Orally disintegrating vardenafil tablets for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: efficacy, safety, and patient acceptability

BACKGROUND Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a well-documented medical condition that is expected to increase significantly over the next several decades, especially as men live longer and the prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases increase. Pharmacology agents are often the first line treatment approach. Newer solid dosage forms, known as orally disintegrating tablets (ODT), are now available as one treatment option. OBJECTIVES To review the drug delivery mechanisms of ODTs in general and to review safety and efficacy of vardenafil ODT (a PDE-5 inhibitor) as a treatment option for management of ED. METHOD Literature reviews were performed of pharmaceutical dosage forms and the POTENT I (n = 358 subjects) and POTENT II (n = 337 subjects) studies that investigated vardenafil ODT. RESULTS Vardenafil ODT has been successfully used in multiple age groups and in multiple settings with men from various ethnic backgrounds. Efficacy of vardenafil ODT, as measured using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) and from the Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) was significantly greater than placebo (P < 0.0001) at 12 weeks. Safety profiles were similar to film-coated dosage forms with no patient deaths reported. CONCLUSION Vardenafil ODT offers a convenient, ready-to-use approach for combating ED. Safety concerns are similar to other PDE-5 inhibitors and practitioners should counsel patients accordingly.