Vardenafil Hcl (vardenafil HCl)

Dosage of vardenafil hydrochloride is expressed in terms of vardenafil.

Patients should be advised to contact their clinician for dose modification if they are not satisfied with the quality of their sexual performance with the prescribed dose or if unwanted effects occur.

No dosing information is available for this tab.

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

Cgmp Specific Pde Type-5 Inhibitors/Nitrates

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Nitrates activate guanyl cyclase, an enzyme that increases levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP produces smooth muscle relaxation. Avanafil,(1) sildenafil,(2) tadalafil,(3,4) and vardenafil (5-7) inhibit phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which is responsible for the breakdown of cGMP. Concurrent use of nitrates with avanafil,(1) sildenafil,(2) tadalafil,(3,4) or vardenafil(5-7) results in potentiation of the effect of nitrates.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of CGMP specific PDE type-5 inhibitors and nitrates potentiates the hypotensive effects of nitrates(1-7) which may result in dizziness, syncope, heart attack, or stroke.(4) The concurrent use of sildenafil and sodium nitroprusside may potentiate the antiaggregatory effect of sodium nitroprusside in addition to increased hypotensive effects.(2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Plasma levels of the PDE type-5 inhibitor may be higher in the following patients: those older than 65, with hepatic impairment, with severe renal impairment, or using concomitant CYP3A4 inhibitors. This may increase the severity of the interaction.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The administration of avanafil to patients receiving organic nitrates, either regularly and/or intermittently, is contraindicated. In a patient who has taken avanafil, at least 12 hours should elapse after the last dose of avanafil before nitrate administration is considered and it should only be administered under close medical supervision with appropriate hemodynamic monitoring.(1) The administration of sildenafil to patients receiving organic nitrates, either regularly and/or intermittently, in any form is contraindicated.(2) The administration of tadalafil to patients receiving any form of organic nitrate, either regularly and/or intermittently, is contraindicated.(3,4) Patients should be instructed to seek immediate medical attention if they experience anginal chest pain following tadalafil. In such cases where nitrate administration is considered medically necessary, at least 48 hours should elapse after tadalafil administration before nitrate administration is considered. In such cases, nitrates should only be administered under close medical supervision with appropriate hemodynamic monitoring.(4) The administration of vardenafil to patients receiving nitrates or nitric oxide donors is contraindicated.(5-7) In patients prescribed vardenafil in whom nitrate administration is deemed medically necessary in a life-threatening situation, the Canadian manufacturer of vardenafil states that at least 24 hours should have elapsed after the last dose of vardenafil before the nitrate administration is considered. Nitrates should only be administered under close medical supervision with appropriate hemodynamic monitoring.(7) The concomitant use of nicorandil(8) or subinguinal nitroglycerin(9) and PDE type-5 inhibitors is contraindicated. Treat hypotension resulting from concurrent use as a nitrate overdose, with elevation of the extremities and central volume expansion.(10)

DISCUSSION: Nitrates activate guanylate cyclase, an enzyme that increases levels of cGMP. cGMP produces smooth muscle relaxation. Avanafil,(1) sildenafil,(2) tadalafil,(3,4) and vardenafil (5-7) inhibit PDE5, which is responsible for the breakdown of cGMP. Concurrent use of nitrates with avanafil,(1) sildenafil,(2) tadalafil,(3,4) or vardenafil(5-7) results in potentiation of the effect of nitrates. It is unknown when nitrates, if necessary, can be safely administered to patients who have taken CGMP specific PDE type-5 inhibitors. Following a single 100 mg oral dose of sildenafil, peak plasma levels are approximately 440 ng/mL and levels 24 hours post dose are approximately 2 ng/ml. Sildenafil plasma levels at 24 hours post dose are three to eight times higher in the following patients: those age greater than 65, those with hepatic impairment, those with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/min), and those with concomitant use of potent CYP P-450-3A4 inhibitors (erythromycin). Although plasma levels of sildenafil are lower at 24 hours post dose, the manufacturer of sildenafil states that it is still unknown whether nitrates can safely be coadministered at that time.(2) In vitro studies with human platelets have shown that sildenafil potentiates the antiaggregatory effect of sodium nitroprusside.(2) In a study of 150 subjects who received tadalafil (20 mg) daily for 7 days, sublingual nitroglycerin was administered at 2, 4, 8, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after tadalafil. A significant interaction between tadalafil and nitroglycerin was observed up to and including 24 hours post-tadalafil. At 48 hours, the interaction was not observed by most hemodynamic measures. After 48 hours, the interaction was not detectable.(4) In a population-based cohort study of 61,487 men who received nitrates, 5,710 (9%) concurrently received PDE Type-5 inhibitors (PDE5i). Crude hazard ratios found a significant and inverse association between combination use of nitrates and PDE5i and all cause, cardiovascular, and non-cardiovascular mortality. All-cause mortality incidence rates were 2.69 cases per 100 person-years for the nitrate and PDE5i group vs 3.83 cases per 100 person-years in the nitrate-only group. Concurrent use of nitrates and PDE5i found a multivariate adjusted HR for all-cause mortality of 1.39 (95% CI: 1.28-1.51). Concurrent use of nitrates and PDE5i found an adjusted HR for cardiovascular death, non-cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, heart failure, revascularization, and major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) in patients treated with both nitrates and PDE5i was 1.34 (95% CI: 1.11-1.62), 1.40 (95% CI: 1.27-1.54), 1.72 (95% CI: 1.55-1.90), 1.67 (95% CI: 1.48-1.90), 1.95 (95% CI: 1.78-2.13), and 1.70 (95% CI: 1.58-1.83), respectively, compared with patients with nitrates only.(11)

Pde Inhibitors/Riociguat

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Riociguat stimulates the nitric oxide-soluble guanylate cyclase-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway and also increases cGMP.(1) Aminophylline, avanafil, dipyridamole, sildenafil, tadalafil, theophylline, and vardenafil inhibit phosphodiesterase (PDE), which is responsible for the breakdown of cGMP.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of PDE inhibitors and riociguat potentiates the hypotensive effects of both agents, which may result in dizziness, syncope, heart attack, or stroke.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Plasma levels of the PDE type-5 inhibitors may be higher in the following patients: those older than 65, with hepatic impairment, with severe renal impairment, or using concomitant CYP3A4 inhibitors. This may increase the severity of the interaction.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The administration of riociguat to patients receiving PDE inhibitors, including specific PDE-5 inhibitors (avanafil (5), sildenafil (2), tadalafil (3,6), or vardenafil (4)) and nonspecific PDE inhibitors (aminophylline, dipyridamole, theophylline) is contraindicated.(1) If transitioning from sildenafil to riociguat, discontinue sildenafil at least 24 hours prior to administering riociguat.(1) If transitioning from tadalafil to riociguat, discontinue tadalafil at least 48 hours prior to administering riociguat. Consider starting riociguat at 0.5 mg in patients at risk for hypotension.(1) If transitioning from riociguat to a PDE inhibitor, discontinue riociguat at least 24 hours prior to administering a PDE inhibitor.(1)

DISCUSSION: In a study of 7 PAH patients maintained on sildenafil (20 mg TID), single doses of riociguat (0.5 mg and 1 mg, sequentially) showed additive hemodynamic effects.(1) In clinical trials, there was a high rate of discontinuation for hypotension among patients receiving sildenafil (20 mg TID) and riociguat (1 mg to 2.5 mg TID) and one death.(1)

Selected Cyp3a4 Substrates/Mifepristone

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Mifepristone is an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and may increase levels and effects of drugs metabolized by this enzyme.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Lovastatin, simvastatin and CYP3A4 substrates with a narrow therapeutic window such as alprazolam, cyclosporine, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, pimozide, quinidine, sirolimus, and tacrolimus or CYP3A4 substrates with a high first pass effect such as oral midazolam, sildenafil, and triazolam are particularly susceptible to significant toxicity.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Due to the need for continuous therapy and mifepristone's long half-life of 85 hours(1) which leads to accumulation, patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome may be at an increased risk for toxicity. With pimozide, the risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(3)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of mifepristone for hypercortisolism due to endogenous Cushing's syndrome states use with lovastatin, simvastatin, CYP3A4 substrates with a narrow therapeutic range, or CYP3A4 substrates with a high first pass effect is contraindicated.(1)

DISCUSSION: Administration of mifepristone 1200 mg daily for 10 days followed by a single dose of simvastatin 80 mg led to an increase of simvastatin and simvastatin acid (active metabolite) area-under-curve (AUC) of 10.4-fold and 15.7-fold, respectively.

