PDE5 (IC50 = 0.7 nM); PDE6 (IC50 = 11 nM); PDE1 (IC50 = 180 nM); PDE3 (IC50 >1000 nM); PDE4 (IC50 >1000 nM)

Vardenafil dihydrochloride has an IC50 value of 0.7 nM, which is specifically used to inhibit PDE5's hydrolysis of cGMP[1]. The intracellular cGMP levels in the penis's cavernosum tissue are raised by vardenafil dihydrochloride, which causes the body's sinuses and blood flow to dilate[3].

Rats with cavernous nerve damage show facilitator effects when given vardenafil dihydrochloride (0.03 mg/kg; IV)[4]. Vardenafil dihydrochloride (0.17 mg/kg; iv; once daily; 7 d) reduces the production of iNOS and NF-���B in hepatic tissue and shields the liver against Con A-induced hepatitis[5]. In ZDF hearts, vardenafil dihydrochloride (10 mg/kg; po; once daily; 25 weeks) inhibits both the rise in 3-NT production and the decrease in tissue cGMP levels[6].

In this study, researchers investigated the potency and the selectivity profile of vardenafil on phosphodiesterase (PDEs) enzymes, its ability to modify cGMP metabolism and cause relaxation of penile smooth muscle and its effect on erections in vivo under conditions of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) stimulation. PDE isozymes were extracted and purified from human platelets (PDE5) or bovine sources (PDEs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6). The inhibition of these PDEs and of human recombinant PDEs by vardenafil was determined. The ability to potentiate NO-mediated relaxation and influence cGMP levels in human corpus cavernosum strips was measured in vitro, and erection-inducing activity was demonstrated in conscious rabbits after oral administration together with intravenous doses of sodium nitroprusside (SNP). The effects of vardenafil were compared with those of the well-recognized PDE5 inhibitor, sildenafil (values for sildenafil in brackets). Vardenafil specifically inhibited the hydrolysis of cGMP by PDE5 with an IC50 of 0.7 nM (6.6 nM). In contrast, the IC50 of vardenafil for PDE1 was 180 nM; for PDE6, 11 nM; for PDE2, PDE3 and PDE4, more than 1000 nM. Relative to PDE5, the ratios of the IC50 for PDE1 were 257 (60), for PDE6 16 (7.4). Vardenafil significantly enhanced the SNP-induced relaxation of human trabecular smooth muscle at 3 nM (10 nM). Vardenafil also significantly potentiated both ACh-induced and transmural electrical stimulation-induced relaxation of trabecular smooth muscle. The minimum concentration of vardenafil that significantly potentiated SNP-induced cGMP accumulation was 3 nM (30 nM)[1].

Animal/Disease Models: Male rat (9weeks old) underwent surgery for laparotomy or bilateral cavernous nerve (CN) crush injury[4]
Doses: 0.03 mg/kg
Route of Administration: intravenous (iv) injection
Experimental Results: Restored normal erectile responses with a combind administration of BAY 60-4552 (0.03, 0.3 mg/kg).

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Animal/Disease Models: Liver injury induced by Con A in male Swiss albino mice (20 ± 2 g)[5]
Doses: 0.17 mg/kg
Route of Administration: intravenous (iv) injection; one time/day, for 7 days; as a pretreatment
Experimental Results: decreased the levels of serum transaminases and alleviated Con A-induced hepatitis.

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Animal/Disease Models: Male 7weeks old Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats (preserved ejection fraction, HFpEF)[6]
Doses: 10 mg/kg
Route of Administration: po (oral gavage); one time/day, for 25 weeks
Experimental Results: Improved myofilament function in diabetic rat hearts.

