Vardenafil

{{DrugProjectFormSinglePage |authorTag=Sheng Shi, M.D. [1] |genericName=Vardenafil |aOrAn=a |drugClass=Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitor |indication=treatment of erectile dysfunction] |adverseReactions=Flushing, Dizziness, Headache, Rhinitis |blackBoxWarningTitle=TITLE |blackBoxWarningBody=Condition Name: (Content)

|fdaLIADAdult=

erectile dysfunction

• General Dose Information

• Recommended starting dosage: 10 mg PO approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity.

• The dose may be increased to a maximum recommended dose of 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg based on efficacy and side effects.
• The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day. Sexual stimulation is required for a response to treatment.

• Use with Food

• LEVITRA can be taken with or without food.

• Use in Specific Populations

• Geriatrics: A starting dose of 5 mg LEVITRA should be considered in patients ≥ 65 years of age [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].

• Hepatic Impairment

• For patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B)

• Starting dosage: 5 mg
• Maximum dosage: ≤ 10 mg.

• Do not use LEVITRA in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8), Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

• Renal Impairment: Do not use LEVITRA in patients on renal dialysis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9), Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

• Concomitant Medications

• Nitrates: Concomitant use with nitrates and nitric oxide donors in any form is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4.1)].

• CYP3A4 Inhibitors: The dosage of LEVITRA may require adjustment in patients receiving potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, atazanavir, and clarithromycin as well as in other patients receiving moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors such as erythromycin [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].

• For ritonavir, a single dose of 2.5 mg LEVITRA should not be exceeded in a 72-hour period.
• For indinavir, saquinavir, atazanavir, ketoconazole 400 mg daily,
• For itraconazole: 400 mg daily
• For clarithromycin: ≤ 2.5 mg PO qd.
• For ketoconazole: 200 mg/day
• For itraconazole: 200 mg/day
• For erythromycin: ≤5 mg PO qd

• Alpha-Blockers: In those patients who are stable on alpha-blocker therapy, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors should be initiated at the lowest recommended starting dose. Concomitant treatment should be initiated only if the patient is stable on his alpha-blocker therapy. Stepwise increase in alpha-blocker dose may be associated with further lowering of blood pressure in patients taking a phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitor including vardenafil. In those patients who are stable on alpha-blocker therapy, LEVITRA should be initiated at a dose of 5 mg (2.5 mg when used concomitantly with certain CYP3A4 inhibitors). [See Warnings and Precautions (5.6) and Drug Interactions (7.1).]

• A time interval between dosing should be considered when Levitra is prescribed concomitantly with alpha-blocker therapy [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

|offLabelAdultGuideSupport=There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Vardenafil in adult patients.

|offLabelAdultNoGuideSupport=

Benign prostatic hyperplasia - Lower urinary tract symptoms

• Dosing information

• 10 mg/day 18281145, 22510238

Pulmonary hypertension

• Dosing information

• 5 mg PO qd for the first 4 weeks, then 5 mg PO bid 21471085, 19549620

Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon

• Dosing information

• 10 mg PO bid 23426043

|fdaLIADPed=LEVITRA is not indicated for use in pediatric patients. Safety and efficacy have not been established in this population. |offLabelPedGuideSupport=There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Vardenafil in pediatric patients. |offLabelPedNoGuideSupport=There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Vardenafil in pediatric patients. |contraindications====Nitrates===

Administration of LEVITRA with nitrates (either regularly and/or intermittently) and nitric oxide donors is contraindicated [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. Consistent with the effects of PDE5 inhibition on the nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway, PDE5 inhibitors, including LEVITRA, may potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates. A suitable time interval following dosing of LEVITRA for the safe administration of nitrates or nitric oxide donors has not been determined. |warnings=The evaluation of erectile dysfunction should include a medical assessment, a determination of potential underlying causes and the identification of appropriate treatment. Before prescribing LEVITRA, it is important to note the following:

Cardiovascular Effects

General

Physicians should consider the cardiovascular status of their patients, since there is a degree of cardiac risk associated with sexual activity. Therefore, treatment for erectile dysfunction, including LEVITRA, should not be used in men for whom sexual activity is not recommended because of their underlying cardiovascular status. There are no controlled clinical data on the safety or efficacy of vardenafil in the following patients; and therefore its use is not recommended until further information is available: unstable angina; hypotension (resting systolic blood pressure of <90 mmHg); uncontrolled hypertension (>170/110 mmHg); recent history of stroke, life-threatening arrhythmia, or myocardial infarction (within the last 6 months); severe cardiac failure.

