Vardenafil: What It Does and What You Should Know

Vardenafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). You may know the brand name Levitra — that’s vardenafil. It helps men get and keep an erection by increasing blood flow to the penis when you’re sexually aroused. This page gives clear, practical info: how it works, usual doses, side effects to watch for, and safe ways to buy it.

How Vardenafil Works & Typical Dosage

Vardenafil blocks an enzyme (PDE5) that limits blood flow during sexual arousal. Take it as a single tablet before sex — most people take it 25 to 60 minutes beforehand. Effects often start within 30–60 minutes and can last about 4–6 hours.

Common dosing: 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg. Doctors usually start at 10 mg for most men and adjust based on how well it works and side effects. Older adults or those with liver or kidney issues may start lower (5 mg). Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours.

Side Effects, Interactions, and Safety Tips

Common side effects are headache, flushing, stuffy nose, dizziness, and indigestion. These usually pass quickly. Serious but rare problems include sudden vision loss, sudden hearing loss, or an erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism). If any of those happen, get emergency medical help.

Important interactions: never take vardenafil with nitrates (often prescribed for chest pain) — the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Be cautious with alpha-blockers (for prostate or blood pressure) and with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like ritonavir, ketoconazole, or some grapefruit products — they can raise vardenafil levels and increase side effects. Tell your doctor about all prescription drugs, supplements, and common herbal remedies.

If you have heart disease, uncontrolled high or low blood pressure, recent stroke or heart attack, or certain eye disorders, talk with your doctor before using vardenafil. Your doctor will decide if it’s safe and choose the right dose.

Vardenafil is taken as needed, not on a regular daily schedule. If you miss a dose, don’t double up. If it doesn’t work the first time, talk with your provider — they may adjust timing or dose, or suggest other ED options.

Buying tips: you usually need a valid prescription. Use licensed pharmacies — local or reputable online stores. Look for clear contact info, pharmacist access, and real customer reviews. Avoid sites that sell prescription drugs without asking for a prescription or offer extremely low prices with no verifiable credentials. Check the packaging when it arrives: label, batch number, and expiry date should be present.

Want to switch from one ED drug to another? Talk to your doctor. Different drugs work differently for different people. If you’re considering vardenafil, be honest about your health, other meds, and lifestyle so your provider can recommend the safest option.

If you have questions about side effects or safe use, ask a healthcare professional. Small steps — like checking interactions and buying from a licensed source — make treatment safer and more effective.