TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

VARDENAFIL HYDROCHLORIDE

Urology Approved 2012-05-03

Vardenafil hydrochloride is a medication used for men experiencing erectile dysfunction. It helps patients achieve an erection by enhancing the physiological response to sexual stimulation. This drug is prescribed to improve sexual function by regulating blood flow within the penile tissues.

Source: FDA Label • PAR PHARM INC

How VARDENAFIL HYDROCHLORIDE Works

This drug works by selectively blocking the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) enzyme, which normally breaks down a messenger called cGMP in the penile tissue. By preventing this breakdown, the medication allows cGMP to accumulate, which relaxes smooth muscles and increases blood flow to produce an erection. Because the process starts with the natural release of nitric oxide, the drug only functions when sexual stimulation is present.

Source: FDA Label
6
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
14
Years on Market

Details

Status
None (Tentative Approval)
First Approved
2012-05-03
Routes
ORAL
Dosage Forms
TABLET, ORALLY DISINTEGRATING, TABLET

VARDENAFIL HYDROCHLORIDE Approval History

2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
53 FDA actions from 2012 to 2025
Apr 2025 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Feb 2024 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Jan 2024 SUPPL
Label · Labeling

What VARDENAFIL HYDROCHLORIDE Treats

1 indications

VARDENAFIL HYDROCHLORIDE is approved for 1 conditions since its original approval in 2012. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Erectile Dysfunction
Source: FDA Label

VARDENAFIL HYDROCHLORIDE Competitive Set

Pro

Three rings of competition based on shared molecular targets and treated indications.

MoA expansion candidates

4

Same target(s), different indications — where else is this mechanism being explored?

Indication competitors

2

Same indication, different mechanism — what else might this patient receive?

Unlock 6 more competitors across all three rings.
Upgrade to Pro

Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

Drugs Similar to VARDENAFIL HYDROCHLORIDE

3 of 8

FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.

AVANAFIL
AVANAFIL
1 shared
HETERO LABS LTD V
Shared indications:
Erectile Dysfunction
CAVERJECT IMPULSE
ALPROSTADIL
1 shared
Pfizer
Shared indications:
Erectile Dysfunction
CIALIS
TADALAFIL
1 shared
Eli Lilly
Shared indications:
Erectile Dysfunction
🔬

Active Pipeline

Pro

Ongoing clinical trials by development phase

Loading...

Key Completed Trials

Pro

Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

Loading...
📊

Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

|
Loading...
Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

VARDENAFIL HYDROCHLORIDE FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

VARDENAFIL HYDROCHLORIDE is indicated for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction.

Looking for the branded version?

LEVITRA

Full clinical data, patents, trials, and competitive landscape for vardenafil hydrochloride.

See LEVITRA

Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.