Vardenafil
About
Vardenafil belongs to the group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is the inability to keep a hard and erect penis suitable for sexual activity. Vardenafil does not prevent pregnancy or the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. It does not increase sexual desire or cure erectile dysfunction.
Vardenafil contains ‘vardenafil’, which works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, thereby allowing the blood to flow into the penis when the person is sexually excited. It reduces the action of natural chemicals in the body, which makes erections go away. Thereby, Vardenafil helps treat erectile dysfunction. Vardenafil helps the person to get an erection only if he is sexually stimulated.
You are advised to take Vardenafil for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as headache, dizziness, flushing, indigestion, and runny nose. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not take Vardenafil if you are taking nitrates (used to treat angina), or riociguat (used to treat pulmonary hypertension); if you have heart problems/stroke or low blood pressure. Vardenafil is not intended for use in women. Vardenafil may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol as it might make erectile difficulties worse. Vardenafil is not recommended for children below 18 years. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and the medicines you are taking to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Uses of Vardenafil
Medicinal Benefits
Vardenafil belongs to the group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence). Vardenafil works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, thereby allows the blood to flow into the penis when the person is sexually excited. It reduces the action of natural chemicals in the body, which make erections go away. Thereby, Vardenafil helps treat erectile dysfunction. Vardenafil helps the person to get an erection only if he is sexually stimulated.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Vardenafil
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Indigestion
- Runny nose
- Nausea
- Back pain
- Stomach upset
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Vardenafil if you are allergic to any of its components; if you are taking nitrates (used to treat angina), riociguat (used to treat pulmonary hypertension), medicines used to treat HIV, if you are over 75 years and are taking antifungal medicines; if you have/had severe heart problems or liver problems, kidney dialysis, recently had a heart attack or stroke, low blood pressure, degenerative eye diseases, or non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy. Inform your doctor if you have heart problems, irregular heart rhythm, priapism (prolonged erection), sickle cell anaemia, multiple myeloma, leukaemia, epilepsy, deformed penis shape, low levels of potassium in the blood, stomach ulcers, or bleeding disorders. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience decreased vision, loss of vision or colour vision changes whilst taking Vardenafil. Vardenafil is not intended for use in women and children below 18 years. Vardenafil may cause dizziness, so drive with caution.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Vardenafil may interact with anti-angina medicines (nitroglycerin, amyl nitrite, butyl nitrate), a vasodilator (riociguat), anti-arrhythmic (quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol), antifungal (ketoconazole, itraconazole), alpha-blocker (tamsulosin, terazosin, alfuzosin), anti-HIV (ritonavir, indinavir), calcium channel blocker (nifedipine). Inform your doctor if you are taking St. John’s wort (a herbal supplement).
Drug-Food Interactions: Grapefruit might interact with Vardenafil leading to unwanted side effects. Therefore, avoid consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Vardenafil.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have heart problems or liver problems, kidney dialysis, recently had a heart attack or stroke, low blood pressure, degenerative eye diseases, or non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (loss of vision due to damage to optic nerve).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are advised not to consume alcohol as it might make erectile difficulties worse.
Pregnancy
unsafeVardenafil is not intended for use by women.
Breast Feeding
unsafeVardenafil is not intended for use by women.
Driving
cautionVardenafil may cause dizziness and vision problems. Therefore you are advised to drive and operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have liver impairment/liver disease or any concerns regarding this. Avoid taking Vardenafil if you have severe liver problems.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with severe renal impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeVardenafil is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and regular exercising may help you manage erectile dysfunction.
- Avoid the consumption of alcohol, as it might make erectile difficulties worse.
- Avoid the usage of tobacco.
- Share intimate time with your partner.
- Stay sexually active to prevent further problems with erectile dysfunction.
Special Advise
- Do not take Vardenafil more than once in a day. Take Vardenafil only as prescribed by the doctor.
- Talk to your doctor if the erection persists for greater than four hours or if you have a painful erection.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Erectile dysfunction: It is the inability to keep a hard and erect penis suitable for sexual intercourse. It could be a sign of physical or psychological conditions such as fear of sexual failure, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or stress. Certain health-related factors such as smoking, drinking, being overweight, being physically inactive, and high blood pressure also contribute to erectile dysfunction. Symptoms of erectile dysfunction include difficulty in getting an erection, difficulty in maintaining the erection during intercourse and decreased sexual desire.
FAQs
Vardenafil works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, thereby allows the blood to flow into the penis when the person is sexually excited.
No, do not take Vardenafil with nitrates. Taking Vardenafil with medicines used to treat angina/chest pain such as nitrates/nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, glyceryl trinitrate, amyl nitrite, or isosorbide mononitrate, may cause severe lowering of blood pressure. You are advised not to take Vardenafil if you are taking nitrates or if you have a history of heart problems.
Vardenafil increases the hypotensive effect of riociguat. Therefore, avoid taking Vardenafil if you are taking riociguat, a medicine used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension/high blood pressure in the lungs.
It usually takes 30-60minutes for Vardenafil to show its effect. Take Vardenafil 25-60minutes before sexual activity. You should be able to get an erection at any time from 25 minutes up to 4-5hours after taking Vardenafil. However, you need to be sexually excited for Vardenafil to work.
Avoid taking Vardenafil if you have/had hypotension (low blood pressure), stroke, heart attack or heart problems. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
