PDE-5 inhibitor appears effective at first dose

Vardenafil (Levitra) appears to be effective at first dose, with continued success in treating erectile dysfunction in men with associated medical conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, the authors of a Canadian study report.

The randomized, placebo-controlled study involved 600 patients diagnosed with ED who received a single open-label challenge dose of vardenafil, 10 mg. Overall, first-dose success rates for penetration and erection maintenance until completion of intercourse during the 1-week challenge period were 87% and 74%, respectively. Patients who achieved penetration success were randomized to vardenafil or placebo for 12 weeks and, at the end of 12 weeks, patients receiving vardenafil had a penetration success rate of 83% versus 56% for those receiving placebo.

“These study results demonstrate the efficacy of Levitra at first dose and after continued treatment in men, whether or not they have associated medical conditions,” said first author Luc Valiquette, MD, of the University of Montreal Hospital Center, Montreal, Quebec. “First-dose success and long-term reliability are important criteria for patients.”

Study findings were reported at the Sexual Medicine Society of North America fall meeting in Las Vegas.