Description
Vardegra (Vardenafil) 20 mg
Vardegra is identified here as a vardenafil 20 mg oral tablet. Vardenafil is a prescription phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used for erectile dysfunction. The product name should be treated as an identification clue; the verified active ingredient is vardenafil.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
Active ingredient: vardenafil.
Medicine class: PDE5 inhibitor. This class also includes other medicines used for erectile dysfunction. Vardenafil is a selective inhibitor of PDE5 and is taken by mouth.
Established Medical Uses
Regulatory sources identify vardenafil as a treatment for erectile dysfunction in adult men. Clinical studies and reviews have shown improved erectile function versus placebo in a range of patient groups, including men with diabetes and men after nerve-sparing prostatectomy.
How It Works
Vardenafil works by inhibiting PDE5, an enzyme that breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). By preserving cGMP, it supports the normal blood-flow response involved in erection when sexual stimulation is present.
Important Safety Information
Vardenafil must not be used with nitrates or nitric oxide donors because the combination can cause a marked fall in blood pressure. It should also be avoided in people with congenital long QT syndrome or in those taking class IA or class III antiarrhythmic medicines. Prescribing information also warns about additive blood-pressure lowering with alpha-blockers and antihypertensive medicines.
Caution is also advised in people with a history of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), because this serious eye condition has been reported with PDE5 inhibitors.
Possible Side Effects
Common adverse effects reported with vardenafil include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and dyspepsia. More serious reactions can include symptomatic hypotension, visual disturbances, hearing problems, and rare prolonged erection requiring urgent medical attention.
Scientific Evidence
Peer-reviewed reviews and meta-analyses report that vardenafil improves erectile-function outcomes, including International Index of Erectile Function scores and intercourse success measures, versus placebo. The evidence supports benefit in erectile dysfunction overall, while the optimal regimen varies across studies.
Medical Information Notice
This page is an educational summary based on sources available at the time of review and does not replace the official patient leaflet or assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Medical Sources
- DailyMed / FDA label: Vardenafil tablet, film coated — official prescribing information
- European Medicines Agency: Levitra (vardenafil) — EPAR product information
- Keating GM, Scott LJ et al. “Vardenafil: a review of its use in erectile dysfunction.” Drugs (2003) — PubMed
