Concise an introductory briefing on the uppermost partic
The active ingredient consists of vardenafil. Common brand: Levitra. Indication: management of erectile dysfunction in adult males.
Vardenafil belongs to the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor class. It facilitates increased blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal, helping to achieve and maintain an erection when adequate sexual stimulation occurs. It does not raise libido and will not cause an erection without stimulation.
In Australia vardenafil is usually available as 10 mg and 20 milligrams per tablet. Typical onset of action is 30 to 60 minutes with effects often lasting around 4 to 5 hours. Many users report vardenafil starts acting sooner and has fewer visual negative effects compared with sildenafil; if you prefer a longer window of effect see Replacement choices and Related Pharmaceuticals.
Use the menu above or these quick links to jump to practical sections: Techniques for Using, Exchanges and personal the act of interactions build trust and rapport., Medication adverse effects, Prices.
Best Practices for Use
Timing and food
- Wash down the tablets with water. They can be taken with or without food.
- High fat meals may slow the drug's absorption and delay onset. Many people take it about one hour before sexual activity for best effect.
- Remember sexual stimulation is required for an erection to occur while using vardenafil.
Usual dose amount and adjustments
- Common starting dose: 10 mg as needed prior to sexual activity, unless your prescriber advises a different regimen.
- Depending on how you respond and how well you tolerate the tablet, the dose may be lowered or increased to 20 mg by a clinician.
- Do not take two or more doses in a single 24 hour period. If you miss a planned dose, do not double the next one.
- Only take medicines prescribed for you; do not share tablets with others.
For questions about dose changesthe review process Before you take the leap this and Interactions among users.
Dose not taken and risk of overdosed
Vardenafil is normally taken as needed. If you skip a planned dose, simply take it next time when appropriate. If you suspect an suspected overdose seek urgent help: contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 or go directly to the nearest emergency department.
Before you apply it
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting vardenafil if any of the following apply to you:
- You are taking nitrates for angina or use recreational nitrites such as "poppers" - combining these with vardenafil can cause a potentially life threatening drop in blood pressure. See Food Effects on Medication.
- Known heart disease including unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction, or symptomatic heart failure, or uncontrolled hypertension.
- History of stroke or TIA in medical records.
- A history or family history of conditions that prolong the QT interval, or if you take medicines that affect cardiac conduction.
- Anatomic penile abnormalities, Peyronie disease, or prior episodes of priapism.
- Bleeding disorders, active peptic ulceration, or recent significant bleeding events.
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or obesity that increase vascular risk.
- Moderate to severe hepatic or renal impairment.
- Current treatment for HIV, hepatitis C, or other therapies that may interact via liver enzymes.
- History of sudden vision loss, retinitis pigmentosa, sickle cell disease, leukemia or multiple myeloma.
- Known hypersensitivity to vardenafil or any tablet excipients.
Drug and Food Interaction Survey of the first placeic
Certain combinations can lead to serious adverse events, most notably severe hypotension. Always list all prescription medicines, over the counter products, herbal therapies and supplements to your healthcare provider.
Do not use vardenafil with
- Any nitrates including nitroglycerin and isosorbide mononitrate or dinitrate, and recreational nitrites (amyl, butyl).
- Riociguat, a pulmonary hypertension medicine.
- Pimozide compound used in medicine or cisapride due to serious cardiac risks.
May interact with
- Alpha blockers used for hypertension or benign prostatic hyperplasia (for example tamsulosin or prazosin). If combined, a clinician should adjust timing of dosing.
- Strong and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors which raise vardenafil concentrations (some macrolide antibiotics, azole antifungals, certain protease inhibitors). Grapefruit juice can also increase levels.
- CYP3A4 inducers that reduce vardenafil exposure (for example rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital).
- Certain antiarrhythmics and other drugs that affect cardiac conduction or raise cardiac risk.
- Components of the antidepressant and antipsychotic drug families which may require status monitoring.
Avoid heavy alcohol use when taking vardenafil because it may increase dizziness and impair erectile response. Inform your prescriber about tobacco and caffeine use as these affect cardiovascular risk.
Unanticipated effects that could occur
If you experience symptoms that you cannot ignore, seek urgent medical attention.
- Chest discomfort, difficulty breathing, fainting or severe light headedness.
- An erection lasting longer than four hours (priapism) or painful erections - this is an emergency.
- Sudden impairment or loss of vision or hearing, or new persistent tinnitus.
- Severe allergic skin reactions, swelling of face, lips or throat, or seizures.
- Severe back pain or muscle pain accompanied by other concerning signs.
Ubiquitous effects that are typically short term.
- Cephalalgia and flushed cheeks.
- Dyspepsia or upset stomach, possibly with nausea.
