Vardenafil: Uses, Interactions and Safety
Uses
Vardenafil is a prescription PDE5 inhibitor for erectile dysfunction in adult men. It helps increase blood flow during sexual stimulation; it does not produce an erection without stimulation. A medical assessment can identify cardiovascular disease or other causes of erectile difficulties.
Administration
This summary covers film-coated tablets taken by mouth. Follow the prescribed instructions and do not increase the amount yourself. A high-fat meal can delay the onset. Orodispersible tablets have different administration and exposure characteristics and should not be substituted automatically.
Safety
A prolonged erection lasting more than four hours needs emergency care. Stop treatment and obtain urgent advice for sudden loss of vision or hearing. Vardenafil is unsuitable when sexual activity is medically inadvisable, and restrictions apply to severe liver disease, dialysis, recent stroke or heart attack and previous NAION. Its potential to prolong the QT interval matters when choosing treatment for someone with rhythm problems.
Interactions
Never combine vardenafil with nitrates or riociguat. Tell emergency staff when it was last taken if chest pain develops; do not self-administer a nitrate. Ritonavir is contraindicated under the European and Turkish product information. Strong CYP3A inhibitors can greatly increase exposure; oral itraconazole should be avoided and is contraindicated in men older than 75. Clarithromycin requires a prescriber to adjust treatment. Alpha-blockers can add to blood-pressure lowering. Amiodarone and sotalol are combinations best avoided because of QT risk. Other erectile-dysfunction medicines should not be added.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
This medicine is intended for adult men. It has no indication for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Adverse effects
Headache, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion and dizziness are recognized adverse effects. A controlled alcohol study does not establish that drinking with treatment is safe for every patient. Report troublesome effects before changing treatment.
Sources
Additional verified references
The linked Turkish profile contains the medicine record and its documented interaction list.