Vardenafil

About vardenafil

Key points

• To be taken 25-60 minutes before sex
• Lasts for up to 5 hours
• Recommended for diabetics

Buy vardenafil online

You are able to buy vardenafil online from our UK registered pharmacy. You will be required to complete an online consultation before purchase, to ensure that medication is suitable for you. 
 

What is vardenafil?

Vardenafil is an erectile dysfunction treatment which belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. It is the generic version of the brand name drug, Levitra and is commonly referred to as “generic Levitra”, or "generic vardenafil". The active ingredient is vardenafil hydrochloride (HCL). 
 

How does vardenafil work?

Vardenafil tablets work by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. The increase in blood flow can help to achieve and maintain an erection. Vardenafil will only work if there is sexual stimulation and will not increase sexual desire. PDE5 inhibitors may not always work the first time you take them. You should keep an open mind and try treatment on several occasions before deciding whether to increase the dose or try an alternative medication. You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you find that treatment is not effective.
 

How long does it take for vardenafil to work?

Vardenafil tablets usually take around 25 to 60 minutes to work. For vardenafil to work quicker, you should take it on an empty stomach. Taking a tablet after a heavy meal will mean that it will take longer for the effects to kick in.
 

How long does vardenafil last for?

The effects of vardenafil last for around 4-5 hours on average. This can vary slightly and factors such as body weight and frame of mind can influence the length of time that vardenafil is effective for.

Vardenafil dosage instructions

Take one tablet around 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. If you are sexually stimulated, you may achieve an erection anywhere between 30 minutes to 4 hours after having taken a tablet. If you are trying vardenafil for the first time, you should start off with the 10mg dose.

Vardenafil is available in 3 different strengths:
 

Vardenafil 5mg tablets 

Vardenafil 5mg is the recommended dosage for men over the age of 60 or those who have experienced side effects with higher doses of vardenafil or other ED treatments.
 

Vardenafil 10mg tablets 

Vardenafil 10mg is the recommended dose for men who are taking vardenafil for the first time.
 

Vardenafil 20mg tablets 

Vardenafil 20mg is the recommended dose if 10mg has been unsuccessful.

You should not take more than one tablet within a 24-hour period.

Vardenafil ingredients

Active ingredients: Vardenafil

Inactive ingredients: Cellulose microcrystalline, crospovidone, silica colloidal anhydrous, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide (E171), aspartame (E951), iron oxide red (E172), iron oxide yellow (E172).

The active ingredient will always remain the same, however, the inactive ingredients may change depending on the manufacturer. You should read the product information leaflet for a full list of ingredients.

Vardenafil side effects

As is the case with all medication, there may be side effects which can include:

Very common (affecting more than 10% of users):

• Headache

Common (affecting up to 10% of users):

• Facial flushing
• Nasal congestion
• Dizziness
• Indigestion

Uncommon (Affecting up to 1% of users):

• Visual disturbances
• Muscle ache
• Rash or skin sensitivity
• Ringing in the ears
• Fatigue
• Numbness
• Increased heartbeat
• Breathlessness

If you experience any of the following side effects, seek urgent medical assistance:

• Pain in the chest
• Painful erection lasting for longer than 4 hours
• Sudden loss of vision or change in vision
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, serious skin reactions, swelling of any part of the body.

You should read the patient information leaflet for a full list of side effects. If you experience any side effects, inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Vardenafil warnings

Do not take Vardenafil if:

• You are allergic to vardenafil or any of the other ingredients contained within it. A full list of ingredients can be found in the patient information leaflet.
• You are taking medication containing nitrates
• You are taking ritonavir or indinavir, medicines which are used to treat HIV
• You are over 75 years of age and are taking itraconazole or ketoconazole
• You have severe heart or liver problems
• You are having kidney dialysis
• You have recently suffered a stroke or heart attack
• You have or have previously had low blood pressure
• You have a family history of degenerative eye diseases
• You have ever had a condition involving loss of vision due to optic nerve damage
• You are taking riociguat

Consult with your GP or pharmacist before using Vardenafil if:

• You have heart problems
• You suffer from irregular heartbeat
• You have a physical condition which affects the shape of the penis
• You suffer from priapism
• You have stomach ulcers
• You have a bleeding disorder
• You are using any other erectile dysfunction treatments

Vardenafil side effects

You should always let your GP or pharmacist know if you are taking any medication, so that they can check for interactions with vardenafil. 

Medications that can interact with vardenafil include:

• Nitrates - used to treat angina. Examples of nitrates include glyceryl trinitrate, amyl nitrate
• Antiarrhythmics - used to treat an irregular heartbeat. Examples include quinidine, amiodarone, sotalol
• Antivirals - used to treat HIV. Examples include Ritonavir and indinavir
• Antifungals - used to treat fungal infections. Examples include ketoconazole and itraconazole
• Macrolide antibiotics - used to treat bacterial infections. Exmaples include clarithromycin or erythromycin
• Alpha blockers - used to treat high blood pressure or enlarged prostates. Examples include alfuzosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin

Vardenafil alternatives

Sildenafil – Takes 60 minutes to work and can last for up to 4 hours

Tadalafil – Takes 30 minutes to work and can last for up to 36 hours

Avanafil – Takes 15 minutes to work and can last for up to 4 hours
 

Vardenafil vs Viagra (sildenafil) – What is the difference?

• Vardenafil tablets are more potent than sildenafil tablets, therefore, a lower dose is required.
• Vardenafil acts slightly quicker than sildenafil, taking around 25-60 minutes to work, as opposed to sildenafil, which takes 60 minutes.
• Vardenafil lasts for up to 5 hours, whilst sildenafil lasts for up to 4 hours.
• Vardenafil is not affected by food, however, sildenafil is more effective on an empty stomach. 
• Regarding effectiveness, clinical trials report similar results. In theory, this means that they are both as good as each other. 
• Sildenafil has the price advantage, as it is cheaper than vardenafil. 
• Viagra is not better than vardenafil and vice versa. Individuals may respond differently to alternative treatments. What works for you, may not work for someone else. 
  
   

Vardenafil vs Cialis (tadalafil) – What is the difference?

• Tadalafil tablets work slightly quicker than vardenafil tablets, taking around 30 minutes to become active.
• Tadalafil has a longer window of action, lasting for up to 36 hours.
• Vardenafil needs to be taken before sex, which means that you need to schedule doses. Tadalafil offers the option of a daily tablet, known as tadalafil daily, which can be taken every day, providing a continuous effect. This avoids the need to schedule doses.
• Both drugs appear to have similar results in clinical trials.
• The side effect profile of both treatments are similar. 
• Tadalafil has the price advantage, as it is cheaper than vardenafil. 

Individuals who have trialled ED treatments will often have their own preference. What works for one person, may not work for another and vice versa. To the same degree, you may experience side effects with one type of treatment, and not the other. 

Sources

1. British National Formulary. (n.d.). Vardenafil. Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/vardenafil/

2. Drugs.com. (n.d.). Vardenafil. Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://www.drugs.com/mtm/vardenafil.html