Erectile dysfunction is a condition where the penis does not harden and expand when a man is sexually excited, or when he cannot keep an erection. When a man is sexually stimulated, his body's normal response is to increase blood flow to his penis to produce an erection. By controlling the enzyme, Vardenafil helps to maintain an erection after the penis is stroked. Without physical action to the penis, such as that occurring during sexual intercourse, Vardenafil will not work to cause an erection.
Vardenafil belongs to a group of medications that are known as ‘PDE-5 inhibitors’. They work by relaxing the blood vessels in your penis, which increases blood flow to the area and helps you get an erection. It will not help you get an erection if you are not sexually aroused. The treatment will not resolve the underlying physical cause of your ED or increase your sexual desire.
Vardenafil 10mg treats ED in up to 87% of cases. Most men find it works quicker than other ED treatments. The effects of Vardenafil can last for up to 5 hours. It should be tried at least 8 times before giving up, considering a higher dose, or seeking an alternative.
There are 3 doses of Vardenafil : 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg. Higher doses of Vardenafil have a stronger effect, but may also increase the chances of the medication causing unwanted side effects.
The standard dose of Vardenafil is 10mg, and it’s the recommended starting dose if you haven’t tried it before. Vardenafil 10mg works for most men, and has a lower risk of side effects than 20mg. Vardenafil 20mg may be recommended if you’ve tried Vardenafil 10mg before, but didn’t see the results you wanted and you didn’t get serious side effects. 20mg is a stronger dose, so it can work for you when 10mg hasn’t, but it comes with a slightly higher risk of side effects.
You should always start with a low initial dose. If, after you have tried it 4 times, you feel that a stronger dose will work better then you should try the next strength up. However, this must only be done if you are not experiencing any side effects as these will only be exacerbated with a stronger dose.
Take Vardenafil one hour before you want to have sex. Takes 30 to 60 mins to start working. It lasts for 4 to 6 hours. It works for 54% to 74% of men who try it. Swallow your tablet whole, with water if needed. Never take more than one tablet within 24 hours. Works best on an empty stomach or after a low-fat meal. If you have eaten a high-fat meal or drunk more than 1-2 units of alcohol, you may find it takes longer to work or is less effective. Do not combine Vardenafil with other ED medicines.
Always use this medication exactly as your clinician has told you. Check with our clinical team or your GP or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Side effects can include:
- Headaches
- Facial flushing
- Light headedness
- Nasal/sinus congestion
- Indigestion
- Palpitations (racing heartbeat)
- Blurred vision
For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, or you are experiencing any of the side effects mentioned in the patient information leaflet whilst taking this medication, please contact our clinical team or speak to your GP.
Be aware that sexual activity carries a possible risk to patients with heart disease because it puts an extra strain on your heart. If you have a heart problem you should inform our clinical team.
Do not take Vardenafil if:
- You are taking medicines containing nitrates, such as glycerol trinitrate for angina, or nitric oxide donors, such as amyl nitrite. Taking these medicines with vardenafil could seriously affect your blood pressure.
- You have a severe heart or liver problem.
- You are having kidney dialysis.
- You have recently had a stroke or heart attack.
- You have or have had low blood pressure.
- Your family has a history of degenerative eye diseases.
- You have ever had a condition involving loss of vision due to damage to the optic nerve from insufficient blood supply known as non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
Inform our clinical team before taking Vardenafil if you:
- Have heart conditions.
- Suffer from irregular heart beat (cardiac arrhythmia) or inherited heart diseases affecting your electrocardiogram.
- Have a physical condition affecting the shape of the penis. This includes conditions called angulation, Peyronie’s disease and cavernosal fibrosis.
- Have an illness that can cause erections which won't go away (priapism). These include sickle cell disease, multiple myeloma and leukaemia.
- Have stomach ulcers (also called gastric or peptic ulcers).
- Have a bleeding disorder (such as haemophilia).
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to this medication. These include:
- Hives
- Dizziness
- Fast or pounding heartbeats
- Wheezing
- Difficult breathing
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are currently taking. You must also tell us about any other medical conditions that you currently have (or had in the past). This will help us ensure the prescribed medication is safe and appropriate for you to take.
For full information on warnings, medication interactions and contraindications, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet. Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform our clinical team or your GP of medicines you are taking or intend to take.
