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Vardenafil
genericFDA-approved; generic available
Est. Cost
$7-$15/pill
/month
Vardenafil is another PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction. While it shares a similar mechanism of action with sildenafil, it has a slightly different chemical structure that may result in a different side-effect profile for some men. It is less widely available through telehealth platforms than sildenafil or tadalafil, and it tends to be priced higher, but it remains a viable alternative for those who may not tolerate other options well.
Dosage Format
5mg, 10mg, or 20mg taken as needed, approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity. Should not exceed one dose per day.
Type
Generic
Best For
Men who may not have responded well to sildenafil or who prefer a slightly different side-effect profile
Key Benefit
Vardenafil is chemically similar to sildenafil but may be metabolized differently, which means some men who experience side effects with one may tolerate the other better.
Where to Get Vardenafil
Compare providers offering vardenafil — ranked by our editorial team
BlueChew
One of the few telehealth platforms currently offering vardenafil, in a chewable tablet format through subscription plans.
$5-$8/dose (chewable)
/month
How Vardenafil Works
Vardenafil inhibits the PDE5 enzyme in penile tissue, potentially allowing cGMP to accumulate and promote increased blood flow during sexual stimulation. It typically begins working within about 60 minutes, with effects that may last around 4-5 hours. Like other PDE5 inhibitors, vardenafil does not cause spontaneous erections — sexual arousal is necessary. Some research suggests vardenafil may have slightly higher potency at the receptor level compared to sildenafil, though clinical outcomes tend to be broadly similar.
Side Effects
Common
- • Headache
- • Facial flushing
- • Nasal congestion or runny nose
- • Indigestion
- • Dizziness
Serious (Rare)
- • Priapism (an erection lasting more than 4 hours) — seek emergency care
- • Sudden vision changes or loss of vision
- • Sudden hearing loss
- • Heart rhythm changes (QT prolongation has been reported)
- • Severe drop in blood pressure, especially if combined with nitrates
Who Is Eligible
Vardenafil is prescribed to adult men with ED. It carries a particular caution regarding QT prolongation, so men with heart rhythm disorders or those taking certain medications that affect heart rhythm should discuss this carefully with a provider. It is contraindicated with nitrates and certain alpha-blockers.