Description
Labedra (Vardenafil) 20 mg
Labedra 20 mg is a vardenafil-containing medicine used for erectile dysfunction in adult men. Vardenafil is a prescription phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. The product name may vary by market, but the active ingredient vardenafil is well established in regulatory and scientific sources.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
The verified active ingredient is vardenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor. Medicines in this class act on the nitric oxide–cGMP pathway and are used to improve erectile response.
Established Medical Uses
Vardenafil is established for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men. It is not approved as a treatment for women or children. Regulatory sources describe its use for men who cannot get or keep an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity.
How It Works
Vardenafil inhibits PDE5, the enzyme that breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). By preserving cGMP, it supports smooth-muscle relaxation and increased blood flow in the penis during sexual stimulation. Human and regulatory sources consistently describe this as the basis of its erectile effect.
Important Safety Information
Vardenafil must not be used with nitrates or nitric oxide donors, and it is also contraindicated with guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat. It can lower blood pressure further when combined with alpha-blockers or other antihypertensives.
It should be avoided in people with congenital long QT syndrome or those taking class IA or class III antiarrhythmics. Prescribing information also warns against use when sexual activity is inadvisable because of cardiovascular status, and it advises caution in patients with a history of NAION or sudden hearing loss. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors can increase exposure and require special caution.
Possible Side Effects
Common adverse effects include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, dyspepsia, dizziness, and nausea. Less common but important serious reactions include priapism, sudden vision loss, sudden hearing loss, and symptomatic hypotension when combined with interacting medicines.
Scientific Evidence
Randomized controlled trials and reviews indexed in PubMed show that vardenafil improves erectile function and intercourse success compared with placebo in men with erectile dysfunction, including in broad patient groups and some difficult-to-treat subgroups. Published reviews also place it among the standard oral PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction.
Medical Information Notice
This summary is an educational overview based on sources available at the time of review. It does not replace the official patient leaflet, prescribing information, or assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Medical Sources
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) — Levitra: EPAR
- DailyMed / FDA — Vardenafil tablets, prescribing information
- Rosen RC et al. “Vardenafil restores erectile function to normal range in men with erectile dysfunction.” Journal of Sexual Medicine (2007). PubMed