Absorption, Distribution and Excretion
Over the recommended dose range, vardenafil has a dose-proportional pharmacokinetics profile. In healthy male volunteers given a single oral dose of 20 mg of vardenafil, maximum plasma concentrations were reached between 30 minutes and 2 hours (median 60 minutes) after oral dosing in the fasted state, and 0.00018% of the dose was detected in semen 1.5 hours after dosing. Vardenafil has a bioavailability of approximately 15%. High-fat meals cause a Cmax reduction of 18%-50%; however, no changes were detected in AUC or Tmax.
Vardenafil is excreted as metabolites mainly through feces and urine. Approximately 91-95% of administered oral dose is found in feces, while 2-6% of administered oral dose is found in urine.
Vardenafil has a steady-state volume of distribution of 208 L.
Vardenafil has a total body clearance of 56 L/h.
Protein binding: Very high: 95% bound to plasma proteins; reversible and independent of total drug concentrations
Rapidly absorbed; absolute bioavailability is approximately 15%. Maximum observed plasma concentrations after a single 20 mg dose in healthy volunteers are usually reached between 30 minutes and 2 hours (median 60 minutes) after oral dosing in the fasted state. A high-fat meal causes a reduction in Cmax by 18% to 50%.
Enhancement of nitric oxide (NO)-induced erections in rabbits by 0.1 mg/kg vardenafil is limited by its pharmacokinetic properties (Tmax=1 h; T1/2=1.2 h), although erectile effects have been observed after 7 h. In humans, vardenafil is rapidly absorbed (Tmax approximately 40 min) and more slowly metabolized (T1/2 approximately 4 h), with an absolute bioavailability of 14.5% (vs 40% for sildenafil). Although the consumption of high-fat meals does not affect the drug's relative bioavailability, it retards intestinal absorption. Coadministration of CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir can affect hepatic metabolism. M1, an active metabolite of vardenafil, is a four-fold-less potent inhibitor of PDE5 than its parent compound, contributing approximately 7% to vardenafil's overall efficacy.
Time to peak concentration: 30 minutes to 2 hours (oral dosing, fasted state)
For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for VARDENAFIL (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

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Metabolism / Metabolites
Vardenafil is mainly metabolized by CYP3A4 in the liver, although CYP3A5 and CYP2C isoforms also contribute to its metabolism. The major circulating metabolite, M1 (N-desethylvardenafil), results from desethylation at the piperazine moiety of vardenafil, and has a plasma concentration of approximately 26% of that of the parent compound. M1 has a phosphodiesterase selectivity profile similar to that of vardenafil and an _in vitro_ inhibitory potency for PDE5 28% of that of vardenafil.
Hepatic metabolism, via CYP3A4, with contribution from CYP3A5 and CYP2C isoforms. Major circulating metabolite, M1, results from desethylation at the piperazine moiety of vardenafil. M1 is subject to further metabolism. The plasma concentration of M1 is approximately 26% of the parent compound and accounts for 7% of total pharmacologic activity. This metabolite shows a phosphodiesterase selectivity profile similar to that of vardenafil and an in vitro inhibitory potency for PDE5 28% of that of vardenafil.

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Biological Half-Life
Vardenafil and its primary metabolite (M1) have a terminal half-life of 4-5 hours.
Terminal: 4 to 5 hours

Hepatotoxicity
Despite fairly extensive use, vardenafil has not been associated with clinically apparent cases of liver injury and serum enzyme elevations during therapy are rare. The related PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil and tadalafil have been linked to isolated, rare instances of acute liver injury and jaundice. The latency to onset ranged from a few days to 3 months and the pattern of injury was usually cholestatic. Autoimmune and immunoallergic features were not observed and all cases were self-limited without residual injury or acute liver failure. Whether vardenafil can cause a similar form of acute liver injury is unknown.
Likelihood score: E* (unproven but suspected rare cause of clinically apparent liver injury).

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Effects During Pregnancy and Lactation
◉ Summary of Use during Lactation
No published information is available on the use of vardenafil during breastfeeding. An alternate agent may be preferred.
◉ Effects in Breastfed Infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
◉ Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

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Protein Binding
Approximately 95% of vardenafil and its major circulating metabolite is bound to plasma proteins. Their protein binding is reversible and independent of total drug concentrations.

[1]. The phosphodiesterase inhibitory selectivity and the in vitro and in vivo potency of the new PDE5 inhibitor vardenafil. Int J Impot Res. 2001;13(5):282-290.

[2]. Vardenafil dihydrochloride. Profiles Drug Subst Excip Relat Methodol. 2014;39:515-544.

[3]. Erectile dysfunction: comparison of efficacy and side effects of the PDE-5 inhibitors sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil--review of the literature. Eur J Med Res. 2002 Oct 29. 7(10):435-46.

[4]. Combination of BAY 60-4552 and vardenafil exerts proerectile facilitator effects in rats with cavernous nerve injury: a proof of concept study for the treatment of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor failure. Eur Urol. 2011 Nov. 60(5):1020-6.

[5]. Hepatoprotective role of vardenafil against experimentally induced hepatitis in mice. J Biochem Mol Toxicol. 2017 Mar. 31(3).

[6]. Long-Term PDE-5A Inhibition Improves Myofilament Function in Left and Right Ventricular Cardiomyocytes through Partially Different Mechanisms in Diabetic Rat Hearts. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021 Nov 6. 10(11):1776.

