Vardenafil: how it works, dosing, side effects and safe buying tips

Vardenafil is a prescription drug for erectile dysfunction (ED). It’s a PDE5 inhibitor, like sildenafil and tadalafil, that helps blood flow to the penis so you can get and keep an erection when you’re sexually aroused. It usually starts working in 30–60 minutes and lasts about 4–5 hours for most men.

How Vardenafil works and dosing

Typical doses are 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg taken before sex. Doctors often start low (5 or 10 mg) and adjust based on effect and side effects. Take it on an empty stomach or avoid big, fatty meals right before—fat slows absorption and can delay the effect. Alcohol can blunt results, so don’t overdo drinks when you plan to use it.

There’s also a fast-dissolving tablet (Staxyn) and brand versions like Levitra. Generics are common and usually cheaper, but talk to your prescriber about which formulation fits you best.

Safety, interactions and buying tips

Never use vardenafil with nitrates (nitroglycerin, isosorbide) or riociguat. That combo can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you have severe heart disease, recent stroke or heart attack, low blood pressure, or severe liver or kidney problems—doses may need to change or the drug may be unsafe.

Watch for interactions with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like ritonavir, ketoconazole, or some antibiotics. Grapefruit or grapefruit juice may increase levels too. Common side effects are headache, flushing, stuffy nose, and dizziness. If an erection lasts longer than 4 hours, seek emergency care—this is a medical emergency (priapism).

Buying tips: always get a prescription. If you shop online, pick pharmacies with a visible license, clear contact info, a licensed pharmacist available, and secure checkout. Avoid sites that sell without a prescription or offer impossibly low prices. Check product packaging, expiry dates, and patient reviews from independent sources. If a site won’t answer simple safety questions, don’t buy from them.

Alternatives include sildenafil (Viagra) for similar effect and tadalafil (Cialis) if you want a longer window of activity. Each has pros and cons—talk with your doctor about heart health, other meds, and how often you plan to have sex before choosing.

If you’re unsure what’s right, ask your clinician about starting dose and side-effect management. For more reading, see our guides on Cialis alternatives and tips for safely buying erectile dysfunction meds on Safe-Pills.com.