Left Ventricular Outflow Obstruction

Patients with left ventricular outflow obstruction, (for example, aortic stenosis and idiopathic hypertrophic sub aortic stenosis) can be sensitive to the action of vasodilators including PDE5 inhibitors.

Blood Pressure Effects

LEVITRA has systemic vasodilatory properties that resulted in transient decreases in supine blood pressure in healthy volunteers (mean maximum decrease of 7 mmHg systolic and 8 mmHg diastolic) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. While this normally would be expected to be of little consequence in most patients, prior to prescribing LEVITRA, physicians should carefully consider whether their patients with underlying cardiovascular disease could be affected adversely by such vasodilatory effects.

Potential for Drug Interactions with Potent or Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors

Concomitant administration with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ritonavir, indinavir, ketoconazole) or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as erythromycin) increases plasma concentrations of vardenafil. Dosage adjustment is necessary when LEVITRA is administered with certain CYP3A4 inhibitors [see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Drug Interactions (7.2)]. Long-term safety information is not available on the concomitant administration of vardenafil with HIV protease inhibitors.

Risk of Priapism

There have been rare reports of prolonged erections greater than 4 hours and priapism (painful erections greater than 6 hours in duration) for this class of compounds, including vardenafil. In the event that an erection persists longer than 4 hours, the patient should seek immediate medical assistance. If priapism is not treated immediately, penile tissue damage and permanent loss of potency may result. LEVITRA should be used with caution by patients with anatomical deformation of the penis (such as angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, or Peyronie’s disease) or by patients who have conditions that may predispose them to priapism (such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia).

Effects on the Eye

Physicians should advise patients to stop use of all phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, including LEVITRA, and seek medical attention in the event of sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. Such an event may be a sign of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare condition and a cause of decreased vision, including permanent loss of vision, that has been reported rarely postmarketing in temporal association with the use of all PDE5 inhibitors. Based on published literature, the annual incidence of NAION is 2.5–11.8 cases per 100,000 in males aged ≥50. An observational study evaluated whether recent use of PDE5 inhibitors, as a class, was associated with acute onset of NAION. The results suggest an approximate 2 fold increase in the risk of NAION within 5 half-lives of PDE5 inhibitor use. From this information, it is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to the use of PDE5 inhibitors or to other factors [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. Physicians should consider whether their patients with underlying NAION risk factors could be adversely affected by use of PDE5 inhibitors. Individuals who have already experienced NAION are at increased risk of NAION recurrence. Therefore, PDE5 inhibitors, including LEVITRA, should be used with caution in these patients and only when the anticipated benefits outweigh the risks. Individuals with “crowded” optic disc are also considered at greater risk for NAION compared to the general population, however, evidence is insufficient to support screening of prospective users of PDE5 inhibitors, including LEVITRA, for this uncommon condition. LEVITRA has not been evaluated in patients with known hereditary degenerative retinal disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa, therefore its use is not recommended until further information is available in those patients.

Sudden Hearing Loss

Physicians should advise patients to stop taking all PDE5 inhibitors, including LEVITRA, and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing. These events, which may be accompanied by tinnitus and dizziness, have been reported in temporal association to the intake of PDE5 inhibitors, including vardenafil. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to the use of PDE5 inhibitors or to other factors [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Alpha-Blockers

Caution is advised when PDE5 inhibitors are co-administered with alpha-blockers. PDE5 inhibitors, including LEVITRA, and alpha-adrenergic blocking agents are both vasodilators with blood-pressure lowering effects. When vasodilators are used in combination, an additive effect on blood pressure may be anticipated. In some patients, concomitant use of these two drug classes can lower blood pressure significantly leading to symptomatic hypotension (for example, fainting) [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. Consideration should be given to the following:

• Patients should be stable on alpha-blocker therapy prior to initiating a PDE5 inhibitor. Patients who demonstrate hemodynamic instability on alpha-blocker therapy alone are at increased risk of symptomatic hypotension with concomitant use of PDE5 inhibitors.

• In those patients who are stable on alpha-blocker therapy, PDE5 inhibitors should be initiated at the lowest recommended starting dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].

• In those patients already taking an optimized dose of PDE5 inhibitor, alpha-blocker therapy should be initiated at the lowest dose. Stepwise increase in alpha-blocker dose may be associated with further lowering of blood pressure in patients taking a PDE5 inhibitor.

• Safety of combined use of PDE5 inhibitors and alpha-blockers may be affected by other variables, including intravascular volume depletion and other anti-hypertensive drugs.

