Vardetron 20 Generic Levitra (Vardenafil 20mg)
Vardetron 20 Generic Levitra (Vardenafil 20mg) is a medication designed to treat erectile dysfunction in men. This oral medication works by increasing blood flow to the penis, aiding in achieving an erection upon sexual stimulation. The tablet can be taken on an empty stomach or with a meal, and should be taken about an hour before planned sexual activity. The onset of action varies individually but typically ranges from 30 minutes to one hour. It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions and use it only as prescribed.
Uses of Vardetron 20 Generic Levitra (Vardenafil 20mg)
- Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
- Treatment of Premature Ejaculation (off-label)
Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: Vardetron 20 Generic Levitra (Vardenafil 20mg) helps relax the blood vessels in your penis, allowing increased blood flow. This process facilitates an erection in response to sexual stimulation. Having a prescription ensures proper use and management of potential side effects.
Treatment of Premature Ejaculation (off-label): While primarily prescribed for erectile dysfunction, Vardetron 20 Generic Levitra (Vardenafil 20mg) has been used off-label to help with premature ejaculation by improving control over ejaculation and extending the duration of intercourse.
Safety & Precautions
- Avoid alcohol while taking this medication as it can lead to side effects.
- Do not take if you are on nitrates for chest pain, as it can be dangerous.
- Inform your doctor of any severe heart or liver problems.
- Avoid driving if the medicine makes you dizzy or affects your vision.
- Only take Vardetron 20 Generic Levitra (Vardenafil 20mg) if prescribed by a doctor.
- Do not combine with other impotence treatments without consulting a doctor.
- Inform your doctor if you have had a stroke or heart attack recently.
- Discuss any other current medications with your doctor to avoid interactions.
- Inform the doctor if you have low blood pressure.
- Store below 30°C and keep out of reach of children.
Side Effects
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them.
- Flushing (warmth in the face, ears, neck, and trunk)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Stomach upset
- Muscle pain
- Rash
- Nasal congestion
- Indigestion
FAQ
Q: How should I take Vardetron 20 Generic Levitra (Vardenafil 20mg)?
A: Take the Vardetron 20 Generic Levitra (Vardenafil 20mg) as instructed by your doctor. Swallow it whole with water, with or without food, ideally one hour before sexual activity. The timing may vary individually, but it generally takes 30 minutes to one hour to start working. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet.
Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking Vardetron 20 Generic Levitra (Vardenafil 20mg)?
A: It is not advisable to consume alcohol when taking Vardetron 20 Generic Levitra (Vardenafil 20mg) because alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and headaches. Moreover, alcohol may also impair the ability to get an erection.
Q: Are there any specific medications to avoid while taking Vardetron 20 Generic Levitra (Vardenafil 20mg)?
A: Avoid taking nitrates for chest pain or medications for heart problems with Vardetron 20 Generic Levitra (Vardenafil 20mg) as this combination can be dangerous. Always inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
Q: Can women use Vardetron 20 Generic Levitra (Vardenafil 20mg)?
A: No, Vardetron 20 Generic Levitra (Vardenafil 20mg) is specifically formulated and intended for use by men. The safety and efficacy of this medication have not been established for women, and it may pose risks if used by females.
Q: What should I do if I experience side effects from Vardetron 20 Generic Levitra (Vardenafil 20mg)?
A: Most side effects are mild and disappear as your body adjusts to Vardetron 20 Generic Levitra (Vardenafil 20mg). Common side effects include headaches, dizziness, and flushing. If side effects persist or become bothersome, contact your doctor for further advice and management.
Q: How should Vardetron 20 Generic Levitra (Vardenafil 20mg) be stored?
A: Store Vardetron 20 Generic Levitra (Vardenafil 20mg) below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children. Proper storage ensures the medication retains its effectiveness and safety for use.
Dosages of Vardenafil
Vardenafil is prescribed for treating erectile dysfunction. It is critical to follow the recommended dosages to avoid any adverse outcomes. Below are the various dosage forms and strengths along with their specific considerations for different demographics:
| Dosage Form | Strength |
|---|---|
| Tablet, film-coated | 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg |
| Tablet, orally disintegrating (ODT) | 10 mg |
Adult Dosage
For adults using Vardenafil for erectile dysfunction, the recommended dose begins with:
- Film-coated tablet: 10 mg taken orally approximately 1 hour before sexual activity. The dose may be increased to 20 mg or reduced to 5 mg based on effectiveness and tolerance. Not to exceed 1 dose per day.
