Global experiences with vardenafil in men with erectile dysfunction and underlying conditions.
OBJECTIVE
Vardenafil has demonstrated efficacy for the pharmacological management of erectile dysfunction (ED). Accumulating evidence suggests that ED is frequently associated with underlying cardiovascular and metabolic conditions which are thought to be involved in the aetiology of ED. The present review aims to summarise and discuss the available evidence for the efficacy, safety and tolerability of vardenafil in patients with underlying conditions including diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia.


METHODS
Relevant articles were identified through a PubMed search of clinical trials and postmarketing surveillance studies of vardenafil in patients with ED including those with diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia.


RESULTS
Across all trials, vardenafil showed good efficacy for the treatment of ED in patients with diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Vardenafil also showed a favourable safety and tolerability profile. The concomitant use of medication to treat hypertension or dyslipidaemia was not associated with an increase in adverse events following vardenafil treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of both diagnosed and undiagnosed underlying conditions is high among men with ED. The evidence presented in this review suggests that vardenafil is efficacious and well tolerated in patients with ED and diabetes, hypertension and/or dyslipidaemia and can be recommended as first-line treatment for ED in patients with these conditions.
Eardley
I
I
Pyrah Department of Urology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK. ian.eardley@btinternet.com
Lee
J C
JC
Guay
A T
AT
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000150:complications; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000150:complications; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013450:Sulfones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014227:Triazines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069058:Vardenafil Dihydrochloride
D007093:Imidazoles; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D013450:Sulfones; D014227:Triazines; D000069058:Vardenafil Dihydrochloride