Introduction
Many men have erectile dysfunction (ED). Finding the right help is important. Vardenafil is one medicine doctors can prescribe. You might know it as Levitra or Staxyn.
This guide gives you clear, simple facts about vardenafil. We’ll explain how it works and its good points. We will also cover side effects and compare it to other ED drugs. We want to give you trusted info from research and experts.
What is Vardenafil?
Vardenafil is a medicine you need a prescription for. It mainly treats erection problems in men. It’s part of a drug group called PDE5 inhibitors.
Brand Names and Generic Drug
Vardenafil is the drug’s basic chemical name. It’s also sold under brand names:
- Levitra: This was the first brand name for vardenafil pills. (Note: Brand-name Levitra is no longer made in the US. But generic vardenafil is available).
- Staxyn: This brand sells vardenafil as a tablet that melts on your tongue.
Now, you can get low-cost generic vardenafil pills and melt-away tablets with a prescription.
How Does Vardenafil Help Treat ED?
Vardenafil helps men get and keep an erection hard enough for sex. It works by boosting blood flow to the penis.
How It Works (Easy Version)
Let’s break down the steps:
- You Need to Be Turned On: When a man feels aroused, his body makes a chemical (nitric oxide or NO) in the penis.
- Muscles Relax: NO makes another chemical messenger called cGMP. This tells muscles in the penis arteries to relax.
- Blood Flows In: Relaxed arteries let more blood rush into the penis. This blood flow causes the erection.
- What PDE5 Does: An enzyme named PDE5 usually breaks down cGMP. This makes the erection go away after sex.
- Vardenafil Stops PDE5: Vardenafil blocks this PDE5 enzyme. This helps cGMP levels stay high for longer. It keeps blood flowing to support a better erection when you are aroused.
Remember: Vardenafil won’t cause an erection by itself. You still need to feel sexually stimulated. It also doesn’t boost your sex drive.
Vardenafil vs. Other ED Drugs (Like Viagra and Cialis)
Vardenafil is like other common ED drugs such as sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis). But there are small differences:
- How Fast They Work: Vardenafil and Viagra usually start working in 30 to 60 minutes. Some men find vardenafil works a bit faster. Cialis can work this fast too, but some men take a low dose daily.
- How Long They Last: Vardenafil usually works for about 4 to 5 hours. This is similar to Viagra. Cialis lasts much longer, up to 36 hours.
- Food Issues: Eating a fatty meal can make vardenafil pills take longer to work. Viagra works similarly. The melt-away tablet (Staxyn) isn’t affected much by food. Cialis is usually not affected by food.
- Strength: Some lab tests hint vardenafil might be a bit stronger than Viagra. A lower dose might work just as well. But this may not mean much in real life. Your doctor picks the right dose for you.
- Side Effects: Side effects are mostly the same (headache, feeling flushed). Viagra is more linked to slight vision changes. Cialis is more linked to muscle aches. Vardenafil can sometimes affect heart rhythm (ask your doctor).
Expert View: Dr. Arthur Burnett, a Johns Hopkins doctor, says the best ED drug choice varies. It depends on your health, lifestyle, and how you react to the drug. No single drug is best for all men.
Forms and Doses Available
Vardenafil comes in different types and strengths. Your doctor will choose your starting dose.
Pill Form (Generic Levitra)
- Comes in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg pills.
- Swallow the pill whole with water.
- Fatty meals can slow it down.
Melt-Away Tablet (Staxyn / Generic)
- Usually comes as a 10 mg tablet. (A 10 mg melt-away is about the same as a 10 mg pill).
- It melts fast on your tongue. No water needed.
- Food doesn’t affect it much.
- Don’t split or crush these tablets. Use dry hands to handle them.
Doctors often start patients on a 10 mg dose when needed. They might change it based on how well it works and any side effects.
How to Use Vardenafil Safely
Follow the directions for the best and safest results.
- When to Take: Take vardenafil about 1 hour before you plan sex. It might start working sooner for some men.
- How Often: Take only one dose in 24 hours. More won’t help and adds risk.
- Food: Take it with or without food. But skip fatty meals before taking the pill form. It might work slower. Melt-away tabs are fine with food.
- Alcohol: Drink only small amounts of alcohol. Too much alcohol can make ED worse. It also raises risks like feeling dizzy.
- Prescription Only: Use only vardenafil that your doctor prescribed for you. Do not share it.
How Well Does Vardenafil Work?
Studies show vardenafil works well for many men with ED.
What Studies Show
- Research clearly shows vardenafil helps men get and keep erections much better than a fake pill (placebo). [Source: Search PubMed Central for study reviews].
- It helps men with ED caused by different things, like diabetes or high blood pressure. It also helps some men after prostate surgery. How well it works can depend on how bad the ED is.
