Sexual health
Vardenafil guide
On-demand use of prescribed vardenafil for erectile dysfunction, with timing, food, and safety advice.
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How to use
- 01
Step 1
Take one tablet about 25-60 minutes before activity
Swallow the tablet whole with water. Use only the prescribed 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg strength. Vardenafil works only with sexual stimulation.
- 02
Step 2
Avoid high-fat meals and grapefruit
A high-fat meal delays absorption. Grapefruit juice can increase side effect risk. Do not exceed one dose in 24 hours.
- 03
Step 3
Never combine with nitrates or riociguat
Do not take vardenafil with nitrate medicines, nitric oxide donors such as poppers, or riociguat. The combination can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure.
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Dose schedule
- 01
Step 1
As needed, not more than once daily
Take only when sexual activity is planned. Do not combine with other PDE5 inhibitors.
- 02
Step 2
Review effectiveness
If ineffective after several properly timed attempts, discuss with the prescriber before changing dose.
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Side effects
Common vascular effects
Headache, facial flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, and dizziness. Usually mild and settle as the medicine wears off.
Prolonged erection
A prolonged or painful erection is rare and needs urgent treatment. Bluish tint or blurred vision can occur.
04 / 08 · Do not use if
Do not use this treatment if
- You use nitrates, nitric oxide donors such as poppers, or riociguat
- A clinician has advised that sexual activity is unsafe because of a heart condition
- You have a serious liver condition, very low blood pressure, or a recent stroke or heart attack that has not been reviewed
If any item may apply, do not use the medicine until a clinician has reviewed it.
05 / 08 · When to contact your doctor
Contact your doctor if
- An erection that does not go away, sudden loss of vision or hearing, chest pain, collapse, or a severe allergic reaction — seek urgent care
- Marked dizziness, fainting, palpitations, or a headache that is severe or persistent
- The prescribed dose is not suitable or does not provide a satisfactory response after several correctly timed attempts
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Storage
Keep in the original package, away from moisture and direct heat, and out of children's reach. Follow the temperature limit on your pack and do not use it after the expiry date.
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What to expect
Erectile dysfunction treatments work in most cases but not every attempt. The medicine requires sexual arousal. Several tries may be needed.
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