Vardenafil: What it is and how to use it safely

Vardenafil is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It relaxes blood vessels in the penis so you can get and keep an erection when sexually stimulated. Many men find it works faster than some alternatives and lasts several hours, but the exact effect varies by person.

How to take vardenafil

Typical dosing starts at 10 mg taken about 30–60 minutes before sex. Depending on how you respond and any side effects, your doctor may lower the dose to 5 mg or raise it to 20 mg. There’s also a dissolvable form that some people prefer if swallowing pills is hard. Don’t take more than one dose in 24 hours.

Food can slow how fast it works. A heavy, high-fat meal may delay onset by an hour or more. Alcohol blunts the effect and can increase dizziness, so limit drinking when you plan to use vardenafil.

What to watch for: interactions and side effects

Never take vardenafil with nitrates (nitroglycerin or similar) — the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Tell your doctor about alpha-blockers, some antibiotics, antifungal drugs, protease inhibitors and other medicines processed by CYP3A4, because they can raise vardenafil levels. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may also increase drug levels.

Common side effects include headache, flushing, stuffy nose, upset stomach and dizziness. Less common but serious issues are sudden loss of vision or hearing and priapism (an erection lasting longer than 4 hours). If you get chest pain, fainting, sudden vision change, or a painful erection lasting more than 4 hours, seek emergency care.

If you have heart disease, uncontrolled high or low blood pressure, severe liver disease, or certain eye problems, your doctor may advise against vardenafil or adjust the dose. Older adults often start at a lower dose.

Vardenafil comes as branded products (Levitra) and generics. There’s also an orodispersible tablet sold under other names—talk with your provider about which form fits you.

Thinking about buying vardenafil online? Only use pharmacies that require a prescription, show clear contact details, and are licensed or accredited. Avoid sites that sell without a prescription or offer dramatically low prices with vague shipping details. Look for secure payment and readable refund/shipping policies. When in doubt, ask your doctor for a trusted source or use a well-known pharmacy chain.

Before trying vardenafil, have a short talk with your health provider about heart health, other meds, and what you expect. That quick check helps pick the right dose and avoid dangerous interactions. If it works for you, it can be a simple, effective tool for reclaiming sexual confidence. If it doesn’t, your doctor can suggest alternatives tailored to your needs.