Vardenafil

Vardenafil is a drug that is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence. In previous clinical studies, up to 80 percent of men reported that vardenafil allowed them to have successful intercourse. For the most part, vardenafil starts working within an hour. The medicine comes as a tablet usually taken one hour prior to sexual activity. The most common side effects of vardenafil include facial flushing, indigestion, and stuffy or runny nose, among other things.

 

What Is Vardenafil?

Vardenafil HCL (Levitra®) is a prescription medication used for treating problems with obtaining or maintaining an erection.
 

Who Manufactures Vardenafil?

Vardenafil is manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals. It is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline and Schering-Plough.
 

Vardenafil: Uses

Vardenafil has been licensed to treat erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, can be a total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. Essentially, erectile dysfunction is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
 

Vardenafil: How Does It Work?

Vardenafil works by blocking a chemical that reverses an erection by causing blood to flow out of the penis. More blood in the penis means an improved erection.
 
(Click How Does Levitra Work? for more information.)
 

Vardenafil: Effects

The effects of vardenafil can include:
 
  • Achieving and maintaining an erection during sexual activity
  • Having a harder erection during sexual activity
  • Experiencing improved frequency of orgasms
  • Having increased satisfaction and enjoyment of intercourse.
     
In previous clinical studies, up to 80 percent of men reported that vardenafil improved their erections. Vardenafil was also shown to be effective in men with various health problems and medical conditions (see Effects of Levitra).
 

Vardenafil: When Does It Start Working and How Long Does It Last?

Many men wonder, "How long do I have to wait for vardenafil to work?" The time it takes for vardenafil to start working will vary depending on the individual. In clinical studies, vardenafil began to work in about one hour. How long vardenafil continues to work will also depend on the individual. In most cases, vardenafil can work for up to four hours.
 

When and How Do I Take Vardenafil?

Here are some general considerations for when and how to take vardenafil:
 
  • Vardenafil comes in tablet form. It is taken as needed, usually one hour before sexual activity. However, it is not recommended that you take vardenafil more than once in a day.
     
  • While it is recommended that you take your vardenafil dose with a glass of water, you may take it with or without food. Taking vardenafil with a high-fat meal may decrease the amount of vardenafil in the blood.
     
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the vardenafil tablets.
     
  • For vardenafil to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Vardenafil will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Vardenafil: Dosing

The dose of vardenafil your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Dosage of Vardenafil for more information about dosing for vardenafil.)
 

Vardenafil: Side Effects

(The side effects listed below are NOT a complete list of possible side effects you may experience with vardenafil. Your doctor can provide you with a comprehensive list of these side effects.)
 
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with vardenafil. However, not everyone who takes vardenafil will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate vardenafil well. When side effects do occur, they are usually minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
The most common side effects of vardenafil include:
 
  • Headache -- 15 percent of people (see Headaches From Levitra)
  • Facial flushing -- 11 percent of people
  • Indigestion or an upset stomach (known as dyspepsia) -- 4 percent of people
  • Stuffy or runny nose (rhinitis) -- 9 percent of people
  • Flu-like symptoms -- 3 percent of people
  • Nausea -- 2 percent of people
  • Dizziness -- 2 percent of people
  • Back pain -- 2 percent of people.

 

If you have cardiovascular disease or significant heart disease risk factors, you have an increased risk of serious problems with the heart, brain, and blood vessels while taking vardenafil. This can lead to dangerous side effects such as heart attack, stroke, or sudden death.
 
Also, vardenafil has been linked to rare cases of a condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This condition can lead to sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. If you experience any loss of vision while on vardenafil, contact your healthcare provider immediately (see Levitra and Blindness).
 
(Click Side Effects of Vardenafil to learn more about the specific side effects of vardenafil.)
 

Vardenafil and Drug Interactions

Vardenafil can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
 
(Click Drug Interactions With Vardenafil for more information about vardenafil and these other drugs.)
 

Vardenafil: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

Prior to taking vardenafil, you should let your healthcare provider know if you have:
 
  • Heart disease
  • Liver disease or liver failure
  • Kidney disease requiring dialysis
  • A history of a heart attack, stroke, or life-threatening arrhythmia within the past six months
  • Retinitis pigmentosa, which is a rare eye problem
  • A history of severe vision loss, including a condition called NAION
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Bleeding problems
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Leukemia
  • A history of priapism, which is a painful erection lasting longer than six hours
  • Any condition that causes a penis deformation, such as angulation, Peyronie's disease, or cavernosal fibrosis
  • Any allergies
  • A rare heart condition known as prolongation of the QT interval (long QT syndrome); also tell your doctor if anyone in your family has this condition.
     
It is also important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, antacids, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings for Vardenafil for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take vardenafil.)
 

Who Should Not Take Vardenafil?

You should not take vardenafil if:
 
  • You are allergic to vardenafil or any component of Levitra. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist has a list of the inactive ingredients.
     
  • You are taking a nitrate for angina.
     

Vardenafil and Overdose

There have been a limited number of cases in which people have overdosed on vardenafil. In these cases, side effects were similar to those seen at lower doses; these side effects included reversible back pain, muscle pain, or problems with vision. If you happen to overdose on vardenafil, seek medical attention immediately.
 

Vardenafil: Storage Methods

Vardenafil should be stored at room temperature. Also, keep vardenafil and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

Vardenafil: Strengths

There are several strengths of vardenafil, including:
 
  • Vardenafil 2.5 mg
  • Vardenafil 5 mg
  • Vardenafil 10 mg
  • Vardenafil 20 mg.
     

Vardenafil: Generic

There is currently no generic vardenafil available for sale.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;