Congenital or Acquired QT Prolongation

In a study of the effect of LEVITRA on QT interval in 59 healthy males [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)], therapeutic (10 mg) and supratherapeutic (80 mg) doses of vardenafil and the active control moxifloxacin (400 mg) produced similar increases in QTc interval. A postmarketing study evaluating the effect of combining LEVITRA with another drug of comparable QT effect showed an additive QT effect when compared with either drug alone [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. These observations should be considered in clinical decisions when prescribing LEVITRA to patients with known history of QT prolongation or patients who are taking medications known to prolong the QT interval. Patients taking Class 1A (for example. quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (for example, amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic medications or those with congenital QT prolongation, should avoid using LEVITRA.

Hepatic Impairment

Dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B). Do not use LEVITRA in patients with severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment. [See Dosage and Administration (2.3) Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] and Use in Specific Populations (8.6).] 5.9 Renal Impairment Do not use LEVITRA in patients on renal dialysis, as vardenafil has not been evaluated in this population [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].

Combination with Other Erectile Dysfunction Therapies

The safety and efficacy of LEVITRA used in combination with other treatments for erectile dysfunction have not been studied. Therefore, the use of such combinations is not recommended.

Effects on Bleeding

In humans, vardenafil alone in doses up to 20 mg does not prolong the bleeding time. There is no clinical evidence of any additive prolongation of the bleeding time when vardenafil is administered with aspirin. LEVITRA has not been administered to patients with bleeding disorders or significant active peptic ulceration. Therefore LEVITRA should be administered to these patients after careful benefit-risk assessment.

Sexually Transmitted Disease

The use of LEVITRA offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Counseling of patients about protective measures necessary to guard against sexually transmitted diseases, including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), should be considered. |clinicalTrials=Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. LEVITRA was administered to over 4430 men (mean age 56, range 18-89 years; 81% White, 6% Black, 2% Asian, 2% Hispanic and 9% Other) during controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials worldwide. Over 2200 patients were treated for 6 months or longer and 880 patients were treated for at least 1 year. In placebo-controlled clinical trials, the discontinuation rate due to adverse events was 3.4% for LEVITRA compared to 1.1% for placebo. When LEVITRA was taken as recommended in placebo-controlled clinical trials, the following adverse reactions were reported (see Table 1).

This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.

Back pain was reported in 2.0% of patients treated with LEVITRA and 1.7% of patients on placebo. Placebo-controlled trials suggested a dose effect in the incidence of some adverse reactions (headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nausea, and rhinitis) over the 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg doses of LEVITRA.

All Vardenafil Studies: LEVITRA film-coated tablets and vardenafil orally disintegrating tablets have been administered to over 17,000 men (mean age 54.5, range 18–89 years; 70% White, 5% Black, 13% Asian, 4% Hispanic and 8% Other) during controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials worldwide. The number of patients treated for 6 months or longer was 3357, and 1350 patients were treated for at least 1 year. In the placebo-controlled clinical trials for LEVITRA film-coated tablets and vardenafil orally disintegrating tablets, the discontinuation rate due to adverse events was 1.9% for vardenafil compared to 0.8% for placebo. The following section identifies additional, less frequent adverse reactions (<2%) reported during the clinical development of LEVITRA film-coated tablets and vardenafil orally disintegrating tablets. Excluded from this list are those adverse reactions that are infrequent and minor, those events that may be commonly observed in the absence of drug therapy, and those events that are not reasonably associated with the drug: Body as a whole: allergic edema and angioedema, feeling unwell, allergic reactions, chest pain Auditory: tinnitus, vertigo Cardiovascular: palpitation, tachycardia, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, ventricular tachyarrhythmias, hypotension Digestive: nausea, gastrointestinal and abdominal pain, dry mouth, diarrhea, gastroesophagea reflux disease, gastritis, vomiting, increase in transaminases Musculoskeletal: increase in creatine phosphokinase (CPK), increased muscle tone and cramping, myalgia Nervous: paresthesia and dysesthesia, somnolence, sleep disorder, syncope, amnesia, seizure Respiratory: dyspnea, sinus congestion Skin and appendages: erythema, rash Ophthalmologic: visual disturbance, ocular hyperemia, visual color distortions, eye pain and eye discomfort, photophobia, increase in intraocular pressure, conjunctivitis Urogenital: increase in erection, priapism |postmarketing=The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of LEVITRA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Ophthalmologic: Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a cause of decreased vision including permanent loss of vision, has been reported rarely postmarketing in temporal association with the use of PDE5 inhibitors, including vardenafil. Most, but not all, of these patients had underlying anatomic or vascular risk factors for development of NAION, including but not necessarily limited to: low cup to disc ratio (“crowded disc”), age over 50, diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia and smoking. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to the use of PDE5 inhibitors, to the patient’s underlying vascular risk factors or anatomical defects, to a combination of these factors, or to other factors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Patient Counseling Information (17.7)]. Visual disturbances including vision loss (temporary or permanent), such as visual field defect, retinal vein occlusion, and reduced visual acuity, have also been reported rarely in postmarketing experience. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to the use of vardenafil. Neurologic: Seizure, seizure recurrence and transient global amnesia have been reported postmarketing in temporal association with vardenafil. Otologic: Cases of sudden decrease or loss of hearing have been reported postmarketing in temporal association with the use of PDE5 inhibitors, including vardenafil. In some cases, medical conditions and other factors were reported that may have also played a role in the otologic adverse events. In many cases, medical follow-up information was limited. It is not possible to determine whether these reported events are related directly to the use of vardenafil, to the patient’s underlying risk factors for hearing loss, a combination of these factors, or to other factors [see Patient Counseling Information (17.8)]. |drugInteractions====Potential for Pharmacodynamic Interactions with LEVITRA===

