Do you or someone you know have erectile dysfunction , the inability to get or keep an erection for sexual intercourse? This is a common health condition that many people are reluctant to talk about. One treatment that doctors recommend for this is a drug called Vardenafil . Today we are going to talk about this drug.
Simply put, what is Vardenafil?
Vardenafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). You may sometimes find it under the brand name Staxyn. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping it to become erect and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation. The particular type we're talking about today is a disintegrating tablet, which makes it very easy to use.
But this medicine doesn't work for everyone, and there are a few things you should tell your doctor before using it.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to know your complete health history . This medicine may interact with some medical conditions. If you have any of the following, do not hide it from your doctor.
| Your health condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease (e.g. angina, history of heart attack, irregular heartbeat) | Vardenafil can have some effects on the heart. This can be dangerous for someone with heart disease. |
| High or low blood pressure | This medication can lower blood pressure even further, which can cause problems if your blood pressure is not already under control. |
| Vision problems (especially hereditary eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa) | Although very rare, this medicine can affect vision. People with eye conditions are at higher risk. |
| A history of any deformities of the penis , such as Peyronie's disease, or painful erections that last for hours (priapism). | Using the drug under these conditions may increase the risk of priapism. |
| Blood diseases (e.g., sickle cell anemia, leukemia) or bleeding disorders. | The risk of side effects from the medication increases with these medical conditions. |
| Liver or kidney disease | These organs remove drugs from the body. If their function is impaired, the drug can accumulate in the body and increase side effects. |
| A history of stroke or stomach bleeding. | Because these are serious conditions, the doctor must assess the risk before prescribing medication. |
| Allergies to Vardenafil or other substances | Be sure to tell us if you have any allergies to Vardenafil, sorbitol, fructose, other medications, foods, or preservatives. |
The most important thing is to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (whether prescribed by other doctors, bought at the pharmacy, traditional medicines, even vitamins ) .
The medicine should be used in the right way.
This is a tablet that dissolves on the tongue, so the method of use is a little different. For best results, use it this way.
- Do not drink with water: You do not need to drink water when taking this pill.
- Place on the tongue: As soon as you take the tablet out of the blister pack, place it in your mouth and place it on your tongue. It will begin to dissolve quickly.
- Swallow as soon as it dissolves: Swallow the tablet after it has completely dissolved. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet.
- Timing: This should be taken about an hour before sex.
- Food: Can be taken with or without food.
- Dosage: Do not take more than once a day. Take only the dose your doctor tells you to take, exactly as directed. Taking more than that will not increase the results, it will only increase the side effects .
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you should, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Some medications can have very dangerous side effects when taken with Vardenafil. Therefore, if you are using any of the medications listed below, it is essential to tell your doctor.
| Drugs that should never be taken with Vardenafil | |
|---|---|
| Types of Nitrates | Medicines for heart disease such as `(nitroglycerin)` and `(isosorbide dinitrate)`. Taking these two together can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. |
| Other medications for ED | Do not use other medications in the same class, such as `(sildenafil)` and `(tadalafil)`. |
| Some antifungal medications | Drugs like `(ketoconazole)` and `(itraconazole)`. |
| Some medications for irregular heartbeat | For example `(dronedarone)`. |
| Other drugs that may interact with Vardenafil (doctor's advice required) | |
| Antiviral drugs for HIV or AIDS | Some antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin) |
| Some medications for high blood pressure | Medications for prostate problems |
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about all the medications you take.
Pay special attention to these things when taking medication!
If anything unusual happens while using the medicine, you should be concerned.
- Vision changes: If you experience any changes in your vision after taking the medication, such as blurred vision, or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, stop taking the medication immediately and talk to your doctor.
- Erection lasting more than 4 hours: If the penis remains erect for more than 4 hours , or if it becomes painful, it may be a serious condition (priapism). Go to a hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately. Delay can cause permanent damage.
- Symptoms during sexual activity: If you experience chest pain, dizziness, nausea, or arm pain during sexual activity after taking the medication, stop sexual activity immediately and talk to your doctor.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking this medication may increase the risk of side effects.
- Sexually transmitted diseases: This medicine only treats sexual dysfunction. It does not protect you or your partner from HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). Use a condom as a barrier method of contraception.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medication, Vardenafil can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Changes in vision or hearing | Sudden loss of vision, hearing loss, or ringing in the ears. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw pain, tightness, nausea, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness, weakness, difficulty speaking, and difficulty walking in the face, arms, and legs. |
| Painful cramping lasting more than 4 hours | This is a medical emergency. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Redness of the face |
| Nasal congestion or runny nose | Stomach ache |
| Back pain | Muscle pain |
How to store the medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius).
- Keep in the original blister package until ready to use.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Vardenafil is a medication for sexual dysfunction. It should only be used under the advice of a doctor.
- Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all the medications you take, especially if you have heart disease or are taking nitrates.
- This is a tablet that dissolves on the tongue. Place it on the tongue without water, without chewing, and swallow it once it dissolves.
- If you have dizziness for more than 4 hours, change in vision, or chest pain, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
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