ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION.The FDA has approved a second drug to treat erectile dysfunction, setting up a turf war with Viagra Sildenafil for the billion-dollar market to treat impotence.
The new drugs Levitra Vardenafil works similarly to Viagra: Both drugs target an enzyme important in maintaining an erection. Common adverse reactions to both drugs include headache, flushing, and a stuffy nose.
Also like Viagra, vardenafil can cause several serious problems that contraindicate its use for certain men. For example, men who take nitrate-containing drugs for heart conditions or alpha-blockers for hypertension or an enlarged prostate shouldn't take it. In addition, the drug isn't for men who've recently had a heart attack or stroke, who have very low blood pressure or uncontrolled hypertension, or who have QT prolongation on ECG.
A third drug indicated to treat impotence, called Cialis, is already in European markets and is expected to enter the American marketplace soon..