Description
What is vardenafil and what is it used for?
Vardenafil is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. Erectile dysfunction means difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex.
Vardenafil helps the body’s natural erection process by improving blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. It does not cause an erection without arousal.
How vardenafil works
Vardenafil belongs to a group of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors. It helps blood vessels relax, improving blood flow to the penis when you are sexually stimulated.
When to take vardenafil
Vardenafil is typically taken 25 to 60 minutes before sex. It can be taken with or without food, but a high-fat meal may slow down how quickly it works.
How to take vardenafil
- Typical starting dose is 10mg taken when needed.
- Depending on response and tolerability, a prescriber may adjust the dose to 5mg or 20mg.
- Do not take more than 1 dose in 24 hours.
- Alcohol can reduce performance and may increase side effects, so keep intake moderate.
How long does vardenafil last?
Vardenafil may remain effective for up to around 4–5 hours. This does not mean you will have a continuous erection, but that you may find it easier to achieve an erection during this time with stimulation.
Important safety information
- Do not take vardenafil with nitrates (often used for angina/chest pain) or recreational “poppers” (amyl nitrite), as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
- Vardenafil can affect the heart’s electrical activity (QT interval) and is best avoided in men with congenital QT prolongation or those taking certain anti-arrhythmics (e.g. Class IA or Class III).
- Get urgent help if you develop chest pain, sudden vision loss, severe allergic symptoms, or an erection lasting longer than 4 hours.
- If ED is new, worsening, or linked to other symptoms (e.g. breathlessness, chest discomfort on exertion), seek clinical advice.
Always follow your prescriber’s advice and read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication.
Side effects of vardenafil
Like all medicines, vardenafil can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Commonly reported side effects
- Headache
- Flushing (warmth/redness)
- Blocked or runny nose
- Dizziness
- Indigestion or nausea
- Visual disturbances (for example, blurred vision)
If side effects are severe, persistent, or worrying, stop use and seek medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is vardenafil available without a prescription in the UK?
Vardenafil is generally supplied as a prescription-only erectile dysfunction treatment in the UK. Your prescriber will check it is suitable based on your health and current medicines.
Will vardenafil work without sexual stimulation?
No. Sexual arousal is still needed. Vardenafil supports the physical changes required for an erection.
What if vardenafil doesn’t work for me?
Sometimes it takes a few attempts on separate occasions to judge effectiveness. If it still isn’t working, a clinician may adjust the dose or recommend an alternative ED medicine.
Can I take vardenafil with other ED medicines?
You should not combine vardenafil with other PDE5 inhibitors (such as sildenafil or tadalafil) unless specifically directed by a prescriber.
Can I take vardenafil if I have heart problems?
It depends on your condition and medicines. Some heart conditions and treatments (especially nitrates) make PDE5 inhibitors unsuitable. A clinician must assess this before prescribing.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use.
Side Effects
Headache is the most frequently reported side effect of vardenafil and affects more than 1 in 10 users. Other commonly reported side effects include:
Back, muscle, or head pain
Migraines
Facial flushing or redness
Indigestion
Feeling sick or being sick
A blocked or runny nose
Changes to vision, such as blurred vision
If side effects are persistent, troublesome, or worsen, medical advice should be sought.
