Vardenafil

How it works

Vardenafil is a phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5) inhibitor. During sexual arousal it relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow to the penis, making an erection easier to get and keep. Like the other PDE5 inhibitors it only works alongside arousal — foreplay and stimulation are still needed, and it won’t cause an erection on its own.

Dosage & how to take it

Starting dose

10 mg, taken as needed about 1 hour (roughly 25–60 minutes) before sex.

Adjusting

Your prescriber may raise it to 20 mg or lower it to 5 mg based on effect and tolerance.

Maximum

20 mg, and no more than once in any 24-hour period.

With food

Can be taken with or without food; a heavy or high-fat meal may slow how quickly it works.

Grapefruit

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which can raise blood levels and side effects.

Duration

Typically effective for around 4–5 hours.

Important safety information — who should not take it

Common side effects

Most are mild and pass quickly. They include headache, facial flushing, a blocked or runny nose, indigestion, dizziness and back pain. Stop and contact a clinician if side effects are severe or persistent.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: vardenafil (as vardenafil hydrochloride), 5 mg, 10 mg or 20 mg per film-coated tablet. Some orally-disintegrating forms contain aspartame (a source of phenylalanine) — important if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). Inactive ingredients vary by licensed manufacturer and are listed on the patient information leaflet enclosed with every order.