- Orally disintegrating tablet (ODT): 10 mg placed on the tongue approximately 1 hour before sexual activity. Not to exceed 1 dose per day. Note that the 10-mg ODT is not interchangeable with the 10-mg film-coated tablet due to higher systemic exposure at the same dose.
Geriatric Dosage
For elderly men, special dosage considerations are necessary:
- 5 mg orally approximately 1 hour before sexual activity.
- In elderly men, AUC and Cmax are increased by 39% and 21%, respectively, compared to men under 45 years of age.
Dosing Considerations
The coadministration of Vardenafil with other medications and medical conditions requires modification of doses:
Dosing with Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors
- Ketoconazole 200 mg/day or itraconazole 200 mg/day: Vardenafil not to exceed 5 mg/day.
- Ketoconazole 400 mg/day or itraconazole 400 mg/day: Vardenafil not to exceed 2.5 mg/day.
- Indinavir, saquinavir, atazanavir, or clarithromycin: Vardenafil not to exceed 2.5 mg/day.
- Ritonavir (600 mg every 12 hours): Vardenafil not to exceed 2.5 mg/72 hours.
Dosing with Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors
- Erythromycin 500 mg every 8 hours: Vardenafil not to exceed 5 mg/day.
Dosing with Alpha Blockers
- Stabilized on alpha-blocker therapy: 5 mg/day orally initially.
- Stabilized on alpha-blocker therapy and taking moderate-to-strong CYP3A4 inhibitor: 2.5 mg/day orally initially.
Dosing Modifications
- Renal Impairment: Mild, moderate, severe impairment – no dosage adjustment necessary. Hemodialysis – not recommended.
- Hepatic Impairment:
- Child-Pugh class A: No dosage adjustment necessary.
- Child-Pugh class B: Film-coated tablet, 5 mg orally approximately 1 hour before sexual activity; not to exceed 10 mg once daily; ODT not recommended.
- Child-Pugh class C: Not recommended.
- Pediatric: Not indicated.
Drug Interactions With Vardenafil
As with any medication, Vardenafil interactions with other drugs can lead to severe side effects and inefficacy. Below is a list of notable interactions:
Severe Interactions
| Drug | Implications |
|---|---|
| Isosorbide dinitrate | Severe hypotension risk |
| Isosorbide mononitrate | Severe hypotension risk |
| Nitroglycerin (various forms) | Severe hypotension risk |
| Riociguat | Significant hypotension risk |
Moderate Interactions
Vardenafil has moderate interactions with at least 105 different drugs. Some of these include:
- Concomitant use with alpha blockers
- Antihypertensive medications
- Certain antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin)
Mild Interactions
Vardenafil shows mild interactions with a variety of medications. Some of these include:
- Carvedilol
- Fluvoxamine
- Labetalol
- Sapropterin
How Does Vardenafil Work?
Understanding the mechanism of action of Vardenafil is essential in appreciating its therapeutic benefits. Vardenafil is an erectile dysfunction drug that inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This inhibition leads to increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which enhances erectile function by relaxing smooth muscle cells in the penile tissue, thus allowing increased blood flow.
Enzyme Inhibition Explanation
The enzyme PDE5 is responsible for the degradation of cGMP, which is essential for blood flow regulation. By inhibiting PDE5, Vardenafil prevents the breakdown of cGMP, resulting in prolonged vasodilation and erection.
Special Considerations for Specific Conditions
- Cardiovascular Disease: Patients with significant cardiovascular conditions must consult a healthcare provider before using Vardenafil.
- Liver Disease: Vardenafil should be used with caution in patients with chronic or active liver disease.
- Renal Impairment: While no dosage adjustment is generally needed for renal impairment, patients undergoing hemodialysis should avoid the drug.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Vardenafil is generally not recommended for use in females. However, in pregnancy, animal studies have shown no risk, but human studies are lacking. It is not known whether Vardenafil is secreted into breast milk.
The following table summarizes the recommendations on the usage of Vardenafil in pregnancy and lactation:
| Condition | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy | May be acceptable; consult with healthcare provider. |
| Lactation | Unknown if excreted in breast milk; generally not recommended for females. |
Finally, it is imperative to consult with healthcare providers for personalized medical advice and to report any adverse effects experienced, ensuring patient safety and medication efficacy. For further information, you can refer to the FDA or consult with your pharmacist.
For more detailed medical advice and to report side effects, contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
