Description
Vilitra (Vardenafil) 80 mg
Vilitra is identified by the supplied product name as a vardenafil tablet. Vardenafil is a prescription phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used for erectile dysfunction. The supplied strength should be treated as product identification only; regulatory sources for vardenafil describe approved strengths other than 80 mg, so the exact marketed strength of this product could not be independently verified from the sources reviewed.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
The verified active ingredient is vardenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor. This medicine class is used to improve erectile function by enhancing the normal blood-flow response involved in erection.
Established Medical Uses
Vardenafil is established for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men. Clinical and regulatory sources support its use in erectile dysfunction associated with common conditions such as diabetes and other underlying cardiovascular or metabolic risk factors, although it is not a treatment for the underlying cause of those conditions.
How It Works
Vardenafil inhibits PDE5, an enzyme that helps break down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). By preserving cGMP in penile tissue during sexual stimulation, it promotes relaxation of smooth muscle and increases blood flow, which can help produce and maintain an erection.
Important Safety Information
Vardenafil must not be used with nitrates because the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. It is also contraindicated with guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat. Caution is needed in people taking alpha-blockers or other medicines that can lower blood pressure, and clinically significant interactions occur with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and some antiarrhythmic medicines. Regulatory labeling also warns about use in patients with certain cardiovascular conditions, severe liver impairment, retinal disorders such as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and prolonged QT interval risk.
Possible Side Effects
Common adverse effects include headache, flushing, nasal congestion or rhinitis, dyspepsia, and dizziness. Less common but important serious reactions can include marked hypotension, priapism, sudden loss of vision or hearing, and allergic reactions. Some sources also describe sinusitis and other transient treatment-emergent effects.
Scientific Evidence
Peer-reviewed reviews and meta-analyses report that vardenafil improves erectile function scores and intercourse success outcomes compared with placebo in men with erectile dysfunction. Published evidence also supports overall tolerability similar to other PDE5 inhibitors, with benefit observed across several patient groups, including men with diabetes and other common comorbidities.
Medical Information Notice
This educational summary is based on sources available at the time of review and does not replace the official patient leaflet, prescribing information, or individual assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Medical Sources
- FDA — LEVITRA (vardenafil hydrochloride) tablets, for oral use
- DailyMed / U.S. National Library of Medicine — Vardenafil tablet, film coated
- Gillian M Keating et al. — “Vardenafil: a review of its use in erectile dysfunction”, Drugs, 2003
