Vardenafil (Levitra)

Vardenafil (Levitra) is a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor that is used to treat impotence. It is manufactured by Bayer and marketed as Levitra, except for in Italy, where it is called Vivanza.

The standard dose is 10mg taken 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity.

Vardenafil’s most frequent side-effects are headache, flushing, indigestion, nausea, dizziness and nasal congestion, although these are generally transient and mild to moderate in nature. Nitrates and similar drugs, including amyl nitrites (poppers), should not be used with vardenafil.

A lower dose of vardenafil should also be used in patients taking protease inhibitors, of no more than 2.5mg every 24 hours for unboosted protease inhibitors or every 72 hours for ritonavir (Norvir)-boosted protease inhibitors. It should not be used by patients taking indinavir (Crixivan) or full-dose ritonavir. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are expected to reduce vardenafil levels.

Up a level
Back to contents
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
close

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.