In the rat pre-and postnatal development study, the NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) for maternal toxicity was 8 mg/kg/day. Retarded physical development of pups in the absence of maternal effects was observed following maternal exposure to 1 and 8 mg/kg possibly due to vasodilatation and/or secretion of the drug into milk. The number of living pups born to rats exposed pre- and postnatally was reduced at 60 mg/kg/day. Based on the results of the pre- and postnatal study, the developmental NOAEL is less than 1 mg/kg/day. Based on plasma exposures in the rat developmental toxicity study, 1 mg/kg/day in the pregnant rat is estimated to produce total AUC values for unbound vardenafil and its major metabolite comparable to the human AUC at the MRHD of 20 mg. 

 

8.3 Nursing Mothers

 

LEVITRA is not indicated for use in women. It is not known if vardenafil is excreted in human breast milk. 

 

Vardenafil was secreted into the milk of lactating rats at concentrations approximately 10-fold greater than found in the plasma. Following a single oral dose of 3 mg/kg, 3.3% of the administered dose was excreted into the milk within 24 hours. 

 

8.4 Pediatric Use

 

LEVITRA is not indicated for use in pediatric patients. Safety and efficacy have not been established in this population.

 

8.5 Geriatric Use

 

Elderly males 65 years of age and older have higher vardenafil plasma concentrations than younger males (18 – 45 years), mean Cmax and AUC were 34% and 52% higher, respectively. Phase 3 clinical trials included more than 834 elderly patients, and no differences in safety or effectiveness of LEVITRA 5, 10, or 20 mg were noted when these elderly patients were compared to younger patients. However, due to increased vardenafil concentrations in the elderly, a starting dose of 5 mg LEVITRA should be considered in patients ≥65 years of age [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. 

 

8.6 Hepatic Impairment

 

Dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with moderate hepatic impairment. 

 

Do not use LEVITRA in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C). Vardenafil has not been eva luated in this patient population.

 

A starting dose of 5 mg is recommended in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B) and the maximum dose should not exceed 10 mg. In volunteers with moderate hepatic impairment, the Cmax and AUC following a 10 mg vardenafil dose were increased by 130% and 160%, respectively, compared to healthy control subjects. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.8) and Dosage and Administration (2.3).] 

 

In volunteers with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A), the Cmax and AUC following a 10 mg vardenafil dose were increased by 22% and 17%, respectively, compared to healthy control subjects. No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with mild hepatic impairment.

 

8.7 Renal Impairment