Vardenafil: a new oral treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Vardenafil is a new phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor for the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction (ED). It was licensed in Europe in spring 2003 and in the USA in late 2003. It is a potent and selective inhibitor of the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5, and in the presence of an erectile stimulus potentiates the intracellular actions of cyclic guanylate monophosphate. Several large, placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated efficacy both in the broad population of men with ED and in men with more difficult to treat ED. It is well tolerated with a side effect profile typical of this class of drugs. It has a rapid onset of action and has demonstrable efficacy for men using the medication for up to 2 years.