Active Drug Information

Vardenafil, the active component present in Filitra belongs to a class of PDE-5 inhibitors. It is an almost colorless, solid substance having a molecular weight of 579.1 g/mol and water solubility of 0.11 mg/ml.

Chemically, it 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 selective cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor.

Mechanism of Action

The action of this medication can be observed as early as 10 minutes, while its effect lasts for a duration of five to seven hours on an average.

Vardenafil present in Filitra inhibits the action of PDE-5 enzyme, which is present in abundance inside the penile region. This inhibitory action of PDE-5 enzyme stops the degradation of the endogenous chemical substance known as cGMP. The role of cGMP is the relaxation of smooth muscles and dilation of the penile arteries. More amount of blood passes through the arteries located inside the penile region. This improved blood supply produces a firm and strong penile erection required for satisfactory sexual intercourse.

Dosing Instructions

• Read and follow all the instructions given in the prescription leaflet while taking this medication.
• In case of any doubts, consult your physician or pharmacist.
• Do not take Filitra more than once in a day.
• Take this medicine at least 30 minutes before sexual activity.
• Do not crush, chew or break the oral tablets of Filitra.
• Filitra can be taken with or without meals.
• Take this medication only when you have an urge to indulge in sexual activity.
• The dose of this medication will depend on the medical history, current health status, and degree of erectile dysfunction.

Storage and Disposal

• Keep this medication in a tightly closed container, out of reach of children.
• Store Filitra oral tablets away from excessive heat and moisture.
• Do not store these tablets in the bathroom.
• Unused tablets should be disposed of in a particular way to assure that the pets, kids, and other individuals cannot ingest them.
• Do not flush this medication down the toilet. The best way to dispose of Filitra tablets is through a medical take-back program.
• To know more about these programs, consult your pharmacist.

Precautions and Warnings

• Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
• Filitra tablets is not for use in men under 18 years of age.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to its active component or any other components of the formulation.
• This medication should not be administered to persons suffering from health ailments such as cardiovascular disorders, high or low blood pressure, kidney disorder, liver disorder and problems related to eyes.
• Filitra can make you dizzy. So, avoid indulging activities such as driving or operating machinery after taking this medicinal product.
• This medicine is not for recreational purposes and should only be used in men suffering from erectile dysfunction.
• Older men can be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication, particularly QT prolongation. So use this medication with caution in such individuals.

Drug Interactions

• Anti HIV drugs- Efavirenz, Indinavir
• Drugs used for lowering blood pressure- Amlodipine, atenolol, Carvedilolj
• Antibiotics- Moxifloxacin, erythromycin
• Drugs for prostate enlargement – Alfuzosin, Terazosin, Tamsulosin
• Drugs used for treating chest pain or angina– nitrates, isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate, or nitroglycerin
• Antifungals – Itraconazole, ketoconazole, Fluconazole

Contraindications

The use of Filitra is contraindicated in the following medical conditions-

• Deformation of penile organ
• Vision loss
• Hearing loss
• Peptic ulcer disease
• QT prolongation

Common Side Effects

• Confusion
• Increased heart rate
• Drowsiness
• Skin rash
• Chills

Most of the men using Filitra do not suffer from serious side effects. However, if you experience very serious side effects such as fast or irregular heartbeats, temporary memory loss or seizures, immediately contact your physician and seek medical assistance.