Vardenafil is a prescription medication for erectile dysfunction (ED). It belongs to a class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors. Bayview compounds vardenafil in two easy-to-take forms: troches that dissolve between the cheek and gum, and rapid dissolve tablets (RDT) taken under the tongue, all prepared to the strength your provider orders.
Vardenafil is FDA-approved as a standard oral tablet. Bayview's compounded troche and rapid-dissolve forms, and any non-standard strengths, are prepared by a licensed pharmacy and are used off-label. A valid prescription is required, and only your provider can decide whether vardenafil is appropriate for you. Bayview compounds this as part of our erectile dysfunction compounding line.
How does it work?
An erection happens when sexual stimulation releases nitric oxide in the penis, which raises a messenger called cGMP and relaxes the smooth muscle so blood flows in. An enzyme called PDE5 breaks cGMP back down. Vardenafil blocks PDE5, so cGMP lasts longer and blood flow is easier to achieve and maintain (StatPearls, PDE5 Inhibitors). It does not cause an erection on its own. Sexual stimulation is still needed.
What is it used for?
Vardenafil is prescribed for erectile dysfunction. PDE5 inhibitors are recommended as a first-line treatment for ED when they are not contraindicated (AUA Erectile Dysfunction Guideline). Some patients prefer vardenafil, or find one PDE5 inhibitor suits them better than another. Only a licensed provider can decide whether it's right for you, and a valid prescription is required.
How does it compare to other ED treatments?
Vardenafil is one of several PDE5 inhibitors. Its timing is similar to sildenafil; tadalafil lasts much longer. The table below is for education only.
| Medication | Onset | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Vardenafil | About 30 to 60 minutes | About 4 to 6 hours |
| Sildenafil | About 30 to 60 minutes | About 4 to 6 hours |
| Tadalafil | About 30 to 60 minutes | Up to 36 hours |
This is for education only and is not a statement that one medication is better or stronger. Your provider selects the medication, form, and dose that are appropriate for you.
How is it used?
Take vardenafil about 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity, exactly as your provider directs, and no more than once a day unless told otherwise. Sexual stimulation is needed for it to work. For the compounded forms: place a rapid dissolve tablet (RDT) under the tongue and let it dissolve for one to two minutes before swallowing; dissolve a troche between the cheek and gum. Your provider sets your strength and form.
Side effects & safety
Common side effects include headache, facial flushing, a stuffy or runny nose, indigestion, and dizziness. Tell your provider about your heart health and all medications you take.
Who should not use it?
Vardenafil is not for everyone. Do not use it if you take nitrates or riociguat, or if you are allergic to vardenafil. Talk with your provider first if you have heart or blood-vessel disease, have had a recent heart attack or stroke, have very low or uncontrolled high blood pressure, take alpha-blockers or other blood-pressure medicines, have a heart-rhythm condition (such as long QT syndrome), have severe liver or kidney problems, or have a history of priapism or certain eye conditions. Your provider will confirm that sexual activity and this medication are safe for you.
How should it be stored?
Store as directed on your label, at room temperature away from heat and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children and others. Do not share it, do not use it after the beyond-use date, and dispose of unused medication as directed.
Why is this compounded?
Compounding lets a licensed pharmacy prepare vardenafil in forms that aren't available off the shelf, troches and rapid dissolve tablets for people who prefer not to swallow a pill, and in custom strengths a provider may want. As a 503A compounding pharmacy, Bayview prepares each order under USP standards. Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved. Other options in the same line include Vardenafil Oral Dissolve Tablets, Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Alprostadil Injection. The full list is in our compounded medications catalog.
Clinical details for prescribers
Regulatory status. Vardenafil is not a controlled substance. It is FDA-approved as an oral tablet (Levitra®, Staxyn® ODT, and generics); Bayview's compounded troche, rapid-dissolve, and non-commercial strengths are prepared via 503A compounding and are not FDA-approved.
Mechanism & PK. Selective PDE5 inhibitor; potentiates NO-cGMP signaling with sexual stimulation. Onset ~30 to 60 min, duration ~4 to 6 h. Usual ED dosing 10 to 20 mg ~1 h before activity, max once daily (StatPearls, PDE5 Inhibitors).
Compounded forms available (vardenafil HCl):
- Troches: 5, 10, 20 mg, dissolve between cheek and gum
- Rapid dissolve tablets (RDT): 20 mg, under the tongue, dissolve 1 to 2 min before swallowing
Contraindications / cautions. Absolute contraindication with nitrates and guanylate cyclase stimulators (riociguat); caution with alpha-blockers and antihypertensives, significant cardiovascular disease, congenital or acquired QT prolongation and Class IA/III antiarrhythmics, hepatic/renal impairment, and predisposition to priapism. Counsel on priapism >4 h, sudden vision loss (NAION), and sudden hearing loss (AUA ED Guideline).
Non-controlled; e-prescribe or use the ED Orals order form. Licensed to dispense in RI, MA, CT, NY, NJ, NH, FL, and ME. Account setup, licensing, and ordering are covered on our for providers page.
This is a prescription compounded medication and is not FDA-approved. This information is educational and is not medical advice. Your provider determines whether it is appropriate and sets the formulation and dose.
