Generic medicine

Vardenafil: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Vardenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men.

Forms:Tablet

About Vardenafil

Indications of Vardenafil

Vardenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. This is the sole FDA-approved and internationally recognized indication for Vardenafil.

  • Established/approved use: Treatment of erectile dysfunction, to help achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity, in response to sexual stimulation.

Vardenafil is not indicated for use in women or children, and it does not increase sexual desire; it works only in the presence of sexual stimulation.

Dosage & Administration of Vardenafil

Erectile Dysfunction

PopulationRecommended Dose
General adult starting dose10 mg orally, approximately 60 minutes before anticipated sexual activity
Dose adjustment rangeMay be increased to 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg based on individual efficacy and tolerability
Maximum dosing frequencyOnce per day (maximum one dose in 24 hours)
Elderly (≥65 years)Consider starting at the lowest dose (5 mg)
Hepatic impairment (mild, Child-Pugh A)No dose adjustment required
Hepatic impairment (moderate, Child-Pugh B)Start at 5 mg; maximum recommended dose 10 mg
Hepatic impairment (severe, Child-Pugh C)Not recommended — not adequately studied
Renal impairment (mild–moderate)No dose adjustment required
Renal impairment (severe, CrCl <30 mL/min) or dialysisStart at 5 mg with caution
Pediatric useNot indicated; safety and efficacy not established

Vardenafil should be taken as a single dose; sexual stimulation is required for effectiveness. Do not take more than one dose of Vardenafil per day. Do not use Vardenafil together with any other PDE5 inhibitor or with organic nitrates (see Contraindications).

Side Effects of Vardenafil

Most adverse effects of Vardenafil are mild to moderate and transient.

Common Side Effects

  • Headache
  • Flushing
  • Nasal congestion/rhinitis
  • Dyspepsia (indigestion)
  • Dizziness
  • Back pain
  • Sinusitis
  • Flu-like symptoms

Serious/Rare Side Effects (require prompt medical attention)

  • Priapism: A prolonged, painful erection lasting more than 4 hours is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage to the penis.
  • Sudden vision loss or decrease in one or both eyes, including reports of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare condition associated with PDE5 inhibitors as a class. Vardenafil should be stopped immediately and medical care sought if this occurs.
  • Sudden hearing loss or decrease, sometimes with tinnitus and dizziness, reported with PDE5 inhibitors including Vardenafil. Discontinue and seek medical attention if this occurs.
  • Cardiovascular events (chest pain, palpitations, or, rarely, myocardial infarction) during or after sexual activity in men with underlying cardiac risk factors.
  • Prolonged QT interval (dose-related), rarely associated with serious arrhythmia.

Contraindications of Vardenafil

Vardenafil is contraindicated in the following situations:

  • Known hypersensitivity to Vardenafil or any component of the formulation.
  • Concomitant use with organic nitrates in any form (regularly and/or intermittently), such as nitroglycerin — this combination can cause severe, life-threatening hypotension and is an absolute, critical contraindication.
  • Concomitant use with guanylate cyclase (GC) stimulators, such as riociguat, due to additive hypotensive effects.
  • Concomitant use with Class IA or Class III antiarrhythmic agents (e.g., quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol) due to risk of additive QT-interval prolongation.

Use of Vardenafil is not recommended in men for whom sexual activity is inadvisable due to underlying cardiovascular status (e.g., recent myocardial infarction or stroke within the last 6 months, unstable angina, uncontrolled arrhythmias, severe heart failure) or in those with severe hepatic impairment — these are important cautions to be assessed by a physician rather than absolute contraindications.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vardenafil

What is Vardenafil used for?

Vardenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. It helps men achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity, but only works in the presence of sexual stimulation.

How should I take Vardenafil?

Take Vardenafil orally, usually starting at 10 mg, about 60 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. Your doctor may adjust the dose between 5 mg and 20 mg based on your response. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours, and do not take it with a heavy, high-fat meal, as this can delay its effect.

Can I take Vardenafil if I use nitrate medicines for chest pain?

No. Taking Vardenafil together with any organic nitrate medicine (such as nitroglycerin, used for angina or chest pain), in any form and at any frequency, is strictly contraindicated. This combination can cause a severe, life-threatening drop in blood pressure. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you take before starting Vardenafil.

What should I do if I get an erection lasting more than 4 hours?

An erection lasting longer than 4 hours (priapism) after taking Vardenafil is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention, as delayed treatment can cause permanent damage to the penis and lasting erectile dysfunction.

Are there any serious side effects I should watch for?

Rarely, Vardenafil and similar medicines have been associated with sudden vision loss (due to a condition called NAION) or sudden hearing loss. If you experience sudden vision or hearing changes while taking Vardenafil, stop the medicine and seek medical attention immediately.

Can women or children take Vardenafil?

Vardenafil is intended only for adult men with erectile dysfunction. It is not approved for use in women (including during pregnancy or breastfeeding) or in children, and should never be used by these groups.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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