Vardenafil: update on clinical experience.
Vardenafil, a potent and selective phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, has entered phase 3 clinical trials. Pharmacodynamic studies showed that the maximum plasma concentration after oral administration of 20-40 mg of vardenafil occurred in 0.7-0.9 h, the half-life was 4-5 h, and negligible amounts remained in the circulation after 24 h. The efficacy of vardenafil compared with placebo was shown in RigiScan studies, a phase 2 study involving 601 men with mild-to-severe erectile dysfunction for at least 6 months, and a phase 3 study involving 452 diabetic men. Adverse effects were not severe and tended to decrease with time.
Pryor
J
J
Institute of Urology, London University, and The Lister Hospital, London, UK. jpryor@andrology.co.uk
D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013450:Sulfones; D014227:Triazines; D000069058:Vardenafil Dihydrochloride
D007093:Imidazoles; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D013450:Sulfones; D014227:Triazines; D000069058:Vardenafil Dihydrochloride