Vardenafil

Uses of Vardenafil

Vardenafil is a medication that treats erectile dysfunction. ED is the inability to achieve and sustain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. This medication works by increasing blood flow to your penis, which helps you maintain an erection.

Precautions and Warnings

Before taking vardenafil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as heart attack or life-threatening irregular heartbeat in the past 6 months, chest pain/angina, heart failure), stroke in the past 6 months, kidney disease (dialysis), liver disease, high or low blood pressure, dehydration, penis conditions (such as angulation, fibrosis/scarring, Peyronie’s disease), history of painful/prolonged erection (priapism), conditions that may increase the risk of priapism (such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia, multiple myeloma), eye problems (such as retinitis pigmentosa, sudden decreased vision, NAION), bleeding disorders, active stomach ulcers.

This drug may make you dizzy or cause vision changes. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication is not usually used in women. It is unlikely to be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about this medication.

Dosage

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For treatment of erectile dysfunction:

For oral dosage form (disintegrating tablets):

• Adults—10 milligrams (mg) as a single dose, no more than once per day, approximately 1 hour before sexual activity.

For oral dosage form (tablets):

• Adults 65 years and older—5 milligrams (mg) as a single dose, no more than once per day, approximately 1 hour before sexual activity. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 20 mg once per day.
• Adults up to 65 years—10 mg as a single dose, no more than once per day, approximately 1 hour before sexual activity. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 20 mg once per day.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
• stuffy nose, sinus pain;
• headache, dizziness;
• upset stomach; or
• back pain.