Nitrates: Concomitant use of LEVITRA and nitrates and nitric oxide donors is contraindicated. The blood pressure lowering effects of sublingual nitrates (0.4 mg) taken 1 and 4 hours after vardenafil and increases in heart rate when taken at 1, 4 and 8 hours after vardenafil were potentiated by a 20 mg dose of LEVITRA in healthy middle-aged subjects. These effects were not observed when LEVITRA 20 mg was taken 24 hours before the nitroglycerin (NTG). Potentiation of the hypotensive effects of nitrates for patients with ischemic heart disease has not been evaluated, and concomitant use of LEVITRA and nitrates is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2). Alpha-Blockers: Caution is advised when PDE5 inhibitors are co-administered with alpha-blockers. PDE5 inhibitors, including LEVITRA and alpha-adrenergic blocking agents are both vasodilators with blood-pressure-lowering effects. When vasodilators are used in combination, an additive effect on blood pressure may be anticipated. Clinical pharmacology studies have been conducted with co-administration of vardenafil with alfuzosin, terazosin or tamsulosin. [See Dosage and Administration (2.4), Warnings and Precautions (5.6), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2).] Antihypertensives: LEVITRA may add to the blood pressure lowering effects of antihypertensive agents. In a clinical pharmacology study of patients with erectile dysfunction, single doses of vardenafil 20 mg caused a mean maximum decrease in supine blood pressure of 7 mmHg systolic and 8 mmHg diastolic (compared to placebo), accompanied by a mean maximum increase of heart rate of 4 beats per minute. The maximum decrease in blood pressure occurred between 1 and 4 hours after dosing. Following multiple dosing for 31 days, similar blood pressure responses were observed on Day 31 as on Day 1. Alcohol: LEVITRA (20 mg) did not potentiate the hypotensive effects of alcohol during the 4-hour observation period in healthy volunteers when administered with alcohol (0.5 g/kg body weight, approximately 40 mL of absolute alcohol in a 70 kg person). Alcohol and vardenafil plasma levels were not altered when dosed simultaneously.

Effect of Other Drugs on Vardenafil

In vitro studies

Studies in human liver microsomes showed that vardenafil is metabolized primarily by cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms 3A4/5, and to a lesser degree by CYP2C9. Therefore, inhibitors of these enzymes are expected to reduce vardenafil clearance [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

In vivo studies

Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors

Ketoconazole (200 mg once daily) produced a 10-fold increase in vardenafil AUC and a 4-fold increase in maximum concentration (Cmax) when co-administered with LEVITRA (5 mg) in healthy volunteers. A 5-mg LEVITRA dose should not be exceeded in a 24-hour period when used in combination with 200 mg once daily ketoconazole. Since higher doses of ketoconazole (400 mg daily) may result in higher increases in Cmax and AUC, a single 2.5 mg dose of LEVITRA should not be exceeded in a 24-hour period when used in combination with ketoconazole 400 mg daily. [See Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Warnings and Precautions (5).] Indinavir (800 mg t.i.d.) co-administered with LEVITRA 10 mg resulted in a 16-fold increase in vardenafil AUC, a 7-fold increase in vardenafil Cmax and a 2-fold increase in vardenafil half-life. It is recommended not to exceed a single 2.5 mg LEVITRA dose in a 24-hour period when used in combination with indinavir. [See Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2).] Ritonavir (600 mg b.i.d.) co-administered with LEVITRA 5 mg resulted in a 49-fold increase in vardenafil AUC and a 13-fold increase in vardenafil Cmax. The interaction is a consequence of blocking hepatic metabolism of vardenafil by ritonavir, a HIV protease inhibitor and a highly potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, which also inhibits CYP2C9. Ritonavir significantly prolonged the half-life of vardenafil to 26 hours. Consequently, it is recommended not to exceed a single 2.5 mg LEVITRA dose in a 72-hour period when used in combination with ritonavir. [See Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2).].

Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors

Erythromycin (500 mg t.i.d.) produced a 4-fold increase in vardenafil AUC and a 3-fold increase in Cmax when co-administered with LEVITRA 5 mg in healthy volunteers. It is recommended not to exceed a single 5 mg dose of LEVITRA in a 24-hour period when used in combination with erythromycin. [See Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Warnings and Precautions (5).] Although specific interactions have not been studied, other CYP3A4 inhibitors, including grapefruit juice would likely increase vardenafil exposure.

Other Drug Interactions

No pharmacokinetic interactions were observed between vardenafil and the following drugs: glyburide, warfarin, digoxin, an antacid based on magnesium-aluminum hydroxide, and ranitidine. In the warfarin study, vardenafil had no effect on the prothrombin time or other pharmacodynamic parameters. Cimetidine (400 mg b.i.d.) had no effect on vardenafil bioavailability (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of vardenafil when co-administered with 20 mg LEVITRA in healthy volunteers.

Effects of Vardenafil on Other Drugs

In vitro studies

Vardenafil and its metabolites had no effect on CYP1A2, 2A6, and 2E1 (Ki >100 micromolar). Weak inhibitory effects toward other isoforms (CYP2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 3A4) were found, but Ki values were in excess of plasma concentrations achieved following dosing. The most potent inhibitory activity was observed for vardenafil metabolite M1, which had a Ki of 1.4 micromolar toward CYP3A4, which is about 20 times higher than the M1 Cmax values after an 80 mg vardenafil dose.

