Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD
What is vardenafil used for?
Vardenafil is commonly used for erectile dysfunction, a condition where you experience difficulties achieving or maintaining an erection during sexual activity. This medication is designed to help improve sexual performance by enhancing blood flow to the penis, thereby supporting the physiological process of achieving an erection.
In addition to treating erectile dysfunction, vardenafil may also be prescribed for other medical conditions as evaluated and determined by your healthcare provider, based on individual patient assessments and needs.
How does vardenafil work (mechanism of action)?
This medication functions by inhibiting the action of an enzyme known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). By blocking this enzyme, vardenafil promotes the relaxation of blood vessels in specific areas of the body, particularly in the penis. As a result, more blood flows into the penis when aroused, facilitating both the onset and maintenance of an erection during sexual stimulation.
How is vardenafil supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Staxyn
- Levitra
Dosage forms and strengths
- Oral tablets in strengths of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg
- 10 mg orally disintegrating tablets for faster absorption
How should I store vardenafil?
To maintain the integrity and effectiveness of vardenafil, it should be stored at room temperature, specifically ranging between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Temporary exposure to slightly elevated or lower temperatures, such as between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C), is acceptable during transport. It is important to store the medication in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent degradation.
Additionally, it is important to refrain from removing an orally disintegrating tablet from its blister pack until you are ready to administer it. Always check the blister pack for any damage or missing parts before taking the medication.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of vardenafil?
There are several common side effects associated with vardenafil usage, and these may differ based on the specific formulation prescribed. If you experience any of the following symptoms and they become bothersome, it is crucial to inform your healthcare provider:
- Headache
- Flushing of the skin
- Stuffy or runny nose, or inflamed sinuses
- Upset stomach or gastrointestinal disturbances
- Flu-like symptoms
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Back pain
There are potential side effects not listed here, and if you suspect you are experiencing an adverse reaction to the medication, it is essential to contact your healthcare provider for guidance. Residents of the U.S. can report side effects to the FDA via www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, side effects can be reported to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of vardenafil?
Though uncommon, some serious side effects associated with vardenafil are detailed below. It is critical to seek immediate medical attention should any of these symptoms occur:
Severe Allergic Reactions. Vardenafil can lead to severe allergic reactions in some individuals, which necessitates prompt discontinuation of the medication and immediate medical intervention if you exhibit any of the following signs:
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Rapid heart rate or palpitations
- Generalized feeling of illness or fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Facial swelling, including lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of throat tightness
- Skin reactions such as itching, skin rash, or hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Abdominal discomfort or cramps
- Joint pain
Painful, Prolonged Erection (Priapism). This condition may present as an unwanted, persistent, and painful erection that can occur without sexual stimulation. Immediate medical help is required if you experience an erection lasting more than four hours, as untreated priapism can lead to permanent damage to the penis.
- Prolonged erection lasting beyond four hours
- Erection not connected to sexual stimulation
- Painful or tender sensation in the penis
Vision Changes. You may notice mild, temporary visual disturbances, such as a bluish tint, abnormal color perception, blurred vision, or increased sensitivity to light while using vardenafil. Although rare, some individuals have reported experiencing permanent vision loss. Should you suddenly lose vision in one or both eyes, it is vital to stop taking vardenafil immediately and seek professional help.
Hearing Loss. There are reports of sudden hearing loss in some patients after taking vardenafil, often accompanied by dizziness or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). If you experience sudden hearing loss or notice changes in your ability to hear, seek immediate medical attention.
Heart Rhythm Changes. This medication has been associated with rare but serious heart rhythm disturbances, specifically QT prolongation, which could lead to severe complications. If you have a history of long QT syndrome or are currently on medication that affects heart rhythm, consult your healthcare provider immediately if you experience fainting or any noticeable changes in your heart rate or rhythm.
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Vardenafil may induce a slight and temporary decrease in blood pressure. People with specific health conditions, or those taking medications for blood pressure, may be more susceptible. If you start to feel dizzy or faint, it’s advisable to lie down and immediately inform your healthcare provider if symptoms persist.
- Feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness
- Extreme fatigue or weakness
- Fainting incidents
- Confusion or disorientation
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not take vardenafil?
Allergies to Ingredients. Individuals with known allergies to any of the following substances should avoid using vardenafil:
- Vardenafil
- Levitra
- Staxyn
- Any ingredients contained in the specific formulation dispensed
Your pharmacist can provide detailed information regarding the ingredients in the vardenafil products they offer.
Drug Interactions. Before starting vardenafil, it’s critical to discuss any other medications you may be taking with your healthcare provider. Certain medications can interact with vardenafil and should be avoided. Refer to the Interactions section for further details on this matter.
What should I know about vardenafil before taking it?
It is imperative that vardenafil is only taken if it has been prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider. Follow the dosing instructions provided closely.
Never share your medication with others, even if they exhibit similar symptoms, as this could be harmful to them.
