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PDE5 Inhibitor — Erectile Dysfunction

Vardenafil

Brand names: Levitra, Vivanza

Vardenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It selectively inhibits PDE5, preventing the breakdown of cyclic GMP and enhancing nitric oxide-mediated smooth muscle relaxation, which increases penile blood flow during sexual stimulation.

Prescribing in practice

  • It is contraindicated with nitrates or nicorandil because of the risk of severe, potentially fatal hypotension.
  • It can prolong the QT interval, so it should be avoided in patients with relevant risk factors or taking other QT-prolonging medicines, including certain antiarrhythmics.
  • Caution and dose consideration apply with alpha-blockers and potent CYP3A4 inhibitors owing to additive hypotension and increased exposure.

Monitoring

Assess cardiovascular fitness for sexual activity before prescribing and review efficacy and tolerability rather than relying on routine laboratory tests.

Counselling the patient

  • Never take this with nitrate heart medicines or recreational nitrates ('poppers').
  • Seek urgent help for a prolonged erection or sudden visual or hearing disturbance.
  • It works only with sexual stimulation and may take some time to begin working.

Evidence & guidelines

Vardenafil is an established PDE5 inhibitor for erectile dysfunction; refer to NICE guidance and the SPC for indications and cautions.

Reference: NICE NG44 (Erectile Dysfunction); EAU Sexual Dysfunction Guidelines 2024; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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