Vardenafil Hydrochloride

There are different types of sexual function issues out there, and one such common issue faced by men is erectile dysfunction.

Luckily, there is a wide range of medications to treat erectile dysfunction, and one such medication is Vardenafil.

In this blog, we’ll be talking about everything on Vardenafil that one must be aware of before or while taking the medication.

What Is Vardenafil?

Vardenafil hydrochloride salt belongs to a class of PDE5 inhibitors that is approved by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration to treat impotence or erectile dysfunction in men.

Vardenafil was co-marketed under the brand name Levitra by GlaxoSmithKline, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, and Schering-Plough.

In 2005, the co-promotion rights of GSK on Levitra were given back to Bayer in many markets outside the United States [1].

Vardenafil Brand Names

Vardenafil is available under various brand names in the market. Some of the popular brand names of Vardenafil, along with their manufacturers, are listed in the table.

The brands of Vardenafil available at Vedi Care Health are – Vilitra 20 mg and 40 mg.

Mechanism Of Action

• The consumption of Vardenafil enhances the release of nitric oxide (only when you’re sexually stimulated).
• The nitric oxide activates the enzyme known as guanylate cyclase, which increases the guanosine monophosphate level, which results in the relaxation of the blood vessels in the abdominal area.
• This, in turn, helps increase blood flow to the penis, thus helping achieve an erection.

What Is Vardenafil Used For?

Vardenafil is an excellent option for erectile dysfunction treatment in men. Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction, is a male sexual function problem in which a man finds it difficult to get and sustain an erection. There are various complications resulting from erectile dysfunction, including – relationship issues, inability to get your partner pregnant, low self-esteem, and stress or anxiety.

The cause of erectile dysfunction can be physical or psychological.

• Physical causes of this condition include – diabetes, heart disease, tobacco use, obesity, and high cholesterol.
• Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction include – depression, anxiety, and stress [2].

Vardenafil Dosage Guidelines

Vardenafil is available in the following dosage strengths [3] –

• 2.5 mg (film-coated tablet)
• 5 mg (film-coated tablet)
• 10 mg (orally disintegrating)
• Vardenafil 20 mg (film-coated tablet)

Film-coated tablet: The film-coated 10 mg tablet should be swallowed orally (by mouth) with plain water an hour before the sexual episode; this dose may be increased to 20 mg or reduced to 5 mg depending on tolerance and effectiveness.

Orally disintegrating tablet: Place 10 mg on your tongue an hour before sexual activity and let it dissolve completely.

Proper Administration

• Take Vardenafil only after proper consultation with your doctor.
• This medication is usually taken 1 hour before sexual activity.
• Before taking Vardenafil, read the manufacturer-printed leaflet carefully.
• Do not take more than one dose of this medication in any 24-hour period.

Vardenafil Reviews

On the website drugs.com, Vardenafil has an average rating of 8.0 out of 10 and 172 reviews [4].

On the website WebMD, Vardenafil has an average rating of 3.4 out of 5 [5].

Vardenafil Warnings

• Keep regular appointments with your doctor while taking Vardenafil so your progress can be monitored.
• Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking Vardenafil because it can increase the amount of Vardenafil in your bloodstream and can make side effects more likely.
• Do not drink large amounts of alcohol before taking Vardenafil. Drinking too much alcohol can reduce your ability to get erect, and this may prevent you from getting the maximum benefits from the tablets.
• Make sure to engage in foreplay because this medication will not cause an erection unless you are sexually stimulated.

Vardenafil Interactions

Do not take Vardenafil with the following medication, as they can cause drug interactions [6].

• Bepridil
• Certain medications for fungal infections like intraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, and fluconazole.
• Cisapride
• Medications for an irregular heartbeat.
• Nitrates like isosorbide dinitrate, amyl nitrite, nitroglycerin, and isosorbide mononitrate.
• Other medications for erectile dysfunction are Sildenafil and Tadalafil.
• Thioridazine.

This medication also has the potential to interact –

• Antiviral medications for AIDS and HIV.
• Medications for prostate problems.
• Certain antibiotics like clarithromycin and erythromycin.

This list does not contain all possible interactions. Give your medical provider a list of all the medicines, supplements, and herbs you use before taking Vardenafil.

How To Store Vardenafil?

• Store Vardenafil tablets out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store the medication in a cool and dry place away from direct heat and light.

Vardenafil Side Effects

Common side effects of Vardenafil include – upset stomach, heartburn, headaches, flushing, stuffy or runny nose, and flu-like symptoms.

Some serious side effects of this drug are – fainting, hives, rash, blurred vision, sudden loss of vision, sudden loss or decrease of hearing, and prolonged erection.

Conclusion

Erectile dysfunction is a frustrating issue, but you don’t have to face this alone. Various treatment options are available for this condition, and one such effective option is medications like Vardenafil. If you’re considering this medication, it’s essential to consult a doctor to understand if it’s the right option for you.