What is vardenafil?
Vardenafil is an active ingredient for treating erectile dysfunction from the group of PDE-5-inhibitors. Originally introduced as a Levitra® brand medication by Bayer, Vardenafil has been available as a generic product from various manufacturers since the patent procedure.
The active ingredient is characterized by rapid action – in some men already after 25 minutes. The working time is comparable to Sildenafil for 4-5 hours.
Vardenafil generics offer the same effectiveness as the original product at a significantly cheaper price. They are subject to the same strict quality requirements and contain the same active substance.
The drug is available as a film tablet. Like all PDE-5 inhibitors, it only works on sexual stimulation – it does not generate automatic erection.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Vardenafil
Vardenafil is part of the second generation of PDE-5 inhibitors. The mechanism of action corresponds to the other medicines of this class:
The erection mechanism: In sexual excitation, nitrogen monoxide (NO) is released in the penis. This activates the production of cGMP, a messenger that relaxes the blood vessels in the swelling body. More blood flows, an erection arises.
**The role of Vardenafil:* * The enzyme PDE-5 normally removes cGMP and ends erection. Vardenafil selectively inhibits PDE-5 so that cGMP remains effective for longer. Erection can be created more easily and better maintained.
Special features of Vardenafil:
- High selectivity for PDE-5 – less influence on other PDE enzymes
- Fast action (often 25-30 minutes)
- Good efficacy also for diabetics
- Less visual disorders than Sildenafil
**Vardenafil does not work without sexual stimulation. The drug does not produce automatic erection.
Who is it suitable for?
Vardenafil is suitable for adult men with erectile dysfunction of various causes:
Indications:
- erectile dysfunction due to blood circulation problems
- Erectile dysfunction in diabetes mellitus
- Psychic erection problems
- Erectile dysfunction after prostate operations (intestinal)
Specially suitable for:
- Men wishing to have a quick impact
- Patients with diabetes (good study results)
- Men who do not optimally wear Sildenafil
- Incompatibility with other PDE-5 inhibitors
Vardenafil vs. other PDE-5 inhibitors: Some men talk about an active ingredient better than others. If Sildenafil does not work optimally or causes side effects, Vardenafil can be a good alternative.
Available Dosages
available dosages:
- 5 mg – lowest dose, in certain patient groups
- 10 mg – Recommended initial dose
Dosing recommendations:
- Standard: 10 mg about 25-60 minutes before sexual intercourse
- For good compatibility: Increase to 20 mg possible
- For severe side effects: reduction to 5 mg
Special patient groups:
- Men over 65: No routine adjustment required
- liver function disorder: initial dose 5 mg
- Kidney function disorder: With severe limitation initial dose 5 mg
Maximaldosis: 20 mg per day, not more often than once a day
How to Take
Intake:
- About 25 to 60 minutes before scheduled intercourse
- With a glass of water
- With or without food possible
- A moderately rich meal has no significant influence
Initiation of action: Vardenafil can already work after 25 minutes – a little faster than Sildenafil. In most men, the effect begins within 30-60 minutes.
Activity: The effect lasts about 4-5 hours. In this period, erections are possible for sexual stimulation.
Activity: Maximum one dose per 24 hours. Not intended for daily continuous intake.
Alcohol: Moderate alcohol consumption is possible. Larger amounts can reduce the effectiveness and increase side effects such as dizziness.
Contraindications
Absolute contraindications:
The combination with nitrates (nitrospray, isosorbide) or amyl nitrite (Poppers) can cause a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.
- Black heart disease: Heart attack in the last 6 months, unstable angina pectoris, severe heart failure, life-threatening heart rhythm disorders
- QT extension: Known QT syndrome or taking QT-extending medications (e.g. certain antiarrhythmics, antibiotics)
- Ritonavir/Indinavir: HIV protease inhibitor strongly contraindicated
- Slow blood pressure (under 90/50 mmHg)
- **Heavy liver disease * *
- **Dialysis-prone kidney failure * *
- Other retinal diseases (e.g. retinitis pigmentosa)
Preview at:
- Anatomical penis deformations
- Diseases with increased priapism risk
- Blood coagulation disorders
Possible Side Effects
**Family side effects (1-10%):* *
- Headaches
- Face redness (Flush)
- Blocked nose
- Indigestion
- Squeeze
** Occasionally (0,1-1%):* *
- nausea
- Increased light sensitivity
- Hidden vision
- Tear eyes
- muscle pain
- Back pain
- Increased intraocular pressure
Selten, but seriously:
- Priapism: Painful erection over 4 hours – immediately to the doctor
- Sold visual loss: Immediate medical clarification
- Sold hearing loss:Visit doctor
* *Compared:** Vardenafil tends to cause less visual disorders (blue-silve) than Sildenafil.
Interactions
Absolute contraindicated:
- Nitrate and NO donors: Life-threatening blood pressure drop
- Ritonavir/Indinavir: Extreme increase in Vardenafil concentration
- QT-extending medication: Increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias
Important interactions:
- Alpha blocker: Enhanced blood pressure reduction, recommended 6 hours distance
- Other HIV protease inhibitor: dose to max. Limit 2.5 mg in 72 hours
- CYP3A4 inhibitor: Dose reduction required
- Grapefruit juice: Can increase vardenafil level
- Other PDE-5-Hemmer: No combination
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is vardenafil right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.