The medication vardenafil is prescribed to treat impotence and premature ejaculation among men experiencing sexual dysfunction. It is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which prevent a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) from causing the blood vessels that supply the penis from decreasing in size during sexual arousal. This allows the penis to stay engorged with blood long enough for sexual activity. A single tablet is usually taken 60 minutes before sexual activity begins.
Vardenafil should not be taken by all men that are experiencing impotence. Men that are taking medicine for a heart condition are not usually prescribed this impotence medication because the two medications may combine to cause a life-threatening drop in blood pressure. Some men with existing liver or kidney disease should not take vardenafil due to the risk of additional damage to the organ. A man that has had a stroke in the previous six months is not advised to take this medication.
Mild side effects of vardenafil are common. Most men taking it experience nausea, flushing of the face, diarrhea, and dizziness. Other noticeable side effects are pain in the back, abdomen, or eyes. Muscle and joint pain may prompt some men to stop taking the medicine. Some may develop an itchy red rash.
There are a few side effects of vardenafil that may need immediate medical evaluation. Palpitations and a fast heartbeat should be reported to the doctor quickly. Any sudden hearing loss or ringing in the ears would also be cause for a visit to a medical professional. If blurry vision suddenly occurs, it could be a sign of a serious reaction and should be reported right away.
Very rarely, the medicine may cause a man to have an erection that lasts four or more hours. This condition is called priapism. The engorged penile tissue becomes very painful. If priapism is left untreated, it can cause permanent impotence.
An allergic reaction to vardenafil may occur at any time while taking the medication. Symptoms of an allergic reaction are swelling of the face, throat, and tongue. The swelling may cause difficulty breathing. A sudden rash or hives are also indicative of an allergic reaction. Any man experiencing these symptoms needs prompt medical treatment.
Some medications may cause the levels of vardenafil to increase in the bloodstream. Among these is the antibiotic erythromycin. Other medications that inhibit the elimination of vardenafil are indinavir, ketoconazole, and itraconazole. Men taking this impotence medication may need to have the dosage adjusted to a lower level to compensate for these medicines.
