Vardenafil (Generic Levitra)

Treatment for erectile dysfunction with vardenafil

Vardenafil is a prescription-only medicine for  erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. Erectile dysfunction is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity.

Vardenafil is a  phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor that works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. It does not cause an erection without sexual arousal. Vardenafil is taken on demand before sexual activity. The appropriate dose  is determined by a UK-registered prescriber following a medical assessment.

How to access vardenafil online

Complete a confidential medical questionnaire through our online consultation service.

A UK-registered prescriber will review your responses and, if vardenafil is clinically appropriate, will issue a prescription.

Important information

DoktorABC UK is a digital health platform that connects patients with independent, UK-registered prescribers. DoktorABC UK does not itself provide medical care, issue prescriptions or dispense medicines. All clinical decisions are made by the UK-registered prescriber following an individual medical assessment.

What is vardenafil?

Vardenafil is a prescription medicine for 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 typically begins to work within 25–60 minutes with  effects lasting up to  five hours, though this varies between men.

What is the active substance in vardenafil?

The active substance is vardenafil hydrochloride.

Vardenafil works by inhibiting the PDE-5 enzyme, which regulates blood flow in the penis, enhancing 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 a  medical assessment.

A UK-registered prescriber will  consider cardiovascular health and fitness for sexual activity, current medicines, including nitrates, and 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 in5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg.  

The usual 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. All dose adjustments must be made by your UK-registered prescriber.

Can I change doses myself?

No. Any dose adjustment should only be made in consultation with your UK-registered prescriber.

How is vardenafil taken?

Always take vardenafil exactly as prescribed and according to the patient information leaflet.

Take one tablet approximately 25 - 60 minutes before sexual activity, swallowed whole with water. It can be taken with or without food. Do not take more than one dose in a 24 hour period. 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 how well vardenafil works?

A  number of factors may influence your response to vardenafil including underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes, certain medicines, and incorrect timing or dosage. Heavy alcohol consumption may also reduce erectile function and increase the risk of side effects. Your UK-registered prescriber can advise if you are concerned.

When should vardenafil not be used?

Do not take vardenafil  if you:

• Are allergic to vardenafil or any of its ingredients.
• Take nitrate medicines for chest pain (angina) or use nitric oxide donors such as amyl nitrite ("poppers").
• Take riociguat
• Have recently had a 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 men under the age of 18.

Always tell your UK-registered prescriber about your full medical history and current medicines before starting treatment.

Warnings and precautions

Speak to a UK-registered prescriber 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 an 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 alongside any other treatments for erectile dysfunction unless specifically advised by a UK-registered prescriber.

Stop taking vardenafil and seek medical advice immediately if you experience sudden vision loss.

Interactions with other medicines, food and drink

Tell your UK-registered prescriber if you take alpha blockers, medicines for blood pressure antifungals or certain antibiotics, medicines for HIV, or any 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
• A 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 or by searching for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

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