Keep vardenafil securely out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
Do not chew, cut, or crush the orally disintegrating tablets of vardenafil. They are designed to dissolve on the tongue for optimal effectiveness.
Engaging in sexual activity may impose additional stress on the heart, which can be risky for individuals with pre-existing health concerns, such as recent heart attacks. It’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider to ascertain whether your heart can tolerate sexual activity. If you experience chest pain, dizziness, or nausea during intercourse, cease activity immediately and contact your provider without delay.
Keep in mind that vardenafil does not offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
Vardenafil is classified among a group of medications known as phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, which are utilized to manage erectile dysfunction or pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is recommended to avoid using multiple PDE-5 inhibitors concurrently, as this could lead to serious side effects. Other members of this class include avanafil (Stendra), sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio, and others), and tadalafil (Cialis and others).
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking vardenafil?
Inform your healthcare provider of all existing health conditions and any medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements, and any other products you are currently using. This information will assist your provider in determining if vardenafil is suitable for you.
Specifically, make sure to mention the following:
Phenylketonuria (PKU). Vardenafil oral tablets and orally disintegrating tablets contain phenylalanine, a substance potentially harmful for individuals with PKU. Notify your healthcare provider if you have this condition as they may recommend alternative treatment options.
Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Communicate any of the following conditions to your healthcare provider:
- Heart issues, including rhythm abnormalities, chest pain, or heart failure
- History of heart attack, stroke, or heart surgery in the past six months
- Experience of low blood pressure
- High blood pressure that remains untreated despite medication
- Peyronie's disease or an abnormal curvature of the penis
- Previous instances of prolonged erections exceeding four hours
- Blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia
- Inherited conditions like retinitis pigmentosa affecting the eyes
- Previous vision loss or issues with the optic nerve connecting the eyes and brain
- Factors or health conditions increasing the risk of optic nerve complications, such as diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels, smoking, older age, or having a "crowded disc," which could be noted during an eye exam
- Any hearing impairments
- History of bleeding disorders
- Stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal issues
- Liver dysfunction
- Kidney conditions requiring dialysis
- Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, a condition characterized by blockage of lung blood vessels
Pregnancy. Generally, individuals who can conceive are not advised the use of vardenafil. The effects of vardenafil on pregnancy and potential impacts on an unborn child are not well understood, so it’s important to inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Breastfeeding. Individuals who are breastfeeding typically do not receive prescriptions for vardenafil as its transfer into breast milk is undetermined. It is essential to communicate with your healthcare provider about breastfeeding plans or current practices.
Interactions
Does vardenafil interact with foods or drinks?
It is advised to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking vardenafil, as these can significantly elevate the concentration of vardenafil in your bloodstream, potentially heightening the risk of side effects.
Vardenafil orally disintegrating tablets should be taken without water or any liquids; allow the tablet to dissolve on your tongue for optimal absorption, without crushing it.
There are currently no known interaction issues between vardenafil and moderate alcohol consumption.
Does vardenafil interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always disclose any medications you are currently taking, whether they are prescription or over-the-counter (OTC), as well as vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies, and other supplements, to your healthcare provider.
Specifically, ensure to discuss the use of the following medications prior to starting vardenafil:
- Nitrates like nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat, etc.) or isosorbide, which are prescribed for chest pain related to heart disease, or illicit drugs like amyl nitrite (“poppers”)
- Guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat (Adempas) or vericiguat (Verquvo), which are utilized for certain pulmonary or cardiac conditions
- Alpha-blockers, including alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura), dutasteride, prazosin (Minipress), silodosin (Rapaflo), tamsulosin (Flomax), or terazosin (Hytrin), which may be prescribed for high blood pressure or urinary difficulties linked to an enlarged prostate
- Other blood pressure medications
- Protease inhibitors such as ritonavir (Norvir) or atazanavir (Reyataz), frequently used in HIV treatment
- Antifungal medications like ketoconazole or itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura)
- Macrolide antibiotics like erythromycin (Ery-Tab and others) or clarithromycin (Biaxin), utilized for bacterial infections
- Cobicistat (Tybost), a medication usually employed in the treatment of HIV
- Medicines for heart rhythm control, namely amiodarone (Pacerone and various others), procainamide, quinidine, or sotalol (Betapace)
- Any other treatments intended for erectile dysfunction
There could be numerous medications that may either elevate or diminish blood levels of vardenafil, so be sure to inform your healthcare provider of all the medications you currently take or have used recently.
This may not encompass the full scope of medications that could interact with vardenafil, hence it's advisable to always consult your healthcare provider for further clarification.
Does vardenafil interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally take too much vardenafil?
In the event that you or someone else has ingested an excessive amount of vardenafil, seek medical assistance immediately, whether by calling 911 or contacting a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222 for guidance.
What should I do if I miss a dose of vardenafil?
Vardenafil is generally taken only as needed. Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations closely, which typically suggest administration about one hour prior to anticipated sexual activity. Avoid taking double doses or exceeding the prescribed amount.