Orbital hemodynamics and IOP not affected by vardenafil use

When used at its recommended dose, vardenafil does not produce a negative effect on orbital hemodynamics and IOP in eyes of patients taking the drug to treat erectile dysfunction, a study by researchers in Turkey found.

Pelin Taner, MD, and colleagues at the University of Kirikkale School of Medicine investigated the effects of Levitra (vardenafil) on systemic blood pressure, IOP and orbital hemodynamics, including peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity and resistive index of the ophthalmic, central retinal and posterior ciliary arteries. The study included 21 men with erectile dysfunction who averaged 51.5 years of age, according to the study.

All measurements were taken before and 20 minutes after administering vardenafil.

The researchers found no significant changes in systolic blood pressure, although diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased after drug intake, the authors reported.

Also, there was a significant increase in end-diastolic velocity of the central retinal artery, but not for the orbital blood flow velocities of the ophthalmic artery and the posterior ciliary artery, they reported.

No significant changes in IOP were observed, the authors noted.

Levitra is a joint venture of Bayer, GlaxoSmithKline and Schering-Plough.

The study is published in the June issue of Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics.