Vardenafil belongs to the class of medications called cyclic GMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. These medications work by increasing smooth muscle relaxation and allowing blood to flow into the penis. Vardenafil is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (impotence). It helps a man achieve and keep an erection when he is sexually stimulated. Vardenafil does not increase sex drive.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in this drug information article. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if it has not been prescribed by their doctor.

The usual starting dose is 10 mg. Your doctor may recommend a dose as low as 5 mg or as high as 20 mg. Swallow the tablet whole with water. It may be taken with or without food. This medication should be taken 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. It will usually require 15 to 60 minutes to take effect and may last for four to five hours. Do not take this medication more than once a day.

Because alcohol can make it more difficult to get an erection, do not drink large amounts of alcohol before sexual activity. Moderate amounts of alcohol (two drinks for a 70-kg person) will not interfere with the medication.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Levitra^® tablets come in strengths of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg.

5 mg: Each orange round tablet, marked with the Bayer cross on one side and "5" on the other side, contains 5 mg of vardenafil.

10 mg: Each orange round tablet, marked with the Bayer cross on one side and "10" on the other side, contains 10 mg of vardenafil.

20 mg: Each orange round tablet, marked with the Bayer cross on one side and "20" on the other side, contains 20 mg of vardenafil.

Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, anhydrous colloidal silica, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, yellow ferric oxide, and red ferric oxide.

Vardenafil should not be used by anyone who:

• is taking any medication that contains nitrates (e.g., amyl nitrate poppers, isosorbide mononitrate, isorbide dinitrate, nitroglycerin)
• is taking indinavir or ritonavir (for HIV infection)
• is taking ketoconazole or itraconazole (for fungal infections)
• is allergic to vardenafil or any other ingredients of the medication

Nitrates are found in medications that are used to treat angina (chest pain). If you are not sure if you are taking nitrates, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Nitrates must NOT be taken by anyone who is using vardenafil because they can cause your blood pressure to drop very low. This may cause dizziness, fainting, heart attack, or stroke.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. If you do experience side effects, your doctor may be able to help you manage them.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medication; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.

More common:
• headache
• flushing (warm or burning feeling, usually in the face)

Less common:
• indigestion
• stuffy nose

Rare:
• abnormal vision (e.g., decreased vision, blurry vision, increased sensitivity to light, changes in the ability to tell the difference between blue and green)

Contact medical help immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• you have an erection that lasts longer than four hours (this could permanently damage your penile tissue)
• you have a heart condition and develop chest pains, an irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath when starting sexual activity
• you have an allergic reaction (e.g., rash; itching; shortness of breath; swollen face, lips, or throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

If you have any of the following conditions, talk to your doctor before taking vardenafil:

• heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat, angina, chest pain, heart attack)
• kidney disease requiring dialysis
• severe liver problems
• blood problems (e.g., sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, leukemia)
• stomach ulcers
• bleeding problems
• a deformed penis
• Peyronie's disease
• an erection that lasted longer than four hours
• retinosa pigmentosum (an eye disease)

Contact your doctor if you take a greater dose of vardenafil than prescribed.

If you have heart problems, you should ask your doctor if sexual activity is safe for you.

Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of vardenafil in your bloodstream. Do not drink grapefruit juice when taking this medication.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Vardenafil is not approved for use by women.

Children: Vardenafil is not approved for use by children.

Only take vardenafil with other medications if so directed by your doctor.

The following medications may be affected by vardenafil or may increase the risk of side effects:

• alpha-blockers (e.g., doxazosin, terazosin)
• anti-arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) medications (e.g., amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)
• any medication that contains nitrates (e.g., amyl nitrate poppers, isosorbide mononitrate, isorbide dinitrate, nitroglycerin)
• erythromycin
• indinavir
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole
• ritonavir

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, nicotine from cigarettes, and street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.