Vardenafil (> 2.5 Mg)/Selected Protease Inhibitors

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Protease inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of vardenafil by CYP3A4.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of vardenafil with protease inhibitors may result in increased levels of and adverse effects from vardenafil, including hypotension, visual changes, and sustained erections.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: US guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents recommends patients receiving protease inhibitors should receive no more than 2.5 mg of vardenafil every 72 hours. US labeling recommendations for concurrent use of vardenafil with protease inhibitors state: -Patients receiving any ritonavir- or cobicistat-containing regimens, including atazanavir, darunavir, fosamprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nirmatrelvir, paritaprevir, saquinavir, and tipranavir should receive no more than 2.5 mg of vardenafil every 72 hours. -Patients receiving unboosted atazanavir, unboosted fosamprenavir, unboosted indinavir, or nelfinavir should take no more than 2.5 mg of vardenafil every 24 hours. Canadian labeling contraindicates concurrent use of atazanavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir with vardenafil.(6,13,17) Patients should be counseled that they are at an increased risk of vardenafil adverse effects, including hypotension, visual changes, and priapism.

DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of indinavir (800 mg three times daily) with vardenafil (10 mg) increased the vardenafil area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 16-fold and 7-fold, respectively. Vardenafil half-life increased 2-fold. At 24-hours post-dose, vardenafil levels fell to approximately 4% of vardenafil Cmax. The AUC and Cmax of indinavir decreased by 30% and 40%, respectively. Concurrent use of ritonavir (600 mg twice daily)with vardenafil (5 mg) increased vardenafil AUC and Cmax by 49-fold and 13-fold, respectively. The half-life of vardenafil increased to 26 hours. The ritonavir AUC and Cmax decreased by 20%.

Vardenafil (> 5 Mg)/Selected Cyp3a4 Inhibitors

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: CYP3A4 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of vardenafil by CYP3A4.(1-4)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in increased levels of and adverse effects from vardenafil, including hypotension, visual changes, and sustained erections.(1-4)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The interaction may be more severe in men older than 75 years.(4)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of vardenafil states that a maximum dose of 2.5 mg of vardenafil every 24 hours should not be exceeded in patients taking 400 mg of itraconazole or ketoconazole and that a maximum dose of 5 mg of vardenafil every 24 hours should not be exceeded in patients taking 200 mg of itraconazole or ketoconazole.(1) For moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, do not exceed a maximum dose of 5 mg of vardenafil every 24 hours.(1) Note that other countries have stricter warnings. The Australian manufacturer of vardenafil states that vardenafil must not be taken with dosages of itraconazole or ketoconazole greater than 200 mg. A maximum dose of 5 mg of vardenafil should not be exceeded if used with lower dosages of itraconazole and ketoconazole.(2) The Canadian manufacturer of vardenafil states that the concurrent use of vardenafil with itraconazole or ketoconazole is contraindicated and that the dosage should not exceed 5 mg in patients taking erythromycin.(3) The UK manufacturer of vardenafil states that the concurrent use of vardenafil with either oral itraconazole or oral ketoconazole is contraindicated in men older than 75 years and should be avoided in all patients. The dosage of vardenafil should not exceed 5 mg in patients taking erythromycin.(4)

DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of ketoconazole (200 mg) with vardenafil (5 mg) increased the vardenafil area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 10-fold and 4-fold, respectively.(1-4) Concurrent administration of erythromycin (500 mg three times daily) with vardenafil (5 mg) increased the AUC and Cmax of vardenafil by 4-fold and 3-fold, respectively.(1-4)

Vardenafil (>2.5 Mg)/Strong Cyp3a4 Inhibitors

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of vardenafil.(1-3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in increased levels, clinical effects, and side effects of vardenafil.(1-3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of vardenafil states that a maximum dose of 2.5 mg of vardenafil every 24 hours should not be exceeded in patients taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.(1) Note that other countries have different warnings. The Canadian(3) and UK(3) manufacturer of vardenafil state that vardenafil should not exceed 5 mg in patients taking clarithromycin. The UK manufacturer of vardenafil states that the concurrent use of vardenafil with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should be avoided.(3) The US manufacturer of cobicistat states that a maximum dose of 2.5 mg of vardenafil every 72 hours should not be exceeded in patients taking cobicistat.(4)

DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of ketoconazole (200 mg, a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4) with vardenafil (5 mg) increased the vardenafil area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 10-fold and 4-fold, respectively.(1-3) Concurrent administration of erythromycin (500 mg three times daily, a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4) with vardenafil (5 mg) increased the AUC and Cmax of vardenafil by 4-fold and 3-fold, respectively.(1-3)

Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

Pde Inhibitors/Vericiguat

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Vericiguat stimulates the nitric oxide-soluble guanylate cyclase-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway and also increases cGMP.(1) Aminophylline, avanafil, dipyridamole, sildenafil, tadalafil, theophylline, and vardenafil inhibit phosphodiesterase (PDE), which is responsible for the breakdown of cGMP.(1-6)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of PDE inhibitors and vericiguat potentiates the hypotensive effects of both agents, which may result in dizziness, syncope, heart attack, or stroke.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Plasma levels of the PDE type-5 inhibitors may be higher in the following patients: those older than 65, with hepatic impairment, or with severe renal impairment. This may increase the severity of the interaction.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of vericiguat states that administration of vericiguat to patients receiving PDE inhibitors, including specific PDE-5 inhibitors (avanafil,(2) sildenafil,(3) tadalafil,(4,5) or vardenafil(6)) and nonspecific PDE inhibitors (aminophylline, dipyridamole, theophylline) is not recommended.(1) The manufacturers of the PDE-5 inhibitors state that concurrent use of guanylate cyclase stimulators is contraindicated.(2-6)

DISCUSSION: Concomitant use of vericiguat 10 mg with single doses of sildenafil (25, 50, or 100 mg) was associated with additional seated BP reduction of up to 5.4 mm Hg (systolic/diastolic BP, MAP), compared to administration of vericiguat alone.(1)

Selected Sensitive Cyp3a4 Substrates/Voxelotor

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Voxelotor is an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and may decrease the metabolism of drugs metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of voxelotor may lead to increased serum levels and adverse effects of drugs sensitive to inhibition of the CYP3A4 pathway.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: A greater risk for serious adverse events would be expected from drugs having a narrow therapeutic window.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of voxelotor states that co-administration of sensitive CYP3A4 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index should be avoided. If concomitant use is unavoidable, consider dose reduction of the sensitive substrate.(1)

DISCUSSION: In a study, voxelotor increased the AUC of a single dose of midazolam by 1.6-fold. After multiple doses of midazolam, a 2.5-fold increase in AUC is predicted.(1) Sensitive CYP3A4 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index linked to this monograph include: avanafil, conivaptan, cyclosporine, dihydroergotamine, eplerenone, ergotamine, everolimus, felodipine, fentanyl, lomitapide, lovastatin, methylergonovine, midazolam, nisoldipine, sildenafil, simvastatin, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, triazolam, and vardenafil.(2,3)

Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

Cgmp Specific Pde Type-5 Inhibitors/Alpha-Blockers

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of avanafil,(1) sildenafil,(2-5) tadalafil,(6-9) or vardenafil(10-14) and an alpha-blocker may result in additive or synergistic effects on blood pressure.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of avanafil,(1) sildenafil,(2-5) tadalafil,(6-9) or vardenafil(10-14)) and an alpha-blocker may result in symptomatic hypotension.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients who have a history of hemodynamic instability on alpha-blocker therapy prior to initiating avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil may be at an increased risk of symptomatic hypotension during concurrent therapy.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of avanafil states that patients taking alpha-blockers should be stabilized on their alpha-blocker prior to beginning avanafil therapy. Avanafil should be initiated at the 50 mg dosage. In patients stabilized on avanafil therapy, alpha-blocker therapy should be initiated at the lowest possible dosage.(1) The US, Australian, Canadian, and UK manufacturers of sildenafil state that patients taking alpha-blockers should be stabilized on their alpha-blocker prior to beginning sildenafil therapy. Sildenafil should be initiated at the lowest possible dosage. In patients stabilized on sildenafil therapy, alpha-blocker therapy should be initiated at the lowest possible dosage.(2-5) The US manufacturer of tadalafil states that patients taking tadalafil for erectile dysfunction (ED) and alpha-blockers should be stabilized on their alpha-blocker prior to beginning tadalafil therapy. Tadalafil should be initiated at the lowest possible dosage. In patients stabilized on tadalafil therapy, alpha-blocker therapy should be initiated at the lowest possible dose. The combination of tadalafil and an alpha-blocker for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is not recommended. Patients on alpha-blocker therapy for BPH should discontinue their alpha-blocker at least one day prior to starting tadalafil for once daily use for the treatment of BPH.(6) The Australian manufacturer of tadalafil states that tadalafil should be used with caution in patients taking alpha-blockers.(7) The Canadian manufacturer of tadalafil states that it may be used with tamsulosin and should be used with caution with other alpha-blockers.(8) The UK manufacturer of tadalafil states that concurrent use with alpha-blockers is not recommended.(9) The US, Canadian, and UK manufacturers of vardenafil state that patients taking alpha-blockers should be stabilized on their alpha-blocker prior to beginning vardenafil therapy. Vardenafil should be initiated at the lowest possible dosage. In patients stabilized on vardenafil therapy, alpha-blocker therapy should be initiated at the lowest possible dosage.(10-12) The UK manufacturer of vardenafil states that vardenafil may be give at any time in relation to tamsulosin; however, a dose separation period of 6 hour should be considered for other alpha-blockers.(12) The Australian manufacturer of vardenafil states that concurrent use with alpha-blockers is not recommended.(13) The US manufacturers of doxazosin,(14) prazosin(15) and terazosin(16) state that PDE-5 inhibitor therapy should be initiated at the lowest dose.

