Description
Vitara-v (Vardenafil) 20 mg
Vitara-v 20 mg is a brand product identified as containing vardenafil. Vardenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Regulatory information for vardenafil-based products describes it as an oral medicine for men with erectile dysfunction, including use as needed before sexual activity.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
Active ingredient: vardenafil.
Medicine class: phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. This class of medicines also includes other erectile dysfunction treatments such as sildenafil and tadalafil.
Established Medical Uses
Vardenafil is established for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Clinical studies and regulatory labelling support improvement in erectile function, including in men with erectile dysfunction associated with diabetes and after nerve-sparing prostatectomy.
How It Works
Vardenafil works by inhibiting PDE5, an enzyme involved in the breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). By helping preserve cGMP activity in penile tissue during sexual stimulation, it supports relaxation of smooth muscle and increased blood flow, which can improve the erectile response.
Important Safety Information
Vardenafil must not be used with nitrates or nitric oxide donors because the combination can cause a marked drop in blood pressure. It is also contraindicated with guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat. Caution is required with alpha-blockers and with medicines that strongly affect CYP3A4 metabolism, which can increase vardenafil exposure and the risk of adverse effects. Patients with congenital or acquired QT prolongation, severe hepatic impairment, or renal dialysis should avoid use according to prescribing information. Sexual activity itself may be inappropriate in some people with significant cardiovascular disease, and erectile dysfunction should be medically assessed for underlying causes.
Possible Side Effects
Common adverse effects reported with vardenafil include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, dizziness, and changes in blood pressure. Important serious reactions include prolonged erection, sudden vision loss, sudden hearing decrease or loss, and symptomatic hypotension, especially with interacting medicines.
Scientific Evidence
Peer-reviewed reviews and meta-analyses show that vardenafil improves erectile function outcomes versus placebo in men with erectile dysfunction, with benefit reported across several patient groups. The published evidence also supports generally good tolerability, while reinforcing the need to consider cardiovascular and drug-interaction risks.
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 assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Medical Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — LEVITRA (vardenafil hydrochloride) tablets, for oral use
- Keating GM, Scott LJ. “Vardenafil: a review of its use in erectile dysfunction.” Drugs (2003). PubMed
