafil with caution. It is also important to use caution in patients with hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment. Vardenafil should not be used in combination with other treatments for erectile dysfunction.

Side Effects

Common side effects of vardenafil include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, dyspepsia, and back pain. Less commonly, individuals may experience visual disturbances, such as changes in color vision or blurred vision, and priapism (prolonged erection).

Drug Interactions

Vardenafil should not be co-administered with nitrates or nitric oxide donors due to the potential for severe hypotension. Concomitant use with alpha-blockers may lead to symptomatic hypotension. Other medications that may interact with vardenafil include CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole and ritonavir, which may increase vardenafil plasma concentrations.