Vardenafil is the sulfonamide resulting from formal condensation of the sulfo group of 4-ethoxy-3-(5-methyl-7-propylimidazo[5,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-4(1H)-one-2-yl)benzenesulfonic acid and the secondary amino group of 4-ethylpiperazine. It has a role as a vasodilator agent and an EC 3.1.4.* (phosphoric diester hydrolase) inhibitor. It is a N-alkylpiperazine, an imidazotriazine and a N-sulfonylpiperazine.
Vardenafil is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) and an oral therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide (NO) is released from nerve endings and endothelial cells in the corpus cavernosum, activating the enzyme guanylate cyclase and increasing the synthesis of cGMP in the smooth muscle cells of the corpus cavernosum. PDE5 inhibitors, such as vardenafil, inhibit the degradation of cGMP and allow increased blood flow into the penis, resulting in an erection.. Compared to [sildenafil] and [tadalafil], vardenafil is a more potent inhibitor of PDE5; however, its selectivity for other PDE isoforms is lower than the one detected for tadalafil. The FDA approved the use of vardenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in 2003. Although other PDE5 inhibitors such as [sildenafil] and [tadalafil] have been associated with rare cases of acute liver injury, the use of vardenafil has not been linked to hepatotoxic effects. The use of vardenafil as a monotherapy for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension has also been evaluated.
Vardenafil is a Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitor. The mechanism of action of vardenafil is as a Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitor.
Vardenafil is a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) and is used as therapy of erectile dysfunction. Vardenafil has not been associated with serum aminotransferase elevations nor with clinically apparent liver injury.
Vardenafil is a benzenesulfonamide derivative and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor with vasodilatory activity. Vardenafil selectively inhibits PDE5, thus inhibiting the degradation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) found in the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosa and corpus spongiosum of the penis. The inhibition of cGMP degradation results in prolonged muscle relaxation, vasodilation, and blood engorgement of the corpus cavernosa, prolonging penile erection.
A piperazine derivative, PHOSPHODIESTERASE 5 INHIBITOR and VASODILATOR AGENT that is used as a UROLOGICAL AGENT in the treatment of ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION.

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Drug Indication
Vardenafil is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men. Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. In order for Levitra to be effective, sexual stimulation is required. Levitra is not indicated for use by women.
Treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men. Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. In order for Vivanza to be effective, sexual stimulation is required. Vivanza is not indicated for use by women.

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Mechanism of Action
Vardenafil inhibits cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP) specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which is responsible for the degradation of cyclic GMP in the corpus cavernosum located around the penis. Penile erection during sexual stimulation is caused by increased penile blood flow resulting from the relaxation of penile arteries and corpus cavernosal smooth muscle. This response is mediated by the release of nitric oxide (NO) from nerve terminals and endothelial cells, which stimulates the synthesis of cyclic GMP in smooth muscle cells. Cyclic GMP causes smooth muscle relaxation and increased blood flow into the corpus cavernosum. The tissue concentration of cyclic GMP is regulated by both the rates of synthesis and degradation via phosphodiesterases (PDEs), and the most abundant PDE in the human corpus cavernosum is PDE5. Therefore, the inhibition of PDE5 by vardenafil enhances erectile function by increasing the amount of cyclic GMP.
Penile erection is a hemodynamic process initiated by the relaxation of smooth muscle in corpus cavernosum and its associated arterioles. During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide is released from nerve endings and endothelial cells in the corpus cavernosum. Nitric oxide activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase resulting in increased synthesis of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the smooth muscle cells of the corpus cavernosum. The cGMP in turn triggers smooth muscle relaxation, allowing increased blood flow into the penis, resulting in erection. The tissue concentration of cGMP is regulated by both the rates of synthesis and degradation via phosphodiesterases (PDEs). The most abundant PDE in the human corpus cavernosum is the cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5); therefore, the inhibition of PDE5 enhances erectile function by increasing the amount of cGMP. Because sexual stimulation is required to initiate the local release of nitric oxide, the inhibition of PDE5 has no effect in the absence of sexual stimulation.
In vitro studies have shown that vardenafil is a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). The inhibitory effect of vardenafil is more selective on PDE5 than for other known phosphodiesterases (>15-fold relative to PDE6, >130-fold relative to PDE1, >300-fold relative to PDE11, and >1,000-fold relative to PDE2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, and 10).

