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Levitra (vardenafil HCl)

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Vardenafil, a selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 5 inhibitor, is a vasodilating agent.

Vardenafil is a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterases (PDEs), with the greatest selectivity for PDE type 5, the principal isoenzyme of PDE involved in the metabolism of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) to GMP in the corpora cavernosa of the penis.

During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide is released from nerve endings and endothelial cells in the corpora cavernosa. Nitric oxide activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase, which stimulates the synthesis of cGMP. cGMP produces smooth muscle relaxation and increased blood flow into the corpora cavernosa. By selectively inhibiting PDE type 5, vardenafil increases cGMP concentrations in the corpora cavernosa of the penis, resulting in nitric oxide-stimulated vascular relaxation.

Vardenafil has no effect on erectile function in the absence of sexual stimulation.

Vardenafil produces a modest reduction in the maximum supine systolic/diastolic blood pressure (average of about 7/8 mm Hg) in patients with erectile dysfunction, accompanied by a small mean maximum heart rate increase of about 4 beats/minute. These effects are potentiated by concurrent use of organic nitrates, and such concurrent use is contraindicated.

USES: Vardenafil is used to treat male sexual function problems (impotence or erectile dysfunction-ED). In combination with sexual stimulation, vardenafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis to help a man get and keep an erection. This drug does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis).

Using an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condom/dental dams) during sexual activity will help to decrease your risk of infection.

Generic name: vardenafil HCl
Pronunciation: (var-DEN-a-fil)

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Levitra:

  • Erectile Dysfunction

Also known as: Impotency.

Dosing

Dosage of vardenafil hydrochloride is expressed in terms of vardenafil.

Patients should be advised to contact their clinician for dose modification if they are not satisfied with the quality of their sexual performance with the prescribed dose or if unwanted effects occur.

Drug interactions

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

Contraindications

Concomitant use of any form of organic nitrate (e.g., nitrates, nitrites, nitric oxide donors), either regularly or intermittently. A suitable time interval for administration of nitrates or nitric oxide donors following administration of vardenafil has not been determined. (See Cautions: Precautions and Contraindications, in Sildenafil 24:12.12.)

Known hypersensitivity to vardenafil or any ingredient in the formulation.

Adverse reactions

Headache, flushing, rhinitis, dyspepsia, sinusitis, flu syndrome, dizziness, increased creatinine kinase, nausea.

Precautions

No enhanced messaging available.

ICD codes

No ICD codes are available for this drug.

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data