DISCUSSION: In a study in 24 subjects, concurrent use of avanafil (200 mg) with doxazosin (1 mg on Day 1, titrated to 8 mg for Days 8-18) resulted in 7 subjects experiencing potentially clinically significant changes in blood pressure.(1) In a study in 24 subjects, concurrent use of avanafil (200 mg) with tamsulosin (0.4 mg Days 1-11) resulted in 5 subjects experiencing potentially clinically significant changes in blood pressure.(1) Simultaneous administration of sildenafil (25 mg) and doxazosin (4 mg) resulted in mean additional reductions of supine blood pressure of 7 mmHg systolic and 7 mmHg diastolic. When doxazosin (4 mg) was simultaneously administered with higher doses of sildenafil, there were reports of symptomatic postural hypotension within one to four hours.(2) In a study, concurrent administration of a single dose of tadalafil (20 mg) to healthy subjects receiving alfuzosin (10 mg daily) resulted in mean maximum decreases in standing and supine systolic blood pressure by 2.2 mmHg and 4.4 mmHg, respectively. There were no subjects with a decrease from baseline standing systolic blood pressure greater than 30 mmHg.(6) In a study, concurrent administration of a single dose of tadalafil (20 mg) to 18 healthy subjects receiving doxazosin (8 mg daily) resulted in significant augmentation of the blood-pressure lowering effects of doxazosin (by 9.8 mmHg). The number of subjects with a standing blood pressure of less than 85 mmHg was greater after concurrent doxazosin and tadalafil than when compared to doxazosin with placebo (28% versus 6%). One subject reported vertigo and another reported dizziness. No syncope was reported.(5,14) In a second study, concurrent administration of a single dose of tadalafil (20 mg) to healthy subjects receiving doxazosin (4-8 mg daily) also resulted in augmentation of the blood-pressure lowering affects of doxazosin. One subject reported symptomatic hypotension and another reported dizziness with concurrent therapy.(6) In a study, concurrent administration of a single dose of tadalafil (20 mg) to healthy subjects receiving tamsulosin (0.4 mg daily) resulted in no significant decreases in blood pressure.(6,17) Hypotension has been reported with concurrent use of terazosin and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors.(16) With simultaneous administration of vardenafil (10 mg) and terazosin (10 mg), 6 of 8 healthy subjects experienced a standing systolic blood pressure of less than 85 mmHg. With simultaneous vardenafil (20 mg) and terazosin (10 mg), 2 of 9 subjects experienced a standing systolic blood pressure of less than 85 mmHg. When vardenafil (20 mg) was administered 6 hours apart from terazosin (10 mg), 7 of 28 subjects experienced a standing systolic blood pressure of less than 85 mmHg.(10) With simultaneous administration of vardenafil (10 mg) and tamsulosin (0.4 mg), two of 16 subjects experienced a standing systolic blood pressure of less than 85 mmHg. When vardenafil (20 mg) was administered six hours apart from tamsulosin (0.4 mg), one of 24 subjects experienced a standing systolic blood pressure of less than 85 mmHg.(10) In a study in subjects with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) on stable tamsulosin or terazosin therapy, simultaneous vardenafil (5 mg) and tamsulosin resulted in no effects on blood pressure. Simultaneous vardenafil (5 mg) with terazosin resulted in hypotension in some subjects. This effect did not occur when vardenafil and terazosin were separated by 6 hours.(12) In a placebo controlled, crossover study in 22 subjects with benign prostatic hyperplasia receiving tamsulosin, subjects received single doses of vardenafil (10 mg and 20 mg). No patients exhibited symptomatic hypotension. Three patients receiving 20 mg of vardenafil reported dizziness, but none had a systolic blood pressure of less than 95 mmHg.(18) In a placebo-controlled study in 24 health male subjects, administration of sildenafil (100 mg) or tadalafil (20 mg) with silodosin resulted in an increase in positive orthostatic tests in the 12 hours after concurrent administration when compared with the administration of silodosin alone. There were no reports of symptomatic orthostasis or dizziness.(19)

Selected Antihypertensives And Vasodilators/Apomorphine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Apomorphine causes dose-dependent decreases in blood pressure. Concurrent use with antihypertensive agents may result in additive effects on blood pressure.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of antihypertensives and apomorphine may result in orthostatic hypotension with or without dizziness, nausea, or syncope.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of orthostatic hypotension may be increased during dose escalation of apomorphine and in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.(1)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving concurrent therapy should be monitored for hypotension. Counsel patients about the risk of orthostatic hypotension.(1)

DISCUSSION: Healthy volunteers who took sublingual nitroglycerin (0.4 mg) concomitantly with apomorphine experienced a mean largest decrease in supine systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 9.7 mm Hg and in supine diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 9.3 mm Hg, and a mean largest decrease in standing SBP and DBP of 14.3 mm Hg and 13.5 mm Hg, respectively. The maximum decrease in SBP and DBP was 65 mm Hg and 43 mm Hg, respectively. When apomorphine was taken alone, the mean largest decrease in supine SBP and DBP was 6.1 mm Hg and 7.3 mm Hg, respectively, and in standing SBP and DBP was 6.7 mm Hg and 8.4 mm Hg, respectively.(1)

Selected Antihypertensives/Tizanidine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Tizanidine is an alpha-2 agonist. Concurrent use with antihypertensive agents may result in additive effects on blood pressure.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of antihypertensives and tizanidine may result in hypotension.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving concurrent therapy should be monitored for hypotension. The risk of hypotension may be decreased by careful titration of tizanidine dosages and monitoring for hypotension prior to dose advancement. Counsel patients about the risk of orthostatic hypotension.(1)

DISCUSSION: Severe hypotension has been reported following the addition of tizanidine to existing lisinopril therapy.(2-4)

Selected Sensitive Cyp3a4 Substrates/Schisandra

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Schisandra is considered a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4. FDA defines a moderate inhibitor as a drug which increases the area-under-curve (AUC) of a sensitive substrate by 2- to 5-fold.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of Schisandra may lead to increased serum levels and adverse effects of drugs sensitive to inhibition of the CYP3A4 pathway.(3-7)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: With darifenacin, the risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(8)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If Schisandra must be coadministered with a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate, it is recommended to closely monitor the CYP3A4 substrate and adjust its dose as appropriate.(3-7) The US manufacturer of sirolimus protein-bound injection (Fyarro) states a dose reduction to 56 mg/m2 is recommended when used concurrently with moderate or weak CYP3A4 inhibitors. Concurrent use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should be avoided.(8)

DISCUSSION: A study in 12 healthy volunteers found that Schisandra led to an increase in midazolam area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of 2.05- and 1.65-fold, respectively, compared to midazolam administered alone.(3) In a study of 18 healthy volunteers, sirolimus AUC and Cmax increased by 2.07-fold and 1.96-fold, respectively when given with Schisandra compared to sirolimus administered alone.(4) The effect of Schisandra on tacrolimus has been examined in several small pharmacokinetic studies in healthy volunteers as well as liver and kidney transplant patients. Compared to tacrolimus given alone, tacrolimus AUC when administered with Schisandra was consistently increased by 2.1-fold, while the increase in Cmax varied between 1.83- and 2.11-fold in the transplant studies(5-6) and 3-fold in the study on healthy subjects.(7) In the study with kidney transplant patients, a decrease in tacrolimus dose of 40.9 % was required to bring tacrolimus levels into the therapeutic range.(5)

