Vardenafil: What It Does and How to Use It Safely

Vardenafil is a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It works by increasing blood flow to the penis when you are sexually aroused, helping you get and keep an erection. Most people take vardenafil about 25 to 60 minutes before sex; it usually works faster on an empty stomach. Common starting doses are 5 to 10 mg, but your doctor will pick the right dose based on your health and other medicines you take.

Side effects are usually mild—headache, flushing, stuffy nose, or indigestion. Serious reactions can happen: sudden vision loss, hearing loss, or an erection lasting more than four hours (priapism). Stop taking vardenafil and get emergency care if you experience those. Avoid vardenafil if you take nitrates for chest pain or riociguat for pulmonary hypertension—combining them can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

What to watch for and drug interactions

Tell your doctor about heart disease, low blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, and any eye conditions like retinitis pigmentosa. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, ritonavir, or clarithromycin increase vardenafil levels—your doctor may reduce the dose or suggest a different drug. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can also raise vardenafil levels, so skip them before taking the pill.

Practical tips for using vardenafil

Try a test dose at home before relying on it for an important night. Take it when relaxed and allow time for foreplay—sexual stimulation is required for it to work. If one dose doesn’t work, don’t double up; talk to your clinician about adjusting dose or trying another ED medicine like sildenafil or avanafil. If you have frequent erections lasting over four hours, seek immediate help to avoid lasting damage.

Buying vardenafil online? Use licensed pharmacies, check for a real prescription requirement, and look for clear contact info and pharmacist access. Avoid sites that sell without prescriptions or offer suspiciously low prices—fake pills can be dangerous. If cost is an issue, ask your doctor about coupons, patient assistance programs, or generic vardenafil options.

Vardenafil fits into a toolbox of ED treatments alongside lifestyle changes: stop smoking, limit alcohol, lose weight, and manage diabetes or high blood pressure. These steps can improve response to medication. If ED persists despite treatment, your doctor may suggest hormone tests, penile blood flow testing, or referral to a specialist.

Quick FAQ: Can you take vardenafil with recreational drugs or alcohol? Light drinking usually won’t stop it from working, but heavy drinking and drugs raise side effect risks and reduce performance. How long does it last? Expect benefits for four to six hours, though individual response varies. What if it doesn't work at first? Things like anxiety, poor sleep, uncontrolled blood sugar, or certain meds can interfere—addressing those helps. Always follow up with your prescriber and report side effects or lack of effect. If you want more options, ask about other PDE5 inhibitors, injections, vacuum devices, or hormone checks. Be honest with your clinician; it makes treatment safer.