From the Guidelines
Vardenafil is most likely to work for erectile dysfunction when the cause is related to specific medical conditions, such as diabetes, depression, cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer, multiple sclerosis, colorectal cancer, schizophrenia, liver failure, or renal failure, as evidenced by improved erections compared to placebo recipients in trials limited to these conditions 1.
Mechanism of Action
Vardenafil belongs to the class of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which work by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, a natural chemical that relaxes muscles in the penis and increases blood flow. This mechanism is crucial for achieving and maintaining an erection, especially in individuals with conditions that affect blood vessel function.
Efficacy and Dosage
The efficacy of vardenafil has been demonstrated in various studies, with improvement in erectile function related to higher doses, specifically 20 mg vs. 10 mg vs. 5 mg 1. The standard dosage typically ranges from 5-20 mg taken approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity, with effects lasting 4-5 hours.
Limitations and Side Effects
It's essential to note that vardenafil will be less effective if the cause of erectile dysfunction is primarily hormonal, neurological, or psychological in nature. The medication requires sexual stimulation to work properly, as it enhances the natural erectile response rather than creating an automatic erection. Common side effects may include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and indigestion, and it should not be taken with nitrate medications due to potentially dangerous drops in blood pressure.
Key Considerations
- Vardenafil's effectiveness is closely tied to the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction, with best results seen in patients with specific medical conditions 1.
- The dose-response relationship indicates that higher doses (up to 20 mg) may be more effective for some patients, but this should be balanced against potential side effects.
- As with all PDE5 inhibitors, vardenafil is not a cure for erectile dysfunction but rather a treatment that can help manage symptoms when used appropriately.
From the Research
Efficacy of Vardenafil for Erectile Dysfunction
- Vardenafil is a phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor that has been shown to be effective in treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in men with various underlying conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia 2, 3, 4.
- The drug has a rapid onset of action and can improve erectile function in men with ED, regardless of age, baseline severity, and etiology 3, 4.
- Vardenafil has been found to be effective in men with ED associated with diabetes mellitus or ED following unilateral or bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy 3, 4.
Underlying Conditions and Vardenafil Efficacy
- The use of concomitant medications for underlying conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia does not affect the efficacy and safety profile of vardenafil 2, 5.
- Vardenafil has been shown to improve erectile function in men with ED and associated underlying conditions, including those with metabolic syndrome 5.
- The drug is well tolerated, with an adverse event profile typical of the class of PDE-5 inhibitors, and the most common adverse events are headache, flushing, rhinitis, and dyspepsia 3, 4, 5.
Suitable Candidates for Vardenafil
- Vardenafil should be considered a first-line treatment option in men with ED who are suitable candidates for oral PDE-5 inhibitor therapy 4.
- The drug is effective and generally well tolerated in men with mild to severe ED of varying etiology, as well as in men with ED associated with diabetes mellitus or ED after radical prostatectomy 3, 4.