Provigor 20

Indications

Vardenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men, which is when a man cannot get or keep an erection firm enough for sex. Sexual stimulation is needed for it to work.

How It Works

Vardenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor. During sexual arousal, it helps the blood vessels in the penis relax, so more blood flows in and an erection can happen and last. It does not increase sexual desire.

Dosage and Administration

Adults: usually 10 mg taken about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity, no more than once a day. The doctor may change the dose to 5 mg or 20 mg depending on effect and side effects.

Men aged 65 or over and men with moderate liver problems usually start with 5 mg.

It can be taken with or without food, but a heavy, fatty meal may delay its effect. It is not for women or for anyone under 18.

Interactions

• Nitrates for chest pain (such as Glyceryl Trinitrate or Isosorbide Mononitrate) and Riociguat: must never be taken with Vardenafil; blood pressure can fall dangerously.
• Strong enzyme blockers such as Ritonavir, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole and Clarithromycin: raise Vardenafil levels; avoid or use only a low dose as prescribed.
• Alpha-blockers for blood pressure or prostate (such as Tamsulosin or Doxazosin): risk of low blood pressure; the doctor will advise a starting dose.
• Medicines that affect heart rhythm, such as Amiodarone, Quinidine and Sotalol: avoid.
• Grapefruit juice and other erectile dysfunction medicines: avoid.

Contraindications

• Use of nitrates or Riociguat
• Men advised not to have sex because of heart disease
• Stroke or heart attack in the last 6 months
• Very low blood pressure
• Severe liver disease or kidney failure needing dialysis
• Retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited eye disease) or past loss of sight from reduced blood flow to the eye nerve
• Some heart rhythm problems present from birth (long QT)
• Allergy to Vardenafil

Side Effects

Common: headache, flushing, blocked or runny nose, indigestion, dizziness, back or muscle pain, and slight changes in colour vision.

Get medical help at once for an erection lasting more than 4 hours; sudden loss or dimming of sight in one or both eyes; sudden hearing loss or ringing in the ears; chest pain during or after sex; fainting; or swelling of the face and trouble breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Vardenafil is not intended for women and is not used in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

• Have your heart checked by a doctor before starting, as sexual activity puts strain on the heart.
• Take care if you have a curved or scarred penis, sickle cell disease, leukaemia or myeloma (higher risk of a long-lasting erection).
• Take care with bleeding disorders or an active stomach ulcer.
• It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy.

Overdose

Too much may cause severe back or muscle pain, headache, low blood pressure and vision changes. Contact a doctor or go to hospital.

Therapeutic Class

PDE5 inhibitor (medicine for erectile dysfunction).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.