What is vardenafil hydrochloride used for?

Vardenafil hydrochloride is used to treat erectile dysfunction.

How long should I wait after taking vardenafil hydrochloride before sex?

You should take vardenafil hydrochloride about 60 minutes before sexual activity.

Can I take vardenafil hydrochloride with food?

Yes, vardenafil hydrochloride can be taken either with or without food.

What should I do if I have an erection lasting more than 4 hours?

If an erection lasts longer than 4 hours, you must seek medical help immediately.

Is vardenafil hydrochloride safe for elderly men?

It is safe, but a lower starting dose of 5 mg is recommended for men 65 and older.

Can vardenafil hydrochloride cause vision problems?

Yes, sudden loss of vision can occur; stop use and seek medical attention immediately if this happens.

Can I take vardenafil hydrochloride if I take heart medication?

You must not take vardenafil hydrochloride with nitrates or nitric oxide donors.

What are the most common side effects of vardenafil hydrochloride?

The most common side effects include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and indigestion.

Vardenafil Hydrochloride | CAS 224785-91-5 | XCMULUAPJXCOHI

Loading compound...

Phosphodiesterase 5A inhibitor

Vardenafil hydrochloride (brand name Staxyn) is a prescription pill used to treat erectile dysfunction. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. It should be taken about an hour before activity and should not be taken with certain heart medications like nitrates.

How it worksWhen you are sexually stimulated, your body releases nitric oxide, which helps relax muscles and increase blood flow. Vardenafil hydrochloride blocks an enzyme called PDE5 that normally breaks down the chemicals causing this relaxation, helping the erection last longer.

Brand names:STAXYN

Used for

Erectile dysfunction

Conditions

Erectile dysfunction

Class

PDE5 inhibitorPhosphodiesterase 5A inhibitorReproductive system

How to take

FormsOral tablet

RoutesOral

Most people start with 10 mg once a day as needed. A 5 mg starting dose is recommended for men 65 or older. Do not take more than one tablet per day.

Take the tablet about 60 minutes before sexual activity. You can take it with or without food.

Key warnings

·Do not use if sex is inadvisable due to your heart health.
·Seek immediate medical help if you have an erection lasting more than 4 hours.
·Stop use and see a doctor if you experience sudden vision loss or sudden hearing loss.
·Use caution if you take alpha-blockers, as this can cause a significant drop in blood pressure.

Do not use if

·Nitrates and nitric oxide donors
·Guanylate cyclase (GC) stimulators

Side effects

Common

HeadacheFlushingNasal congestionIndigestionSinusitisFlu-like symptomsDizzinessNauseaBack pain

Serious

·Priapism (an erection lasting longer than 4 hours)
·Sudden loss of vision
·Sudden hearing loss or decrease in hearing
·Significant drop in blood pressure

Seek help if

·Erection lasting more than 4 hours
·Sudden vision loss
·Sudden hearing loss

Interactions

·Do not take this with nitrates or nitric oxide donors (used for chest pain).
·Do not take this with guanylate cyclase (GC) stimulators like riociguat.
·Caution is needed when taking alpha-blockers or other blood pressure medications.
·Doses must be adjusted if taking certain medications like ritonavir, ketoconazole, or erythromycin.

FoodHigh-fat meals can reduce the maximum concentration of the drug in your blood.

Special populations

PregnancyVardenafil hydrochloride is not intended for use in women. There are no specific studies on its use in pregnant women.

BreastfeedingVardenafil hydrochloride is not intended for use in women. It is unknown if it passes into breast milk, though animal studies show it can be excreted in milk.

PediatricVardenafil hydrochloride is not for use in children; safety and effectiveness have not been proven in this group.

GeriatricMen 65 and older may have higher levels of the drug in their bodies, so a lower starting dose of 5 mg is recommended.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Erection duration
·Vision changes
·Hearing changes
·Blood pressure

Questions to ask

·Should I take a lower dose because of my age?
·Is it safe to take this with my current blood pressure medication?
·What should I do if my erection lasts too long?
·Are there risks to my vision or hearing?

Pharmacokinetics

OnsetMaximum plasma concentrations are usually reached between 30 minutes and 2 hours after taking the pill.

BioavailabilityApproximately 15%

MetabolismInvolves the CYP3A4 enzyme pathway.

Practical

OverdoseThe highest single dose studied in healthy men was 120 mg, which caused reversible back pain and vision changes. Taking too much can lead to severe pain.

StorageStore at 25°C (77°F). You can allow temperatures between 15-30°C (59-86°F).

Ingredients

Allergens

aspartame

Inactive

microcrystalline cellulosecrosspovidonecolloidal silicon dioxidemagnesium stearateaspartametitanium dioxideferric oxide redferric oxide yellow

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.