Vardenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a critical review of the literature based on personal clinical experience

OBJECTIVE: To critically review the literature on vardenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction while integrating the clinical findings with the personal experience of the authors. METHODS: Analysis of published full-length papers that were identified through Medline search from January 2000 through May 2004. Abstracts published in peer-reviewed journals from the same period were also considered. RESULTS: Efficacy, tolerability and safety, as reported in the peer-reviewed literature compares well with the authors' personal experience. Authors' personal observations include discussions on potency, selectivity, selection of initial dose, counselling for patients characteristically considered difficult-to-treat (diabetes, prostatectomy, depression), including the determination of the maximal efficacious dose and the possible role of daily dosing, optimisation of the use of vardenafil according to its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles (onset and reliability), and management of ED patients with or at risk for cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: Extensive experience with vardenafil as reported in peer reviewed literature confirms the important role of vardenafil in the management of patients with ED. The development of each physician's own experience with vardenafil is key to optimise overall satisfaction of this therapy by the patient and his partner.