Vardenafil relaxes muscles within the penis. This allows increased blood flow into the penis which is necessary to achieve and maintain an erection.

Vardenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence).

Vardenafil may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Special precautions

Before taking vardenafil, tell your doctor if you

• currently have or have ever had a heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeats, angina (chest pain), or congestive heart failure;

• have high or low blood pressure;
• have a personal or family history of a rare heart condition known as prolongation of the QT interval (long QT syndrome);
• have liver problems;
• have kidney problems;
• have ever had blood problems, including sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia;
• have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
• have a stomach ulcer;
• a family history of degenerative eye disease (e.g., retinitis pigmentosa); or
• Have a physical deformity of the penis such as Peyronie's disease.

* You may not be able to take vardenafil, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

* Although vardenafil is not indicated for use by women, it is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that vardenafil is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Vardenafil should not be taken by women.

* It is not known whether vardenafil passes into breast milk. Vardenafil should not be taken by women.

* If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from vardenafil. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of the medication.

Side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking vardenafil and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• chest pain or an irregular heartbeats;
• swelling of the ankles or legs;
• shortness of breath;
• prolonged or severe dizziness;
• fainting;
• a prolonged (lasting longer than 4 hours) or painful erection;
• dizziness, nausea, or angina (pain, tightness, discomfort, numbness, or tingling in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw); or
• back pain

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take vardenafil and talk to your doctor if you experience

• flushing;

• mild dizziness;
• headache;
• nasal congestion;
• stomach upset;
• sensitivity of the eyes to light; or
• temporary blue tint in vision or other vision abnormalities

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Keep all appointment with your doctor.

Don’t let anyone else take your medicines.