Sildenafil; Tadalafil; Vardenafil (Ed)/Boceprevir;Telaprevir

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The metabolism of sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil by CYP3A4 may be inhibited by boceprevir(1) and telaprevir.(2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of boceprevir(1) or telaprevir(2) may result in elevated levels of sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil, which may result in increased adverse effects such as hypotension, visual changes, or priapism.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: In patients receiving boceprevir, the dosage of CGMP PDE Type-5 Inhibitors used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction should be limited to 25 mg of sildenafil every 48 hours, 10 mg of tadalafil every 72 hours, and 2.5 mg of vardenafil every 24 hours.(1) In patients receiving telaprevir, the dosage of CGMP PDE Type-5 Inhibitors used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction should be limited to 25 mg of sildenafil every 48 hours, 10 mg of tadalafil every 72 hours, and 2.5 mg of vardenafil every 72 hours.(2) The US manufacturer of tadalafil chewable tablets (Chewtadzy) states the maximum recommended dose of as needed tadalafil for erectile dysfunction in patients taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors is 10 mg every 72 hours. The use of tadalafil chewable tablets (Chewtazdy) for once daily use for erectile dysfunction or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is not recommended in patients taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors due to the lack of a 2.5 mg tablet strength.(3) Patients should be counseled that they are at an increased risk of adverse effects, including hypotension, syncope, visual changes, and priapism. Patients experiencing these effects should report them promptly to their physician. The US manufacturers of boceprevir(1) and telaprevir(2) state that concurrent use of sildenafil or tadalafil when used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is contraindicated.

DISCUSSION: Boceprevir has been shown to be a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4.(1) Telaprevir has also been shown to inhibit CYP3A4.(2)

Concomitant use of any form of organic nitrate (e.g., nitrates, nitrites, nitric oxide donors), either regularly or intermittently. A suitable time interval for administration of nitrates or nitric oxide donors following administration of vardenafil has not been determined. (See Cautions: Precautions and Contraindications, in Sildenafil 24:12.12.)

Known hypersensitivity to vardenafil or any ingredient in the formulation.

There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.

• Acute myocardial infarction
• Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
• Aortic valve stenosis
• Chronic heart failure
• Congenital long QT syndrome
• Disease of liver
• Fibrosis of corpus cavernosum
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Hypotension
• Life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias
• Penile angulation
• Peptic ulcer
• Peyronie's disease
• Pigmentary retinopathy
• Unstable angina pectoris

• Cerebrovascular accident
• Hearing loss
• Increased risk of bleeding due to coagulation disorder
• Leukemia
• Multiple myeloma
• Severe uncontrolled hypertension
• Sickle cell disease

Headache, flushing, rhinitis, dyspepsia, sinusitis, flu syndrome, dizziness, increased creatinine kinase, nausea.

Less Frequent

• Back pain

Rare or Very Rare

• Abnormal hepatic function tests
• Acute myocardial infarction
• Anaphylaxis
• Angina
• Angioedema
• Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
• Chest pain
• Dysphagia
• Dyspnea
• Edema
• Hearing loss
• Hepatic failure
• Hypotension
• Ocular hypertension
• Ocular pain
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Palpitations
• Priapism
• Retinal vascular occlusion
• Seizure disorder
• Syncope
• Tachycardia
• Vision impairment
• Visual changes
• Visual field defect

More Frequent

• Dyspepsia
• Flushing
• Headache disorder
• Rhinitis

Less Frequent

• Dizziness
• Flu-like symptoms
• Nasal congestion
• Nausea
• Sinusitis

Rare or Very Rare

• Acquired chromatopsia
• Conjunctivitis
• Diarrhea
• Drowsy
• Gastritis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Memory impairment
• Myalgia
• Ocular redness
• Pain
• Paresthesia
• Photophobia
• Skin rash
• Sleep disorder
• Tinnitus
• Transient global amnesia
• Vertigo
• Vomiting
• Xerostomia

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Use of vardenafil has not been evaluated and is not indicated in pediatric patients.

Category B. (See Users Guide.) Vardenafil is not indicated for use in women.

Vardenafil is excreted into milk in rats. It is not known if vardenafil is excreted into milk in humans. Vardenafil is not indicated for use in women.

An initial vardenafil dosage of 5 mg should be considered in geriatric men (65 years of age and older).

Safety and efficacy of vardenafil in geriatric men (older than 65 years of age) are similar to those in younger men. The manufacturer states that such patients should receive lower initial doses of the drug. (See Geriatric Patients under Dosage and Administration: Special Populations.)