In vivo studie

Nifedipine:Vardenafil 20 mg, when co-administered with slow-release nifedipine 30 mg or 60 mg once daily, did not affect the AUC or Cmax of nifedipine, a drug that is metabolized via CYP3A4. Nifedipine did not alter the plasma levels of LEVITRA when taken in combination. In these patients whose hypertension was controlled with nifedipine, LEVITRA 20 mg produced mean additional supine systolic/diastolic blood pressure reductions of 6/5 mmHg compared to placebo. Ritonavir and Indinavir: Upon concomitant administration of 5 mg of LEVITRA with 600 mg BID ritonavir, the Cmax and AUC of ritonavir were reduced by approximately 20%. Upon administration of 10 mg of LEVITRA with 800 mg TID indinavir, the Cmax and AUC of indinavir were reduced by 40% and 30%, respectively. Aspirin: LEVITRA (10 mg and 20 mg) did not potentiate the increase in bleeding time caused by aspirin (two 81 mg tablets). Other interactions: LEVITRA had no effect on the pharmacodynamics of glyburide (glucose and insulin concentrations) and warfarin (prothrombin time or other pharmacodynamic parameters). |FDAPregCat=B |useInPregnancyFDA=LEVITRA is not indicated for use in women. There are no studies of LEVITRA use in pregnant women. No evidence of specific potential for teratogenicity, embryotoxicity or fetotoxicity was observed in rats and rabbits that received vardenafil at up to 18 mg/kg/day during organogenesis. This dose is approximately 100 fold (rat) and 29 fold (rabbit) greater than the AUC values for unbound vardenafil and its major metabolite in humans given the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 20 mg. In the rat pre-and postnatal development study, the NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) for maternal toxicity was 8 mg/kg/day. Retarded physical development of pups in the absence of maternal effects was observed following maternal exposure to 1 and 8 mg/kg possibly due to vasodilatation and/or secretion of the drug into milk. The number of living pups born to rats exposed pre- and postnatally was reduced at 60 mg/kg/day. Based on the results of the pre- and postnatal study, the developmental NOAEL is less than 1 mg/kg/day. Based on plasma exposures in the rat developmental toxicity study, 1 mg/kg/day in the pregnant rat is estimated to produce total AUC values for unbound vardenafil and its major metabolite comparable to the human AUC at the MRHD of 20 mg. |useInNursing=LEVITRA is not indicated for use in women. It is not known if vardenafil is excreted in human breast milk. Vardenafil was secreted into the milk of lactating rats at concentrations approximately 10-fold greater than found in the plasma. Following a single oral dose of 3 mg/kg, 3.3% of the administered dose was excreted into the milk within 24 hours. |useInPed=LEVITRA is not indicated for use in pediatric patients. Safety and efficacy have not been established in this population. |useInGeri=Elderly males 65 years of age and older have higher vardenafil plasma concentrations than younger males (18 – 45 years), mean Cmax and AUC were 34% and 52% higher, respectively. Phase 3 clinical trials included more than 834 elderly patients, and no differences in safety or effectiveness of LEVITRA 5, 10, or 20 mg were noted when these elderly patients were compared to younger patients. However, due to increased vardenafil concentrations in the elderly, a starting dose of 5 mg LEVITRA should be considered in patients ≥65 years of age [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. |useInRenalImpair=Do not use LEVITRA in patients on renal dialysis as vardenafil has not been evaluated in such patients. No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with creatinine clearance (CLcr) of 30–80 mL/min. In male volunteers with CLcr = 50-80 ml/min, the pharmacokinetics of vardenafil were similar to those observed in a control group with CLcr >80 mL/min. In male volunteers with CLcr = 30-50 mL/min or CLcr<30 mL/min, the AUC of vardenafil was 20–30% higher compared to that observed in a control group with CLcr>80 mL/min. [See Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Warnings and Precautions (5.9).] |useInHepaticImpair=Dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with moderate hepatic impairment. Do not use LEVITRA in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C). Vardenafil has not been evaluated in this patient population. A starting dose of 5 mg is recommended in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B) and the maximum dose should not exceed 10 mg. In volunteers with moderate hepatic impairment, the Cmax and AUC following a 10 mg vardenafil dose were increased by 130% and 160%, respectively, compared to healthy control subjects. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.8) and Dosage and Administration (2.3).] In volunteers with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A), the Cmax and AUC following a 10 mg vardenafil dose were increased by 22% and 17%, respectively, compared to healthy control subjects. No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with mild hepatic impairment. |administration=Oral |monitoring=FDA Package Insert for Vardenafil contains no information regarding drug monitoring. |IVCompat=FDA Package Insert for Vardenafil contains no information regarding IV compatibility. |overdose=The maximum dose of LEVITRA for which human data are available is a single 120 mg dose administered to healthy male volunteers. The majority of these subjects experienced reversible back pain/myalgia and/or “abnormal vision.” Single doses up to 80 mg vardenafil and multiple doses up to 40 mg vardenafil administered once daily over 4 weeks were tolerated without producing serious adverse side effects. When 40 mg of vardenafil was administered twice daily, cases of severe back pain were observed. No muscle or neurological toxicity was identified. In cases of overdose, standard supportive measures should be taken as required. Renal dialysis is not expected to accelerate clearance as vardenafil is highly bound to plasma proteins and is not significantly eliminated in the urine.

|drugBox=

Vardenafil

File:Vardenafil.svg
Clinical data
Trade names	Levitra, Staxyn, Vivanza
AHFS/Drugs.com	Monograph
MedlinePlus	a603035
Pregnancy category	B3 (Au), B (U.S.)
Routes of administration	Oral
ATC code	G04BE09 (WHO)
Legal status
Legal status	AU: S4 (Prescription only) UK: POM (Prescription only) US: ℞-only
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	15%
Protein binding	95%
Metabolism	Hepatic (CYP3A4)
Elimination half-life	4–5 hours
Excretion	Biliary
Identifiers
IUPAC name 4-[2-Ethoxy-5-(4-ethylpiperazin-1-yl)sulfonyl-phenyl]-9-methyl-7-propyl-3,5,6,8-tetrazabicyclo[4.3.0]nona-3,7,9-trien-2-one
CAS Number	224785-90-4 Y
PubChem CID	110634
DrugBank	DB00862 Y
ChemSpider	99300 Y
UNII	UCE6F4125H
ChEMBL	ChEMBL1520 Y
E number	{{#property:P628}}
ECHA InfoCard	{{#property:P2566}}
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C23H32N6O4S
Molar mass	488.604 g/mol
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
SMILES O=C2\N=C(/Nn1c(nc(c12)C)CCC)c3cc(ccc3OCC)S(=O)(=O)N4CCN(CC)CC4
InChI InChI=1S/C23H32N6O4S/c1-5-8-20-24-16(4)21-23(30)25-22(26-29(20)21)18-15-17(9-10-19(18)33-7-3)34(31,32)28-13-11-27(6-2)12-14-28/h9-10,15H,5-8,11-14H2,1-4H3,(H,25,26,30) Y Key:SECKRCOLJRRGGV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y
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|mechAction=Penile erection is a hemodynamic process initiated by the relaxation of smooth muscle in the corpus cavernosum and its associated arterioles. During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide is released from nerve endings and endothelial cells in the corpus cavernosum. Nitric oxide activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase resulting in increased synthesis of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the smooth muscle cells of the corpus cavernosum. The cGMP in turn triggers smooth muscle relaxation, allowing increased blood flow into the penis, resulting in erection. The tissue concentration of cGMP is regulated by both the rates of synthesis and degradation via phosphodiesterases (PDEs). The most abundant PDE in the human corpus cavernosum is the cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5); therefore, the inhibition of PDE5 enhances erectile function by increasing the amount of cGMP. Because sexual stimulation is required to initiate the local release of nitric oxide, the inhibition of PDE5 has no effect in the absence of sexual stimulation. In vitro studies have shown that vardenafil is a selective inhibitor of PDE5. The inhibitory effect of vardenafil is more selective on PDE5 than for other known phosphodiesterases (>15-fold relative to PDE6, >130-fold relative to PDE1, >300-fold relative to PDE11, and >1,000-fold relative to PDE2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, and 10). |structure=LEVITRA is administered orally for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. This monohydrochloride salt of vardenafil is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). Vardenafil HCl is designated chemically as piperazine, 1-[[3-(1,4-dihydro-5-methyl-4-oxo-7-propylimidazo[5,1-f ][1,2,4]triazin-2-yl)-4-ethoxyphenyl]sulfonyl]-4-ethyl-, monohydrochloride and has the following structural formula:

