Vardenafil

When should one not use Vardenafil

• If you are allergic to Vardenafil or any ingredients of Vardenafil.
• If you take nitrates, nitric oxide donors, riociguat, or certain strong medicines for HIV or fungal infections.
• If you should avoid sexual activity due to serious heart problems.
• If you have very low blood pressure, severe liver disease, end-stage kidney disease, or certain serious eye conditions (like NAION or retinitis pigmentosa).
• If you recently had a heart attack or stroke (within 6 months).

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Flushing
• Nasal congestion
• Dyspepsia

Other General Warnings

• You have heart problems, and sexual activity, and this medicine can put extra strain on the heart.
• You have structural problems of the penis or conditions that increase the risk of a prolonged, painful erection.
• You are taking alpha-blockers, as the combination may cause dizziness or low blood pressure and may need dose adjustments.
• You are taking strong medicines that affect liver enzymes (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, or clarithromycin), so your dose may need to be adjusted or the combination avoided.
• You often consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it can increase the level of the medicine in your body.
• You take medicines that can affect heart rhythm (QT prolongation), or you have low potassium levels or a history of heart conditions.
• You notice sudden vision changes or loss of vision; stop the medicine and seek help immediately.
• You have bleeding disorders or stomach ulcers, as the medicine should be used with caution in these cases.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Strong HIV medicines like indinavir and ritonavir can greatly increase vardenafil levels in the body, making side effects more likely.
• Strong antifungal medicines like ketoconazole and itraconazole can raise vardenafil levels and should not be used together.
• Antibiotics such as erythromycin and clarithromycin can increase vardenafil levels so that a lower dose may be needed.
• Medicines such as ranitidine, digoxin, warfarin, glibenclamide (diabetes medicines), ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics do not significantly affect vardenafil.
• Alcohol does not increase vardenafil's side effects but may reduce sexual performance on its own.
• Taking nitrates or nitric oxide–releasing medicines with vardenafil can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure and must be avoided.
• Nicorandil (contains nitrate) can interact seriously with vardenafil and should not be taken together.
• Taking vardenafil with alpha-blockers (for prostate problems or blood pressure) may cause dizziness or low blood pressure; start vardenafil at a low dose and separate doses if needed.
• Riociguat should not be taken with vardenafil because it can cause severe low blood pressure.

Interactions with food items

• Vardenafil can be taken with or without food, but a very heavy or high-fat meal may delay its onset.
• Grapefruit juice can increase vardenafil levels in the body, potentially increasing the risk of side effects, so it is best to avoid it.

Overdose

Missed a Dose