Vardenafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. It belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
Vardenafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, which helps to produce and maintain an erection. It inhibits the action of the enzyme PDE5, which normally breaks down a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the penis. By inhibiting PDE5, vardenafil allows cGMP to remain active, promoting relaxation of the blood vessels and smooth muscle in the penis, leading to increased blood flow and an erection.