Vardenafil

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Vardenafil.jpg
vardenafil
IUPAC name: see below
Synonyms: Levitra®
Formula:

 Uses: erectile dysfunction

 Properties: PDE-5 inhibitor

 Hazards: cardiovascular risks

Mass (g/mol): CAS #:
579.1 (HCL form)


Vardenafil, commonly known by the trade name Levitra®, is a selective phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It is more active in vitro than the nearly identical drug sildenafil (Viagra®), but is significantly different than tadalafil, another PDE-5 inhibitor used to treat ED.

Mechanism of action

(CC) Image: David E. Volk
cGMP

By competitively binding to PDE-5 enzymes in smooth muscle and therefore inhibiting the binding of cGMP to PDE-5, the degradation of cGMP is reduced resulting in elevated levels of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum and its supply vessels. The elevated cGMP levels relax the smooth muscles, dilate the corporeal sinusoids and increase blood flow enabling an erection. cGMP levels are normally increased during stimulation by the release of nitric oxide in the corpus cavernosum. The nitric oxide activates guanylate cyclase, an enyme, which produces cGMP. Thus, vardenafil does not enhance the normal mechanism, namely increased synthesis of cGMP, but rather reduces its degradation.

Chemistry

The IUPAC chemical name for Vardenafil HCl is piperazine, 1-[[3-(1,4-dihydro-5-methyl-4-oxo-7-propylimidazo[5,1-f ][1,2,4]triazin-2-yl)-4-ethoxyphenyl]sulfonyl]-4-ethyl-, monohydrochloride. It is a nearly colorless, solid substance with molecular mass 579.1 g/mol.

Drug interactions

Because vardenafil has vasodilator properties that result in decreased blood pressure, the combined use of vardenafil with other vasodilators, such as alpha-blockers, must be done cautiously. Patients with a history of heart attacks, strokes, arrythmia, hypertension, retinitis pigmentosa or currently on bosentan therapy should also be cautious.

External links

The most up-to-date information about Vardenafil and other drugs can be found at the following sites.


References

J. D. Corbin and S. H. Sharron. "Molecular Biology and Pharmacology of PDE-5-Inhibitor Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction". J. Androl. 24: S38-S41.