- Treatment for erectile dysfunction with vardenafil
- Access vardenafil following an online medical consultation
- What is vardenafil?
- What is the active substance in vardenafil?
- Who may be considered for treatment with vardenafil?
- What dosages are available?
- Can I change doses myself?
- How is vardenafil taken?
- What can affect the effect of vardenafil?
- When should vardenafil not be used?
- Warnings and precautions
- Interactions with other medicines, food and drink
- What side effects can occur?
- Driving and operating machinery
- Storage information
- Vardenafil active substance and excipients
- Patient information leaflet
Treatment for erectile dysfunction with vardenafil
Vardenafil is a prescription-only medicine used in adult men for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Erectile dysfunction is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity.
Vardenafil belongs to a group of medicines known as phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, which may help some men achieve and maintain an erection. Vardenafil does not cause an erection on its own; sexual stimulation is required.
Vardenafil is taken on demand before sexual activity. The dose prescribed depends on individual health factors and response to treatment and must be determined by a clinician following a medical assessment.
Access vardenafil following an online medical consultation
Start the online consultation and complete a confidential medical questionnaire.
A UK-registered healthcare professional will review your information and determine whether treatment with vardenafil may be appropriate. If suitable, a prescription can be issued following clinical assessment.
Important information
DoktorABC UK is a digital health platform that connects patients with independent, UK-registered healthcare professionals. DoktorABC UK does not provide medical care, issue prescriptions or dispense medicines. All clinical decisions are made by the prescribing clinician following an individual medical assessment.
What is vardenafil?
Vardenafil is a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It supports the natural erectile response by relaxing blood vessels in the penis and improving blood flow during sexual stimulation.
Vardenafil is taken before planned sexual activity and typically begins to work within approximately 25–60 minutes. Its effects may last for up to around five hours, although this varies between individuals.
What is the active substance in vardenafil?
The active substance in vardenafil is vardenafil hydrochloride.
Vardenafil inhibits the PDE-5 enzyme, which plays a role in regulating blood flow in the penis. By inhibiting this enzyme, vardenafil may enhance the natural erectile response to sexual stimulation.
Who may be considered for treatment with vardenafil?
Vardenafil may be considered for adult men (aged 18 and over) with erectile dysfunction following an individual medical assessment.
A clinician will assess factors such as:
- cardiovascular health and fitness for sexual activity
- current medicines, including nitrate medicines
- relevant medical history, including liver or kidney disease and blood pressure conditions
Treatment may not be suitable for everyone.
What dosages are available?
Vardenafil is available in the following strengths:
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
The usual recommended starting dose is 10 mg, taken approximately 25–60 minutes before sexual activity.
Depending on effectiveness and tolerability, the dose may be reduced to 5 mg or increased to a maximum of 20 mg. Dose adjustments must be made by the prescribing clinician.
Can I change doses myself?
No. Dose adjustments should only be made in consultation with the prescribing clinician.
How is vardenafil taken?
Always take vardenafil exactly as prescribed and according to the patient information leaflet.
General guidance may include:
- Swallow the tablet whole with water
- Take approximately 25–60 minutes before sexual activity
- Vardenafil can be taken with or without food
- Do not take more than one dose per day
- Sexual stimulation is required for vardenafil to work
Heavy alcohol consumption may reduce erectile function and increase the risk of side effects.
What can affect the effect of vardenafil?
The effect of vardenafil can vary depending on individual factors and circumstances. Examples that may influence response include:
- Heavy alcohol consumption (may reduce erectile function and increase side effects)
- Underlying health conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes)
- Certain medicines that interact with vardenafil
- Incorrect timing or dose (your clinician can advise)
When should vardenafil not be used?
Vardenafil must not be used if you:
- are allergic to vardenafil or any of its ingredients
- take nitrate medicines for chest pain (angina)
- use nitric oxide donors (such as amyl nitrite, "poppers")
- take riociguat
- have had a recent heart attack or stroke
- have severe heart or liver disease
- have very low or uncontrolled blood pressure
- have certain rare inherited eye conditions or a history of sudden vision loss
Vardenafil is not suitable for women or for men under 18 years of age.
Always inform your clinician about your full medical history and current medicines before starting treatment.
Warnings and precautions
Speak to a clinician before using vardenafil if you:
- have heart problems or have been advised to avoid sexual activity
- have kidney or liver impairment
- have blood disorders such as sickle cell anaemia, leukaemia or multiple myeloma
- have anatomical deformation of the penis or Peyronie's disease
- have a stomach ulcer or bleeding disorder
- notice changes in vision or hearing
Vardenafil should not be used with other treatments for erectile dysfunction unless specifically advised by a clinician.
Stop taking vardenafil and seek medical advice immediately if you notice sudden vision loss.
Interactions with other medicines, food and drink
Some medicines may interact with vardenafil. Tell your clinician if you take:
- alpha blockers
- medicines for blood pressure
- certain antibiotics or antifungal medicines
- medicines for HIV
- other medicines for erectile dysfunction
Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects.
What side effects can occur?
Like all medicines, vardenafil can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Common side effects may include:
- headache
- flushing
- nasal congestion
- back pain
- dizziness
Less common side effects may include:
- sleep disturbances
- nausea
- dry mouth
- indigestion
Serious side effects (seek urgent medical help):
- chest pain
- sudden vision problems or vision loss
- prolonged or painful erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism)
- severe allergic reactions (swelling of face, lips or throat, breathing difficulties)
Reporting side effects (UK)
Suspected adverse reactions can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Driving and operating machinery
Vardenafil may cause dizziness or visual disturbances in some people. Do not drive or operate machinery if affected.
Storage information
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children
- Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging
- Store in the original packaging as directed in the patient information leaflet
- Dispose of unused medicines safely; ask a pharmacist if unsure
Vardenafil active substance and excipients
Active substance:
Vardenafil hydrochloride (equivalent to 5 mg, 10 mg or 20 mg vardenafil per tablet)
Other ingredients:
Excipients vary by strength and manufacturer.
Full ingredient lists and marketing authorisation holder details can be found in the UK patient information leaflet.
Patient information leaflet
The UK patient information leaflet for vardenafil is available via the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC).
Frequently asked questions
How long does vardenafil take to work?
Vardenafil typically starts working within 25–60 minutes, although timing varies between individuals.
How long do the effects last?
The effects may last for up to around five hours, although this varies between individuals.
Does vardenafil work without sexual stimulation?
No. Sexual stimulation is required for vardenafil to be effective.
Can I take vardenafil more than once per day?
No. Vardenafil should not be taken more than once per day.
What is the difference between vardenafil and Levitra®?
Levitra® is the brand name for vardenafil. Generic vardenafil contains the same active substance and works in the same way.
Can vardenafil be taken with food?
Yes. Vardenafil can be taken with or without food.
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.
