What is vardenafil?

Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) is an oral PDE5 inhibitor. Levitra comes in tablet form, which you swallow, while Staxyn is a dissolvable tablet placed under the tongue.

Staxyn offers higher systemic exposure compared to Levitra due to its disintegrating formulation. Both versions of vardenafil are prescription-only medications.

This drug is taken as needed, typically 60 minutes before sexual activity, though it may work within 30 minutes for some individuals. It can be taken once per day, and its effects last about 5–7 hours.

Common side effects include headaches, flushing, nasal congestion or runny nose, back pain, upset stomach, and dizziness.

Pros

• One of the fastest-acting PDE5 inhibitors.
• FDA-approved treatment.
• Rarely causes strong side effects, with headaches being the most common.
• Available in a more affordable generic form compared to the brand names Levitra and Staxyn.

Cons

• Can cause potentially severe interactions with nitrates, alpha-blockers, or other heart and blood pressure medications.