C23H34CL2N6O4S

561.523

560.173

C, 49.20; H, 6.10; Cl, 12.63; N, 14.97; O, 11.40; S, 5.71

224789-15-5

Vardenafil;224785-90-4;Vardenafil hydrochloride;224785-91-5;Vardenafil hydrochloride trihydrate;330808-88-3

135400189

Typically exists as solid at room temperature

692.2ºC at 760mmHg

214-216°C

372.5ºC

5.17E-19mmHg at 25°C

1.778

1

8

8

34

854

0

CCCC1=NC(=C2C(=O)N=C(C3=C(C=CC(=C3)S(=O)(=O)N4CCN(CC)CC4)OCC)NN12)C.Cl.Cl

NOIHTGOGFDFCBN-UHFFFAOYSA-N

InChI=1S/C23H32N6O4S.2ClH/c1-5-8-20-24-16(4)21-23(30)25-22(26-29(20)21)18-15-17(9-10-19(18)33-7-3)34(31,32)28-13-11-27(6-2)12-14-28/h9-10,15H,5-8,11-14H2,1-4H3,(H,25,26,30)2*1H

2-[2-ethoxy-5-(4-ethylpiperazin-1-yl)sulfonylphenyl]-5-methyl-7-propyl-3H-imidazo[5,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-4-one

BAY 38-9456; BAY-38-9456; Vardenafil dihydrochloride; 224789-15-5; Vardenafil HCL; Vardenafil Dihydrochloride Salt; Vardenafil dihydrochloride [USAN]; BAY 38-9456; 5O8R96XMH7; Nuviva; BAY38-9456; Vardenafil HCl; Levitra; Staxyn; Vivanza

2934.99.9001

Powder      -20°C    3 years

                     4°C     2 years

In solvent   -80°C    6 months

                  -20°C    1 month

Room temperature (This product is stable at ambient temperature for a few days during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs)

May dissolve in DMSO (in most cases), if not, try other solvents such as H2O, Ethanol, or DMF with a minute amount of products to avoid loss of samples

Note: Listed below are some common formulations that may be used to formulate products with low water solubility (e.g. < 1 mg/mL), you may test these formulations using a minute amount of products to avoid loss of samples.

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Injection Formulation 1: DMSO : Tween 80： Saline = 10 : 5 : 85 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO stock solution → 50 μL Tween 80 → 850 μL Saline)
*Preparation of saline: Dissolve 0.9 g of sodium chloride in 100 mL ddH ₂ O to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 2: DMSO : PEG300 ：Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 400 μLPEG300 → 50 μL Tween 80 → 450 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 3: DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 900 μL Corn oil)
Example: Take the Injection Formulation 3 (DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90) as an example, if 1 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can take 100 μL 25 mg/mL DMSO stock solution and add to 900 μL corn oil, mix well to obtain a clear or suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).

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Injection Formulation 4: DMSO : 20% SBE-β-CD in saline = 10 : 90 [i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 900 μL (20% SBE-β-CD in saline)]
*Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C，1 week): Dissolve 2 g SBE-β-CD in 10 mL saline to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 5: 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin : Saline = 50 : 50 (i.e. 500 μL 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin → 500 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 6: DMSO : PEG300 : castor oil : Saline = 5 : 10 : 20 : 65 (i.e. 50 μL DMSO → 100 μLPEG300 → 200 μL castor oil → 650 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 7: Ethanol : Cremophor : Saline = 10： 10 : 80 (i.e. 100 μL Ethanol → 100 μL Cremophor → 800 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 8: Dissolve in Cremophor/Ethanol (50 : 50), then diluted by Saline
Injection Formulation 9: EtOH : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH → 900 μL Corn oil)
Injection Formulation 10: EtOH : PEG300：Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH → 400 μLPEG300 → 50 μL Tween 80 → 450 μL Saline)

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Oral Formulation 1: Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na (carboxymethylcellulose sodium)
Oral Formulation 2: Suspend in 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Example: Take the Oral Formulation 1 (Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na) as an example, if 100 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can first prepare 0.5% CMC Na solution by measuring 0.5 g CMC Na and dissolve it in 100 mL ddH2O to obtain a clear solution; then add 250 mg of the product to 100 mL 0.5% CMC Na solution, to make the suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).

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Oral Formulation 3: Dissolved in PEG400
Oral Formulation 4: Suspend in 0.2% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 5: Dissolve in 0.25% Tween 80 and 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 6: Mixing with food powders

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Note: Please be aware that the above formulations are for reference only. InvivoChem strongly recommends customers to read literature methods/protocols carefully before determining which formulation you should use for in vivo studies, as different compounds have different solubility properties and have to be formulated differently.

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 (Please use freshly prepared in vivo formulations for optimal results.)