Drug reference
vardenafil
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Genitourinary (Vasodilator)
Mechanism of action
Sexual stimulation causes nitric oxide to be released in corpus cavernosum, thus causing smooth-muscle relaxation; PDE-5 inhibitors enhance smooth muscle-relaxing effects of nitric oxide in corpus cavernosum by inhibiting degradation of cGMP. Duration of action: 4-5 hours.
Common side effects
- Dyspepsia
- Headache
- Rhinitis
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators (eg, riociguat); concomitant use can cause hypotension Coadministration with nitrates
Known interactions (4)
- isosorbide dinitrate + vardenafil Contraindicated
- isosorbide mononitrate + vardenafil Contraindicated
- doxazosin + vardenafil Major
- alfuzosin + vardenafil Moderate
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is vardenafil?
vardenafil belongs to: Genitourinary.
How does vardenafil work?
Sexual stimulation causes nitric oxide to be released in corpus cavernosum, thus causing smooth-muscle relaxation; PDE-5 inhibitors enhance smooth muscle-relaxing effects of nitric oxide in corpus cavernosum by inhibiting degradation of cGMP. Duration of action: 4-5 hours.
What are the common side effects of vardenafil?
Dyspepsia, Headache, Rhinitis
Which drugs interact with vardenafil?
isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, doxazosin, alfuzosin
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.