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Vardenafil HCl is a nearly colorless, solid substance with a molecular weight of 579.1 g/mol and a solubility of 0.11 mg/mL in water. LEVITRA is formulated as orange, round, film-coated tablets with “BAYER” cross debossed on one side and “2.5”, “5”, “10”, and “20” on the other side corresponding to 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg of vardenafil, respectively. In addition to the active ingredient, vardenafil HCl, each tablet contains microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, yellow ferric oxide, and red ferric oxide. |PD====Effects on Blood Pressure===

In a clinical pharmacology study of patients with erectile dysfunction, single doses of vardenafil 20 mg caused a mean maximum decrease in supine blood pressure of 7 mmHg systolic and 8 mmHg diastolic (compared to placebo), accompanied by a mean maximum increase of heart rate of 4 beats per minute. The maximum decrease in blood pressure occurred between 1 and 4 hours after dosing. Following multiple dosing for 31 days, similar blood pressure responses were observed on Day 31 as on Day 1. Vardenafil may add to the blood pressure lowering effects of antihypertensive agents [see Drug Interactions (7)].

Effects on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate when LEVITRA is Combined with Nitrates

A study was conducted in which the blood pressure and heart rate response to 0.4 mg nitroglycerin (NTG) sublingually was evaluated in 18 healthy subjects following pretreatment with LEVITRA 20 mg at various times before NTG administration. LEVITRA 20 mg caused an additional time-related reduction in blood pressure and increase in heart rate in association with NTG administration. The blood pressure effects were observed when LEVITRA 20 mg was dosed 1 or 4 hours before NTG and the heart rate effects were observed when 20 mg was dosed 1, 4, or 8 hours before NTG. Additional blood pressure and heart rate changes were not detected when LEVITRA 20 mg was dosed 24 hours before NTG. (See Figure 1.)

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Because the disease state of patients requiring nitrate therapy is anticipated to increase the likelihood of hypotension, the use of vardenafil by patients on nitrate therapy or on nitric oxide donors is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4.1)].

