Vardenafil — what it is and how to use it safely

Vardenafil is a prescription medicine for erectile dysfunction (ED). It helps blood flow to the penis so you can get and keep an erection when you’re sexually stimulated. Think of it as a tool that works only when you want it to — it won’t cause an erection by itself.

How vardenafil works, dose and timing

Vardenafil blocks an enzyme called PDE5, which relaxes blood vessels in the penis and improves blood flow. Typical starting dose is 10 mg taken about 30–60 minutes before sex. Depending on how you respond and any other health issues, doctors may lower it to 5 mg or raise it to 20 mg. Don’t take more than one dose a day.

Food can slow how fast vardenafil starts to work. A heavy, fatty meal may delay onset by an hour or more. Alcohol can reduce effectiveness and increase dizziness—stick to a small amount or none when planning to use it.

Safety, interactions and common side effects

Never take vardenafil if you use nitrates (often taken for chest pain). Combining them can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you take alpha-blockers for prostate or blood pressure, some antifungals (ketoconazole), HIV protease inhibitors, or certain antibiotics—these can raise vardenafil levels and increase side effects.

Common side effects include headache, flushing, stuffy nose, indigestion, and dizziness. Vision changes are rare but possible. If you get sudden vision loss, chest pain, or an erection lasting longer than 4 hours (priapism), get emergency care right away.

If you have heart disease, low blood pressure, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe liver or kidney problems, or recent stroke/heart attack, talk to your doctor before using vardenafil. A medical check helps make sure ED pills are safe for you.

Thinking of buying vardenafil online? Use caution. Only buy from licensed pharmacies that require a prescription. Fake or low-quality pills are common on unsafe sites and can be dangerous. If a site sells ED medicine without a prescription or at a very low price, that’s a red flag.

How does vardenafil compare to other ED drugs? Sildenafil (Viagra) and avanafil (Stendra) are similar but differ in onset and side effects. Sildenafil usually takes 30–60 minutes and lasts about 4 hours. Avanafil can start faster for some men and may have slightly fewer side effects. Vardenafil sits between them for speed and duration. Your doctor can help pick the right one based on your health, other meds, and how quickly you want it to work.

Final practical tip: try a single dose at home first to see how you react, avoid heavy meals and excess alcohol, and keep an open line with your doctor about results and side effects. That way you get better outcomes and stay safe while using vardenafil.