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 are 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

Some of the popular brand names of this PDE5 inhibitor are – 

The brand 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 used to treat impotence 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. 

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. 

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

• People with a seizure disorder should use Vardenafil cautiously. 
• Do not take Vardenafil with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. 
• This ED medicine is not for people below the age of 18.
• Consuming Vardenafil with alcohol is not recommended because it can cause lightheadedness, fainting, or dizziness. 
• People with cholesterol, sickle cell anemia, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and stomach ulcers should take Vardenafil under the supervision of a doctor. 

Vardenafil Interactions

Drug interactions with Vardenafil include – 

• Ritonavir
• Atazanavir
• Erythromycin
• Indinavir
• Ketoconazole
• Clarithromycin
• Itraconazole

Note: Before taking any medicine while taking Vardenafil make sure to inform your pharmacist or doctor. 

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.