Blood Pressure Effects in Patients on Stable Alpha-Blocker Treatment

Three clinical pharmacology studies were conducted in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) on stable-dose alpha-blocker treatment, consisting of alfuzosin, tamsulosin or terazosin. Study 1: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of 5 mg vardenafil compared to placebo when administered to BPH patients on chronic alpha-blocker therapy in two separate cohorts: tamsulosin 0.4 mg daily (cohort 1, n=21) and terazosin 5 or 10 mg daily (cohort 2, n=21). The design was a randomized, double blind, cross-over study with four treatments: vardenafil 5 mg or placebo administered simultaneously with the alpha-blocker and vardenafil 5 mg or placebo administered 6 hours after the alpha-blocker. Blood pressure and pulse were evaluated over the 6-hour interval after vardenafil dosing. For blood pressure (BP) results see Table 2. One patient after simultaneous treatment with 5 mg vardenafil and 10 mg terazosin exhibited symptomatic hypotension with standing blood pressure of 80/60 mmHg occurring one hour after administration and subsequent mild dizziness and moderate lightheadedness lasting for 6 hours. For vardenafil and placebo, five and two patients, respectively, experienced a decrease in standing systolic blood pressure (SBP) of >30 mmHg following simultaneous administration of terazosin. Hypotension was not observed when vardenafil 5 mg and terazosin were administered 6 hours apart. Following simultaneous administration of vardenafil 5 mg and tamsulosin, two patients had a standing SBP of <85 mmHg. A decrease in standing SBP of >30 mmHg was observed in two patients on tamsulosin receiving simultaneous vardenafil and in one patient receiving simultaneous placebo treatment. When tamsulosin and vardenafil 5 mg were separated by 6 hours, two patients had a standing SBP <85 mmHg and one patient had a decrease in SBP of >30 mmHg. There were no severe adverse events related to hypotension reported during the study. There were no cases of syncope.

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Blood pressure effects (standing SBP) in normotensive men on stable dose of tamsulosin 0.4 mg following simultaneous administration of vardenafil 5 mg or placebo, or following administration of vardenafil 5 mg or placebo separated by 6 hours are shown in Figure 2. Blood pressure effects (standing SBP) in normotensive men on stable dose terazosin (5 or 10 mg) following simultaneous administration of vardenafil 5 mg or placebo, or following administration of vardenafil 5 mg or placebo separated by 6 hours, are shown in Figure 3.

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Figure 2: Mean change from baseline in standing systolic blood pressure (mmHg) over 6 hour interval following simultaneous or 6 hr separation administration of vardenafil 5 mg or placebo with stable dose tamsulosin 0.4 mg in normotensive BPH patients (Study 1)

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Figure 3: Mean change from baseline in standing systolic blood pressure (mmHg) over 6 hour interval following simultaneous or 6 hr separation administration of vardenafil 5 mg or placebo with stable dose terazosin (5 or 10 mg) in normotensive BPH patients (Study 1)

Study 2: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of 10 mg vardenafil (stage 1) and 20 mg vardenafil (stage 2) compared to placebo, when administered to a single cohort of BPH patients (n=23) on stable therapy with tamsulosin 0.4 mg or 0.8 mg daily for at least four weeks. The design was a randomized, double blind, two-period cross-over study. Vardenafil or placebo was given simultaneously with tamsulosin. Blood pressure and pulse were evaluated over the 6-hour interval after vardenafil dosing. For BP results see Table 3. One patient experienced a decrease from baseline in standing SBP of >30 mmHg following vardenafil 10 mg. There were no other instances of outlier blood pressure values (standing SBP <85 mmHg or decrease from baseline in standing SBP of >30 mmHg). Three patients reported dizziness following vardenafil 20 mg. There were no cases of syncope.

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Blood pressure effects (standing SBP) in normotensive men on stable dose of tamsulosin 0.4 mg following simultaneous administration of vardenafil 10 mg, vardenafil 20 mg or placebo are shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4: Mean change from baseline in standing systolic blood pressure (mmHg) over 6 hour interval following simultaneous administration of vardenafil 10 mg (Stage 1), vardenafil 20 mg (Stage 2), or placebo with stable dose tamsulosin 0.4 mg in normotensive BPH patients (Study 2) Study 3: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of single doses of 5 mg vardenafil (stage 1) and 10 mg vardenafil (stage 2) compared to placebo, when administered to a single cohort of BPH patients (n=24) on stable therapy with alfuzosin 10 mg daily for at least four weeks. The design was a randomized, double blind, 3-period cross-over study. Vardenafil or placebo was administered 4 hours after the administration of alfuzosin. Blood pressure and pulse were evaluated over a 10-hour interval after dosing of vardenafil or placebo. For BP results see Table 4.

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One patient experienced decreases from baseline in standing systolic blood pressure >30 mm Hg after administration of vardenafil 5 mg film-coated tablet and vardenafil 10 mg film-coated tablet. No instances of standing systolic blood pressure <85 mm Hg were observed during this study. Four patients, one dosed with placebo, two dosed with vardenafil 5 mg film-coated tablets and one dosed with vardenafil 10 mg film-coated tablets, reported dizziness. Blood pressure effects (standing SBP) in normotensive men on a stable dose of alfuzosin 10 mg following administration of vardenafil 5 mg, vardenafil 10 mg, or placebo separated by 4 hours, are shown in Figure 5. |alcohol=Alcohol-Vardenafil interaction has not been established. Talk to your doctor about the effects of taking alcohol with this medication. }}