Vardenafil Oral Dissolve Tablet is a compounded, prescription-only medication prepared by a licensed pharmacy. It is designed to be placed under the tongue, where it dissolves and the medication is absorbed through the lining of the mouth (the oral mucous membranes) rather than being swallowed and passing through the digestive tract first. Its active ingredient is vardenafil, a medication in the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor class.
It is one option a provider may consider as part of care for erectile dysfunction (ED). Because it is compounded, it is prepared to the strength and form your provider orders rather than mass-produced.
How does it work?
Vardenafil is a selective PDE5 inhibitor. During sexual stimulation, it helps relax the smooth muscle and widen the blood vessels in the penis, which increases blood flow and can support an erection (MedlinePlus monograph). It works only with sexual stimulation, and it does not cure erectile dysfunction or increase sexual desire.
This formulation is made as a tablet that dissolves under the tongue so the medication is taken up through the oral mucous membranes.
What is it used for?
Providers may prescribe vardenafil as part of care for erectile dysfunction when they determine it is appropriate for a patient. PDE5 inhibitors are among the oral medications described for ED in the American Urological Association ED guideline. Only a licensed provider can decide whether this formulation is right for an individual; Bayview Pharmacy does not provide consultations or determine appropriateness, and a valid prescription is required.
How does it compare to other ED options?
ED treatments differ mainly in how they are taken. The table below describes those differences for education only.
| Option | Form / route | How it's used |
|---|---|---|
| Vardenafil Oral Dissolve Tablet | Dissolves under the tongue (sublingual) | Placed under the tongue to dissolve; PDE5 inhibitor that works with sexual stimulation |
| Oral PDE5 inhibitor tablets (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil) | Tablet, swallowed by mouth | Taken before sexual activity; same medication class |
| Injectable therapy (e.g., Bimix, Trimix) | Intracavernosal injection | Small injection that acts locally on penile blood vessels |
Differences in form and route are described for education only and are not a statement that any option is better, stronger, faster, or more effective. Your provider determines what is appropriate for you.
How is it used?
Place the tablet under your tongue and allow it to dissolve fully — do not chew it or swallow it whole, and follow the exact timing and dose set by your prescriber. Do not take more than prescribed or use it more often than directed. Your prescriber establishes your dose and any adjustments, so never change your dose on your own. A Bayview pharmacist is available if you have questions about your prescription.
Side effects & safety
As with any medication, side effects are possible. Reported effects of PDE5 inhibitors can include headache, flushing, stuffy or runny nose, indigestion, and dizziness. Some people notice temporary vision changes such as a bluish tinge, increased light sensitivity, or blurred vision. Report any of these to your provider.
Stop and seek medical care right away if you have a sudden loss of vision or hearing, chest pain, or a reaction that concerns you.
Who should not use it?
Vardenafil is not appropriate for everyone. It should not be used by people taking nitrate medications or riociguat, and extra caution applies to those taking alpha-blockers or other blood-pressure medications (the combination can lower blood pressure too much), and to those with certain heart conditions or for whom sexual activity is inadvisable. Tell your provider about your health conditions and all medications and supplements you take so they can determine whether this formulation is appropriate for you.
How should it be stored?
Orally dissolving tablets are sensitive to moisture. Store exactly as directed on your label — keep the tablets dry, in their original packaging until use, away from heat, light, and humidity, and out of the reach of children. Do not use a tablet that has become damaged or damp.
Why is this compounded?
Compounding lets a licensed pharmacy tailor the strength and dosage form to an individual prescription — for example, preparing vardenafil as a tablet that dissolves under the tongue. As a 503A compounding pharmacy, Bayview Pharmacy prepares each order in small batches under USP <795> standards using quality ingredients.
Clinical details for prescribers
Mechanism & form. Vardenafil is a selective PDE5 inhibitor that potentiates cGMP-mediated cavernosal smooth-muscle relaxation in response to nitric-oxide release during sexual stimulation. This compounded formulation is a transmucosal (sublingual) orally dissolving tablet. Related PDE5-inhibitor options include sildenafil and longer-acting tadalafil.
Contraindications & interactions:
- Nitrates, nitric-oxide donors, or riociguat — contraindicated (risk of profound hypotension)
- Additive hypotension with alpha-blockers and antihypertensives
- Consider hepatic function and concomitant CYP3A4 inhibitors
Counseling points:
- Dose timing; once-daily maximum unless otherwise directed
- Priapism precaution: erection >4 hours is an emergency
References: MedlinePlus monograph; DailyMed label.
This is a prescription-only compounded medication and is not FDA-approved. Your provider determines whether it is appropriate and sets the formulation and dose.
