Vardenafil: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Vardenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used mainly to treat erectile dysfunction. It helps support an erection when there is sexual stimulation.

Vardenafil requires a prescription in the United Kingdom and is available as a generic medicine, with generic availability recorded since 2012-05-03. It is sold in several oral tablet forms and strengths.

Vardenafil is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. This means difficulty getting or keeping an erection suitable for sexual activity. The medicine does not create sexual desire and sexual stimulation is required for a response.

Erectile dysfunction can have different underlying causes, so the product information says that medical assessment should include consideration of possible causes and suitable treatment. Vardenafil is not indicated for use in females or paediatric patients.

Vardenafil belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. During sexual stimulation, the body releases chemical signals that help relax smooth muscle in the penis. This allows blood flow into erectile tissue.

PDE5 normally breaks down part of this signalling process. Vardenafil slows that breakdown, helping the signal last longer and supporting an erection when sexual stimulation is present.

It does not work without sexual stimulation and does not increase sexual desire. Because it can also relax blood vessels elsewhere in the body, it may lower blood pressure, especially with certain medicines.

The label lists 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 11.85 mg, and 20 mg tablets, including film-coated tablets and a 10 mg orally disintegrating tablet. The usual starting dose is 10 mg as needed, approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity. The label lists adjustment to 20 mg or 5 mg according to efficacy and tolerability.

The label lists a maximum recommended frequency of once per day. The label lists use with or without food. The usual starting dose is 5 mg for patients aged 65 years or older, patients stable on alpha-blocker therapy, and patients with moderate hepatic impairment.

The label lists a maximum of 10 mg in moderate hepatic impairment. The label lists lower limits with certain CYP3A4 inhibitors, including 2.5 mg in a 72-hour period, 2.5 mg in a 24-hour period, or 5 mg in a 24-hour period, depending on the medicine.

Vardenafil is used as needed rather than as a regular daily treatment. A missed dose usually means the planned dose was not used for the intended sexual activity.

The label does not provide a separate missed-dose schedule. A further dose should not be used more often than the label allows, and advice from a pharmacist or prescriber is appropriate if there is uncertainty, especially when other medicines or liver or kidney problems are involved.

Vardenafil is not indicated for use in females. The label states that there are no data from pregnant women to inform drug-associated risks. Animal studies in pregnant rats and rabbits found no adverse developmental outcomes at the stated exposures, but animal findings do not provide pregnancy advice for people.

There is no information on vardenafil or its major metabolite in human milk, effects on a breastfed infant, or effects on milk production. Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding with a doctor or pharmacist.

Store at 25°C, with permitted excursions within 15-30°C. Keep the tablets in their container and protect them from moisture and excessive heat.

Keep medicines out of the sight and reach of children. Follow the product label for handling to maintain quality.