What is Vardenafil?
Vardenafil is a generic prescription medication derived from the popular brand Levitra. It is used to treat erectile dysfunction. If you have trouble achieving or maintaining an erection, Vardenafil is a medication that can help you enjoy an active sex life.
As a generic medicine Vardenafil is cheaper than the branded version, but is still subject to the same rigorous testing to receive UK licensing and regulation.
Many men with erectile dysfunction opt for Vardenafil based medications because they find that they cause fewer side effects than other medications that use PDE-5 inhibitors as their active ingredients.
How does Vardenafil work?
Vardenafil is a convenient erectile dysfunction treatment that gives you the freedom to have sex at the time of your choosing. Simply swallow one tablet with a glass of water 1 to 2 hours before beginning sexual activity.
Vardenafil is named after its active ingredient the PDE-5 inhibitor Vardenafil that is also the active ingredient in Levitra. Vardenafil works to increase the flow of blood to the penis. If you are sexually aroused, the medication will enable you to achieve a full erection for long enough to have normal sex. The effects may last for up to 5 hours.
Who can use Vardenafil?
Vardenafil has been found to be a safe treatment for the majority of men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. Unless you have certain specific medical problems, suffer from high blood pressure, or are using a small number of non-compatible prescription medications, you will be able to use Vardenafil safely.
When you complete your confidential medical questionnaire, our online GP will immediately review your health profile and confirm that Vardenafil is the right medication for your needs.
Please read the Side Effects section for full information about whether Vardenafil is suitable for you.
What doses of Vardenafil are available?
DoktorABC’s online GP will prescribe the dosage that best suits your medical needs.
Vardenafil tablets are available at DoktorABC in 3 sizes.
- Vardenafil 5 mg
- Vardenafil 10 mg
- Vardenafil 20 mg
Most patients are initially prescribed 10 mg tablets. Experience has shown that this is the optimal dosage for new users, and it can be adjusted as required.
Younger men (whose erectile dysfunction often has psychological causes) may begin their treatment with a 5 mg dosage. Older men may also receive an initial 5 mg prescription because they are potentially more vulnerable to adverse side effects.
How to take Vardenafil
Swallow a single tablet with a glass of water 1 - 2 hours before commencing sexual activity. The effects of Vardenafil may last for up to 5 hours.
You should avoid overeating (particularly fatty food) and all grapefruit juice, as these have been found to substantially reduce the effectiveness of Vardenafil.
One tablet may be taken daily. Only use this medication when you are planning to have sex.
Important
Taking a heavier dosage of Vardenafil will not result in a better quality or longer lasting erection, nor will it enhance your sexual performance or level of sexual arousal. If you exceed your prescribed dosage you will increase the risk of unwelcome side effects.
What are the side effects of Vardenafil?
Vardenafil has the reputation of being a medication with generally mild side effects. Many patients will not experience any side effects at all.
Nonetheless, you should be aware of possible adverse reactions before you begin your treatment.
Possible common side effects
Most patients do not experience any significant side effects when using Vardenafil, but the following common side effects may occur in some users:
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Blocked or runny nose
- Indigestion
Possible adverse reactions
Very rarely patients may experience an adverse reaction to Vardenafil. If you experience any of the following symptoms you should discontinue your treatment and seek immediate medical advice.
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain, myalgia or arthralgia
- Photosensitivity
- Abnormal vision or eye pain
- Facial edema
- Hypotension
- Palpitation or tachycardia
- Rash or itch
- Priapism
Important
Your prescription will come with a patient leaflet giving detailed information about the medication, its ingredients, possible side effects and contraindications. Please read this leaflet carefully before you begin taking your tablets, and retain the leaflet for future reference.
If you experience serious discomfort, we recommend that you go straight to your nearest casualty department. In an emergency dial 999.
When not to take Vardenafil
DoktorABC’s online GPs generally do not recommend combining any erectile dysfunction medication with excess alcohol. Drinking to excess may reduce the effectiveness of your erectile dysfunction tablet, adversely affect your sexual performance and cause unwelcome side effects.
Do not take Vardenafil if you:
- Are allergic to Vardenafil or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
- If you are taking medicines containing nitrates, such as glycerol trinitrate for angina, or nitric oxide donors such as amyl nitrite
- If you are taking ritonavir or indinavir
- Have a severe heart or liver problem
- Are having kidney dialysis
- Have recently had a stroke or heart attack
- If you have or have had low blood pressure
- Have a family history of degenerative eye diseases (such as retinitis pigmentosa)
- If you have ever had a condition involving loss of vision due to damage to the optic nerve from insufficient blood supply known as non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
- If you are taking riociguat.
If you have any questions about your ED treatment you can login to your DoktorABC account and begin a free confidential consultation with an online GP.
It’s simple and convenient to renew your Vardenafil prescription at DoktorABC. Complete our short online health questionnaire to get started. Simply click “START YOUR ORDER” at the top of this page.
Leaflet info
The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine. It is possible that the leaflet in your medicine pack may differ from the PDF-version from this website because it may have been updated since your medicine was packaged or the medicine is from another brand.
