Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Vardenafil is a potent and highly selective oral phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor that has been shown in numerous clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance studies to be safe and effective for improving erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction (ED). Until recently, the drug was only available as a film-coated tablet (FCT). A new orodispersible tablet (ODT) formulation of vardenafil has been developed that disintegrates in the subject's mouth without the need for water or other liquids. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the pharmacokinetics of a new 10 mg ODT formulation of vardenafil. METHODS: Three clinical trials were conducted: (i) a randomized 4-fold crossover study to assess the effect of food and water on the pharmacokinetics of vardenafil ODT, compared with vardenafil FCT, in healthy men; (ii) a phase I study to assess single and multiple doses of vardenafil ODT, compared with a single dose of vardenafil FCT, in young and elderly men with ED; and (iii) a pharmacokinetic substudy of a phase III trial in men of broad age range with ED. RESULTS:
Vardenafil ODT was rapidly absorbed after oral administration without water, with a similar pharmacokinetic profile to vardenafil FCT, except that the ODT exhibited significantly greater bioavailability. After a single dose, the geometric mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC(∞)) of vardenafil ODT increased by 21-44% compared with the FCT. There was no consistent difference in geometric mean maximum vardenafil plasma concentration (C(max)) between the two formulations. Geometric mean AUC(∞) and C(max) were increased by 41% and 24%, respectively, in men with ED aged ≥65 years compared with those aged <65 years. Multiple dosing or administration of vardenafil ODT with food had no meaningful effect on the pharmacokinetics of vardenafil. Vardenafil ODT was well tolerated. CONCLUSION:
Vardenafil ODT should be taken without water. Partial absorption of vardenafil through the oral mucosa results in an unexpected extent of suprabioavailability of the ODT formulation. Vardenafil ODT is a convenient formulation, with pharmacokinetic and safety characteristics that are appropriate for the treatment of ED.
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Authors | Roland Heinig, Boris Weimann, Hartmut Dietrich, Michael-Friedrich Böttcher |
Journal | Clinical drug investigation
(Clin Drug Investig)
Vol. 31
Issue 1
Pg. 27-41
( 2011)
ISSN: 1173-2563 [Print] New Zealand |
PMID | 20925442
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Phase I, Clinical Trial, Phase III, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Imidazoles
- Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors
- Piperazines
- Sulfones
- Tablets
- Triazines
- Vardenafil Dihydrochloride
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Topics |
- Administration, Oral
- Adult
- Age Factors
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Humans
- Imidazoles
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics)
- Piperazines
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics)
- Sulfones
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics)
- Tablets
(administration & dosage)
- Triazines
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics)
- Vardenafil Dihydrochloride
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