- Nose congestion or runny nasal discharge.
- Woozy feeling or feeling light headed.
The lists above are not exhaustive. Report persistent, worsening or bothersome symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.
Protective Measures and Tracking
- Vision: stop the medicine and seek urgent care for sudden vision loss or major visual changes.
- Hearing: report sudden hearing loss or new tinnitus straight away.
- Priapism: an erection lasting more than four hours needs immediate medical attention to avoid permanent harm.
- Cardiac symptoms: chest, shoulder, neck or jaw pain, severe dizziness or nausea during sexual activity should prompt urgent assessment.
- Do not alter dose or combine with other erectile dysfunction treatments without advice from a clinician.
- Vardenafil does not prevent sexually transmitted infections; use barrier protection where appropriate.
- If you feel drowsy or dizzy after taking it, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the tablet affects you.
Storage area
- Keep at room temperature, ideally between 15 and 30 degrees C, stored away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight.
- Store drugs in a place where children and pets cannot reach them.
- Do not use tablets beyond their expiry date. Ask your pharmacy about safe disposal of unused medicines.
Options and Similar Pharmaceuticals
Vardenafil is one of several PDE5 inhibitors available. Choice depends on how soon you want onset, how long you want the effect to last, side effect profile, other medical conditions and concomitant medicines.
- Tadalafil: longer duration of action, up to 36 hours; can be used as needed or in a daily low dose for more spontaneous activity.
- Sildenafil: onset around 30 to 60 minutes with approximately 4 hours of effect; visual disturbances may be more frequent than with vardenafil.
- Avanafil: often has a faster onset in many people (about 15 to 30 minutes) and effects can last several hours.
Non drug approaches include exercise, weight loss, smoking cessation, pelvic floor exercises, psychological or couples therapy, vacuum devices, intracavernosal injections and surgical options when indicated. Discuss options with your clinician if initial treatments are unsatisfactory.
Prices you pay in Australia priced in AUD
These price projections are approximate private purchase costs and will vary by pharmacy, brand or generic, pack size and location. Many erectile dysfunction medicines are not subsidised on the PBS for this indication, so out of pocket costs are common.
- For Vardenafil 10 mg, price per tablet ranges from about AUD 9 to 18.
- The cost of one 20 mg Vardenafil tablet is about AUD 12 to 25.
- Sildenafil (generic) 50-100 mg: roughly AUD 0.80 to 3 per tablet.
- Tadalafil (generic) 10-20 mg: roughly AUD 1.50 to 6 per tablet.
- Avanafil (brand) 100-200 mg: roughly AUD 15 to 30 per tablet.
Ways to reduce costs: ask about generic different avenues, larger pack discounts, or legitimate Australian telehealth services that dispense by mail. Always verify the registration and credentials of online pharmacies before buying.
For comparisons of agents see Related Medications and Possible substitutes.
The status of legal compliance in Australia
- Regulatory status: vardenafil is a Schedule 4 prescription-only medicine regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
- Prescription requirement: a valid Australian prescription is required to obtain vardenafil from community pharmacies or legitimate Australian online medicine retailers. Electronic prescriptions are accepted.
- Advertising: direct to consumer promotion of prescription medicines is restricted under Australian law.
- Personal importation: under the TGA Personal Importation Scheme individuals may import up to a three month supply for personal use if they hold a prescription in addition to the medicine is not otherwise prohibited; customs may request documentation.
- Clinical assessment: a medical review is advised before starting treatment, especially for people with cardiovascular disease or taking interacting medicines.
- Sport: PDE5 inhibitors are not currently prohibited by WADA, but athletes should check with Sport Integrity Australia or their team doctor for current guidance.
- Driving: do not drive or operate machinery if you feel dizzy or otherwise impaired after taking the medicine.
Review Ahead of taking it and Emergency safety preventive precautions and safeguards with Remote monitoring for safe use practices.
Quick Reference FAQs
How fast does vardenafil act? Most users note effects within 30 to 60 minutes; a heavy meal can slow this. See Timing and food.
While taking vardenafil, can I have alcohol? Moderate drinking is unlikely to cause harm for most people, but excessive alcohol may impair erectile function and increase dizziness. See How Food Affects Drug Action.
Can tablets be split into halves? Only split tablets that are scored and only after your pharmacist confirms it is safe. Do not split film coated or orally disintegrating tablets unless advised.
Is vardenafil safe with heart disease? Some men with stable cardiovascular disease may use PDE5 inhibitors under medical supervision, but never combine them with nitrates. Discuss your cardiovascular risk under the supervision of your prescriber. See Cautionary measures and Real-Time Tracking.
How many times per day can I take it? No more than once in a 24 hour period and do not exceed the prescribed dose. See Conventional dosing regimen and adjustments.
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