Vardenafil

Generic Vardenafil for Erectile Dysfunction

Vardenafil is a prescription medicine for erectile dysfunction (ED), first marketed by Bayer as Levitra in 2003. It belongs to the PDE5 inhibitor family and behaves much like sildenafil: it is taken shortly before sex and helps for several hours. It is active at low doses, which is why its tablets (5, 10 and 20 mg) are small compared with sildenafil's. Generic vardenafil contains the same active ingredient as the brand.

How Vardenafil Works

Sexual arousal prompts the penis to produce cGMP, a messenger that relaxes blood vessels so the erectile tissue can fill. Vardenafil slows down PDE5, the enzyme that breaks cGMP down, which strengthens and prolongs this natural response. Without arousal nothing happens, and vardenafil does not affect desire. Its half-life is around 4–5 hours, so the effect wears off within the same day.

Strengths and Formats

A 5 mg dose is used for some men, particularly those over 65. Under the original brand, vardenafil is also made as a 10 mg orodispersible tablet that melts on the tongue without water. This form delivers more vardenafil into the bloodstream than a standard 10 mg tablet, so the two are not interchangeable. Products labeled 40 mg or 60 mg exceed the licensed maximum and are not recommended.

How to Take Vardenafil

• Start with 10 mg, taken 25–60 minutes before sexual activity.
• A doctor may increase the dose to 20 mg or reduce it to 5 mg, depending on the response and any side effects.
• Do not take more than 20 mg in 24 hours, and no more than one dose a day. If 20 mg isn't effective, speak to a doctor rather than trying a higher strength.
• Men over 65 and those with moderate liver problems usually start on 5 mg. With moderate liver problems, the maximum is 10 mg.
• The effect generally lasts about 4–5 hours.
• A high-fat meal can slow absorption and delay the effect, so a light meal works best.

Possible Side Effects

The most common side effects are headache, flushing, a blocked nose, indigestion and dizziness. They are usually mild and short-lived. Seek urgent medical help for an erection lasting more than 4 hours, sudden loss of vision or hearing, chest pain, a pounding or irregular heartbeat, fainting, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Heart Rhythm Caution (QT Prolongation)

Vardenafil can slightly lengthen the QT interval, a measure of the heart's electrical recovery that shows up on an ECG. On its own this is rarely significant, but it matters for some men. Vardenafil should be avoided if you were born with long QT syndrome, or if you take anti-arrhythmic medicines such as quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone or sotalol. Tell your doctor about any history of irregular heartbeat or unexplained fainting, and about other medicines known to affect heart rhythm.

Who Should Not Take Vardenafil

• Men using nitrates or nicorandil for angina, or recreational "poppers"
• Men taking riociguat or any other PDE5 inhibitor
• Anyone with a recent heart attack or stroke, very low blood pressure, unstable angina or severe liver disease, or who needs kidney dialysis
• Men who have had NAION or have an inherited retinal disorder such as retinitis pigmentosa

Some HIV medicines (such as ritonavir and indinavir) and antifungals (such as ketoconazole and itraconazole) can raise vardenafil to unsafe levels, so they may rule it out or call for a much smaller dose. Antibiotics such as erythromycin and clarithromycin also require a lower dose. If you take an alpha-blocker, be stable on it first and start vardenafil at the lowest dose.

Combination Products and Alternatives

A few products in this category also contain dapoxetine, a medicine for premature ejaculation. They are only appropriate when a doctor has diagnosed both conditions, so read our dapoxetine guide first. If you want something with similar timing to vardenafil, sildenafil is the closest alternative, while tadalafil offers a much longer window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is vardenafil stronger than sildenafil?

Vardenafil is more potent per milligram, which is why its doses are lower, but that doesn't make it more effective. Studies show similar results for both, and personal response and side effects matter more than the number on the pack.

Can I take vardenafil with food?

Yes, but a heavy, fatty meal may delay the effect. A light meal or an empty stomach usually gives a quicker result.

How long does vardenafil last?

Most men find it helps for about 4–5 hours after a dose. It does not cause a continuous erection during that time; you still need arousal.

This information is general in nature and does not replace a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Vardenafil is a prescription medicine. Confirm with your doctor or pharmacist that it is safe for you, especially if you have a heart or heart-rhythm condition or take other medicines.