Vardenafil

Key features:

helps men achieve and maintain erections.

Effective when sexually stimulated, it prolongs erections for satisfactory sexual activity.

Effective for up to 87% of men, it provides relief from erectile dysfunction for up to 5 hours.

Suitable for men with diabetes, offering a reliable ED treatment option.

What is Vardenafil?

Vardenafil is a medication classified as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. It works by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, which leads to increased blood flow to the penis, facilitating and maintaining an erection when combined with sexual stimulation. Vardenafil is effective for a wide range of men, including those with diabetes, and is known for its ability to improve erectile function in over 87% of users. It is available in various dosages, typically 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg, and can remain effective for up to 5 hours. This medication is particularly noted for its role in enhancing the natural process of arousal and enabling satisfactory sexual activity for men struggling with ED.

Summary of Vardenafil

2. 1. Condition this medication is prescribed for: Erectile Dysfunction
   2. Class of drug: Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor
   3. Active Ingredients: Vardenafil
   4. Available Strengths: 5mg, 10mg, 20mg
   5. Possible Side effects.
      
      
      

How does Vardenafil work?

Vardenafil functions as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, a class of medication specifically designed to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. Here’s a detailed explanation of its mechanism:

1. Inhibition of PDE5 Enzyme: PDE5 is an enzyme found in the smooth muscle cells of the corpus cavernosum in the penis. It breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a substance that plays a crucial role in regulating blood flow. Vardenafil works by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, thereby preventing the breakdown of cGMP.
2. Enhanced Blood Flow: When a man is sexually stimulated, nitric oxide is released into the penis. This nitric oxide triggers the production of cGMP, which causes the smooth muscles in the corpus penis to relax. As a result, blood vessels dilate, increasing blood flow into the penile tissues and leading to an erection.
3. Prolonged Erection: By inhibiting PDE5, vardenafil ensures higher levels of cGMP remain in the system for longer. This prolongation allows for increased and sustained blood flow into the penis, facilitating the maintenance of an erection.
4. Sexual Stimulation Requirement: It’s important to note that vardenafil does not cause an erection by itself. Sexual stimulation is necessary to initiate the release of nitric oxide and, consequently, the production of cGMP that vardenafil helps maintain.
5. Dosage and Effectiveness: Vardenafil is available in various dosages, typically 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg. Its effectiveness can last up to 5 hours, and it has been found to work for up to 87% of men with erectile dysfunction.
6. Suitability for Diabetics: Vardenafil is also effective and suitable for men living with diabetes, a group particularly prone to erectile dysfunction.

Patient Information Leaflet.

For more detailed information on this prescription medicine, please refer to the Vardenafil patient information leaflet.

How do I use Vardenafil?

Vardenafil, should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. The typical dose is 10 mg, to be consumed 25-60 minutes before sexual activity. This medication, when combined with sexual stimulation, can help achieve an erection within 25 minutes and maintain it for up to 4-5 hours. Simply swallow one tablet with water. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if unsure about the dosage.

Safety and Precautions.

Vardenafil, a widely used medication for erectile dysfunction, requires careful consideration regarding safety and precautions. Here’s a detailed guide for

1. Allergy Alert: Do not take Vardenafil if you are allergic to its active ingredient or any other components listed in the medication.
2. Drug Interactions: Avoid Vardenafil if you’re on nitrates for angina or nitric oxide donors like amyl nitrite. It’s also contraindicated with HIV treatments like ritonavir or indinavir, and certain anti-fungal medications if you’re over 75.
3. Medical Conditions: Those with severe heart or liver problems, undergoing kidney dialysis, recent stroke or heart attack victims, or those with low blood pressure should not take Vardenafil. It’s also unsuitable for those with a family history of certain eye diseases or a past of non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
4. Heart Risks: If you have heart issues or experience irregular heartbeats, consult your doctor before taking Vardenafil, as sexual activity may pose risks.
5. Physical Conditions: Men with physical conditions affecting the penis, such as angulation, Peyronie’s disease, or cavernosal fibrosis, should take caution.
6. Priapism Risk: Those with conditions like sickle cell disease, multiple myeloma, or leukaemia, which can cause prolonged erections, need to be cautious.
7. Other Medications: Inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking, especially other treatments for erectile dysfunction.
8. Vision and Hearing: Any sudden loss in vision or hearing after taking Vardenafil requires immediate medical attention.
9. Food and Drink: It’s advisable to avoid heavy meals and grapefruit juice when taking Vardenafil. Alcohol consumption should be moderate as it can worsen erectile dysfunction.
10. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Vardenafil is not intended for use by women.
11. Operating Machinery: The medication can cause dizziness or vision changes, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if affected.
12. Aspartame Warning: Vardenafil contains aspartame, which is harmful for people with phenylketonuria.
13. Dosage: Stick to the prescribed dosage, typically 10 mg, and do not exceed one tablet a day. Adjustments should only be made under medical guidance.
14. Storage: Keep out of reach of children and do not use beyond the expiry date.

By adhering to these safety guidelines and precautions, Vardenafil users in the UK can ensure a safer experience while managing erectile dysfunction effectively.

Common side effects.

 Vardenafil, used for treating erectile dysfunction, has a range of side effects varying in frequency from common to very rare. Common side effects, affecting up to 1 in 10 users, include headaches, dizziness, flushing, blocked or runny nose, and indigestion. Uncommon side effects, which may affect up to 1 in 100 users, encompass swelling of skin and mucous tissue, sleep disorders, numbness, sleepiness, various vision effects such as redness and sensitivity to light, ringing in the ears, rapid heartbeat, breathlessness, stuffy nose, gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux and nausea, raised liver enzymes, skin rashes, back or muscle pain, prolonged erections, and general malaise.

Rare side effects, affecting up to 1 in 1,000 users, include eye inflammation, allergic reactions, anxiety, fainting, amnesia, seizures, increased eye pressure, heart-related issues like heart attack or angina, blood pressure changes, nosebleeds, liver function impact, skin sensitivity to sunlight, painful erections, and chest pain. Very rare or unknown frequency side effects include blood in urine, penile bleeding, blood in semen, sudden death, and bleeding in the brain. It’s crucial to remember that not everyone will experience these side effects, and some may be very rare. However, if any side effects are experienced, especially if they are severe or persistent, medical advice should be sought.

For a complete list of side effects please refer to the Vardenafil patient information leaflet.

When should Vardenafil not be used?

Vardenafil should not be used in certain circumstances due to potential health risks and interactions with other conditions or medications. It is contraindicated for individuals who are allergic to vardenafil or any of its ingredients. Those taking medicines containing nitrates, commonly prescribed for angina, or nitric oxide donors like amyl nitrite, should avoid Vardenafil due to the risk of severe blood pressure drops. It’s also not recommended for patients taking HIV treatments such as ritonavir or indinavir, or for those over 75 years old who are on anti-fungal medications like ketoconazole or itraconazole. People with severe heart or liver problems, undergoing kidney dialysis, or who have recently had a stroke or heart attack should not use Vardenafil. Additionally, it’s unsuitable for individuals with low blood pressure, a family history of certain degenerative eye diseases, or those who have suffered from non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Lastly, Vardenafil should not be taken in conjunction with riociguat, a medication used for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, due to the risk of exacerbating hypotensive effects.