A Comprehensive Guide to Vardenafil: Uses, Dosages, and Safety

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 the U.S. Food And Drug Administration approves to treat impotence or erectile dysfunction in men.

Vardenafil was co-marketed under the Levitra brand 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, and Vitara V. Vilitra is available in the dosage strengths of 20 mg and Vilitra 40 mg. The available dosage of Vitara V at Vedi Care is 60 mg.

Mechanism Of Action Of Vardenafil

• 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, relaxing 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 treating erectile dysfunction 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)

Available Formulations of Vardenafil

Film-coated tablet: The 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 appropriate 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 24 hours.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of Vardenafil, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the doses of Vardenafil to compensate for a missed one.

Overdose: Do not take more than the prescribed dose of Vardenafil. This may lead to an overdose. Contact your medical provider if you suspect an overdose of Vardenafil.

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.

Vardenafil Warnings And Precautions

• Regular appointments with your doctor should be made while taking Vardenafil to monitor your progress.
• 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 Drug Interactions

Do not take Vardenafil with the following medication, as they can cause drug interactions [5].

• 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 medicines 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. You can also visit the website drugs.com and check the interactions of Vardenafil.

How To Store Vardenafil?

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

Proper Disposal

• Unused or expired Vardenafil tablets should be disposed of so that children, other individuals, and pets cannot consume them.
• Do not flush this medication down the toilet.
• The best way to dispose of Vardenafil is through a drug take-back program.

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.

Explore some of the common side effects of Vardenafil in detail and how to manage them by visiting the guide by GoodRx on this topic.

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.