What is vardenafil?
Vardenafil relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to particular areas of the body.
Vardenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence).
Vardenafil may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my doctor before taking vardenafil?
Do not take vardenafil if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems. This includes nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, and others), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket). Nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). Taking vardenafil with a nitrate medicine can cause a serious decrease in blood pressure, leading to fainting, stroke, or heart attack.
A small number of patients have had a sudden loss of eyesight after taking vardenafil. This type of vision loss is caused by decreased blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye. It is not clear whether vardenafil is the actual cause of such vision loss. Sudden vision loss with vardenafil use has occurred most often in people with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or certain pre-existing eye problems, and in those who smoke or are over 50 years old.
Before taking vardenafil, tell your doctor if you have: heart disease or heart rhythm problems;
a recent history (in the past 6 months) of a heart attack, angina (chest pain), or congestive heart failure;
a history of stroke or blood clots;
a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome";
high or low blood pressure;
liver disease;
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
a blood cell disorder such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia;
a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia;
a stomach ulcer;
retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited condition of the eye);
a physical deformity of the penis (such as Peyronie's disease); or
if you have been told you should not have sexual intercourse for health reasons.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use vardenafil or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category B: Although vardenafil is not for use in women, this medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use vardenafil without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Although vardenafil is not for use in women, it is not known if vardenafil passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
You may need a lower dose of this medication if you are older than 65. Follow your doctor's instructions.
