Drug Name:Vardenafil
Drug Class:Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor
Mechanism of Action:
  • Inhibits the breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) by PDE5, leading to increased blood flow to the penis
  • Enhances the effects of nitric oxide (NO) released during sexual stimulation
Use:
  • Treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED)
  • Improvement of sexual function in men with ED and diabetes or prostatectomy
Side Effects:
  • Headache
  • Flushing
  • Nasal congestion
  • Dyspepsia
  • Back pain
  • Visual disturbances
  • Hypotension
  • Priapism
Contraindications:
  • Concomitant use with nitrates or nitric oxide donors
  • Severe hepatic impairment
  • Hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg)
  • Recent stroke or myocardial infarction
  • Hereditary degenerative retinal disorders
Specialty:
  • Urology
  • Endocrinology
  • Internal Medicine