A health problem that many men have, but are a little reluctant to talk about openly in society, is the difficulty in getting an erection. In medical terms, we call this (Erectile Dysfunction) or ED. This is not a problem that only affects you, millions of men around the world face this condition. So there is no reason to be afraid or ashamed to talk about it. Today we are going to talk about Vardenafil, a particularly easy-to-use drug that doctors recommend as a treatment for this problem.
What is this drug called Vardenafil?
Simply put, Vardenafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, increasing blood flow to the area. This increased blood supply helps to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation.
This is especially convenient because it comes as a disintegrating tablet that dissolves under the tongue, so you can take it without water. That's a special convenience of this medicine. Sometimes this medicine can also be used for other health conditions, so you should ask your doctor for more details.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Vardenafil is not a one-size-fits-all medication. Therefore, it is very important that your doctor knows your complete medical history before prescribing this medication. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Health condition/problem | Things to consider |
|---|---|
| Heart and blood pressure | Heart disease, chest pain (angina), a history of heart attack, irregular heartbeat, high or low blood pressure, or a history of stroke. |
| Eyes and vision | Vision problems, especially conditions such as Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare hereditary eye disease. |
| Blood-related diseases | Bleeding disorders, blood diseases such as sickle cell anemia or leukemia. |
| Other physical conditions | A history of male genital deformities (Peyronie's disease), painful erections lasting for hours (priapism), kidney or liver disease, or stomach bleeding. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergy to Vardenafil or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
The most important thing is to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products) and all medical conditions you have.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
The way to use this is very simple, but very important.
1. Place on the tongue: Do not swallow this with water like a regular pill. Take the pill out of the blister pack and place it directly on the tongue .
2. Let it dissolve: When you place the tablet on your tongue, it will start to dissolve within a few seconds. After it dissolves, swallow it with some saliva.
3. Do not chew, crush: Do not chew, break, or crush this tablet. Doing so may change its effectiveness.
4. No water required: You don't need water to take this pill. But you can drink some water afterwards if you want.
5. Before or after meals: You can take this with or without food.
6. Recommended time: It is usually recommended to take this about an hour before sex.
7. Once a day: Do not take more than one pill a day. Follow the dosage as prescribed by your doctor.
What happens if you take too much? (Overdose)
If you have any suspicion that you have taken too much of this medicine, do not waste time and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This medicine is for your own use only. Never share it with others .
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Vardenafil is a drug that can interact with other medications. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. It can be especially dangerous to use it with the medications listed below.
| Drugs that should never be taken with vardenafil | |
|---|---|
| Types of Nitrates | Heart medications such as nitroglycerin and isosorbide can cause dangerously low blood pressure if taken together. |
| Other ED medications | Medications for other erectile dysfunction, such as Sildenafil and Tadalafil. |
| Other medications | Certain medications, such as those used for fungal infections (Ketoconazole, Itraconazole), and those that affect the heart rate (Dronedarone). |
| Drugs that should be used with caution and that can cause problems | |
| Some antibiotics | Erythromycin, Clarithromycin |
| Medicines for HIV/AIDS | Some antiviral drugs for HIV |
| Other | Certain medications for high blood pressure and medications for prostate problems. |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take.
Things to be aware of when using and side effects
There are some things you need to be aware of when using this medicine.
Serious conditions that require immediate medical attention:
- Vision changes: If you suddenly lose vision in one or both eyes or your vision becomes blurry, stop taking the medication immediately and call your doctor.
- Erections lasting more than 4 hours: If the erection lasts more than 4 hours or becomes painful, it could be a serious condition called priapism. You need to get treatment immediately before permanent damage occurs. So go to a hospital's ETU as soon as possible.
- Symptoms of a heart attack: If you experience chest pain, tightness, nausea, dizziness, or pain in your arm or jaw during sex, stop the activity and seek medical advice immediately.
- Symptoms of a stroke: Sudden numbness/weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, severe headache.
- Hearing changes: Decreased hearing or ringing in the ears.
- Severe allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
Side effects that are usually nothing to worry about, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist:
- Headache (headache)
- Facial redness or feeling warm
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Back pain
- Muscle pain
- Feeling like you have a stomach ache or are upset
Remember, using this medicine does not protect you or your partner from HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. Use protective measures, such as condoms, to prevent this.
Take-Home Message
- Be open: Erectile dysfunction is common. Don't be afraid to talk openly with your doctor about it.
- Give full details: Before taking Vardenafil, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all the medications you are taking. This medication is especially not suitable if you are taking nitrates.
- Use correctly: This is a tablet that dissolves under the tongue. Do not chew, crush, or swallow with water. Do not take more than one tablet per day.
- Recognize emergencies: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as vision loss, painful dizziness lasting more than 4 hours, or chest pain.
- Do not share: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Sharing it with others may cause serious health problems.
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