- Success rates are often 60% to over 80%. This means achieving erections good enough for sex. Rates vary by dose and group studied.
Keep in Mind: Vardenafil doesn’t work for every single person. Other health issues or nerve damage might affect results.
Possible Side Effects of Vardenafil
Vardenafil can cause side effects, like most drugs. Most side effects are mild and don’t last long.
Common Side Effects
These happen to a small number of users:
- Headache
- Flushing (feeling warm or red in the face/chest)
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Upset stomach
- Feeling dizzy
- Back pain (less often than with Cialis)
Serious Side Effects (Rare – Get Help Fast!)
Get medical help right away if you have:
- Priapism: An erection that lasts over 4 hours and hurts. Go to the ER to prevent lasting harm.
- Sudden Vision Loss: In one or both eyes. It could signal a serious eye issue (NAION).
- Sudden Hearing Loss: Less hearing or total loss. Maybe with ringing ears (tinnitus) or feeling dizzy.
- Chest Pain or Bad Dizziness: Especially if you have heart problems. Call 911.
Key Warnings and Things to Watch For
Vardenafil is usually safe when used right. But pay attention to these warnings.
Drug Clashes: Very Important for Safety
- Nitrates: NEVER take vardenafil if you use nitrate drugs. These are often for chest pain (like nitroglycerin). The mix can cause a dangerous, even deadly, drop in blood pressure. Also avoid street drugs called “poppers.”
- Alpha-blockers: These treat high blood pressure or prostate issues (like tamsulosin). Taking them with vardenafil can also drop blood pressure too low. Your doctor must manage your doses carefully.
- Some Other Meds: Certain drugs for infections (like ketoconazole or erythromycin) can raise vardenafil levels. This boosts side effect risks. Your dose might need changing.
- HIV Drugs: Some HIV meds also raise vardenafil levels. Special dose limits apply.
- Other ED Drugs: Do not mix vardenafil with Viagra, Cialis, or similar drugs.
- Grapefruit: Avoid grapefruit and its juice. They can raise vardenafil levels and side effects.
Health Issues
Tell your doctor about all your health problems, like:
- Heart issues (recent heart attack, stroke, chest pain)
- Very low or very high blood pressure
- Bad liver or kidney problems
- Certain eye diseases
- A history of erections lasting too long (priapism)
- Stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
- A penis shape that is not straight (Peyronie’s disease)
Expert Point: Health agencies like the FDA stress these warnings. Ignoring them can cause serious harm. Your doctor must check your health history first. [Source: FDA Vardenafil Info].
Off-Label Uses (Not Officially Approved)
Doctors sometimes use drugs for conditions they aren’t approved for. This is “off-label” use.
- Premature Ejaculation (PE): Some studies looked at vardenafil for PE, sometimes with other drugs. But this isn’t an approved use, and results are not clear.
- Lung Blood Pressure (PAH): Viagra (Revatio) and Cialis (Adcirca) are approved for PAH. Vardenafil has been studied but isn’t usually used for this.
Only use vardenafil off-label if a specialist tells you to. Don’t try to treat other conditions yourself with vardenafil.
Medical Tests and Approval
Vardenafil passed many large medical tests before approval. Health agencies like the FDA in the US checked the results.
- Thousands of men with ED took part in these tests.
- The tests compared vardenafil to fake pills.
- Results showed it worked and revealed its side effects and risks. [Source: Search ClinicalTrials.gov for “Vardenafil Erectile Dysfunction”].
These strict tests make sure prescribed vardenafil is good quality. They prove its benefits outweigh the risks when used right.
Common Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How fast does vardenafil work?
- Usually in about 30 to 60 minutes. You need to be turned on first.
Q2: How long does vardenafil last?
- Its effects usually last about 4 to 5 hours.
Q3: Can I take vardenafil with food?
- Yes. But fatty food might make the pill form work slower. The melt-away tablet is less affected by food.
Q4: Can I drink alcohol with vardenafil?
- A little alcohol is likely okay. Too much can make ED worse and raise side effect risks like dizziness.
Q5: Do I need a prescription?
- Yes. Vardenafil requires a doctor’s prescription in most places (US, UK, Canada). Buying it without one is illegal and unsafe.
Q6: Is generic vardenafil as good as Levitra?
- Yes. Approved generics have the same active drug. They meet the same safety and quality rules. They usually cost much less.
Final Thoughts: A Good Choice When Used Right
Vardenafil is a proven, effective, and mostly safe drug for ED if you use it correctly with a doctor’s guidance. It helps many men improve their sex life.
Key points are how it works, its 4-5 hour effect time, and the choice between pills and melt-away tabs. Know the side effects and drug warnings, especially about nitrates. This is key for safety.
Always talk to a doctor first. They can diagnose your ED and see if vardenafil is safe for you. Never buy vardenafil from shady online sites. Put your health and safety first.