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Overview

What Is Vardenafil?

Vardenafil is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. It comes in tablet form and is also available under the brand name Levitra in the UK. It falls under a group of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors.

Erectile dysfunction is a common condition that makes it difficult for a man to get and maintain an erection. This is because there is an insignificant amount of blood flow to the penis needed to get erect. It is most common in men between the ages of 40 and 70; in fact, 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 will have suffered from erectile dysfunction to some degree. There are many causes of erectile dysfunction that stem from both physical and mental problems. Luckily, there is a range of treatments available to counteract these problems.

What Is Vardenafil Used For?

Vardenafil tablets are used to treat erectile dysfunction, which is a man’s inability to achieve or maintain an erection. Combined with sexual stimulation, vardenafil increases blood flow to your penis by widening the blood vessels, helping you to get and maintain an erection.

It should be noted that simply taking a vardenafil tablet is not sufficient to produce an erection. Vardenafil is not an aphrodisiac, and in order to release nitric oxide from the penile nerves, sexual stimulation is required. Vardenafil amplifies the signal between the penis and the brain, which helps people have an erection.

Vardenafil and Alcohol

While there is no evidence of adverse health effects when using vardenafil and alcohol together, drinking alcohol can make it harder to get an erection. For this reason, it is not recommended that you take vardenafil and drink alcohol.

Combining vardenafil tablets and alcohol may also make you more likely to experience side effects such as:

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Flushing
  • Fainting
  • Heart palpitations

Vardenafil vs Viagra

Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil. Vardenafil and Viagra are both treatments for erectile dysfunction and medications known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medications work by blocking the PDE5 enzyme in the blood vessels, helping them to relax and increasing blood flow. Vardenafil and Viagra both boost nitric oxide, a natural chemical that helps the penis muscle relax. This relaxation and improved blood flow make it easier to get and maintain an erection when aroused.

The time each medication takes to work differs slightly. While vardenafil can take up to an hour to be effective, Viagra can take 30 to 60 minutes to work. The effects of both vardenafil and Viagra last for around 4 hours. Compared to Viagra, vardenafil has less common side effects, not normally being associated with muscle aches or rash (although there is a small risk of them).

Vardenafil vs Sildenafil

Sildenafil is the generic name for Viagra, the branded erectile dysfunction treatment. Viagra and sildenafil are identical and both contain the same active ingredient; sildenafil citrate. Like vardenafil, sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. This type of medication blocks the PDE5 enzyme, helping the blood vessels to relax and improving blood flow. Both sildenafil and vardenafil boost nitric oxide, which is a naturally produced chemical that helps the muscles in the penis relax. A combination of the improved blood flow and this relaxation makes getting and maintaining an erection easier when you are aroused.

The time it takes vardenafil and sildenafil to work can vary. Vardenafil takes up to an hour to work, while sildenafil can be effective in 30 to 60 minutes. The effects of both treatments last for about 4 hours. There are fewer common side effects associated with vardenafil compared to sildenafil. Vardenafil is not commonly associated with rash or muscle aches (although there is a small chance they could occur).

Vardenafil Reviews

Many users have commented online that vardenafil helps them get an erection within one hour. Reviewers, including men over the age of 60, have expressed their satisfaction that the treatment helps them get an erection and maintain it long enough to have sex, and then have intercourse for a second time hours later. Some users experienced no side effects.

Among the most regularly reported side effects are flushing, stuffy nose and headache. Not all men said that they require a 20 mg dose of vardenafil to get and maintain an erection, with some commenting that only 5 mg or 10 mg was required. Users have reported that they even found it easier to get an erection the day after using vardenafil.

Is Vardenafil Sold Over The Counter?

You will need a prescription to buy vardenafil in the UK. Vardenafil tablets are not available to purchase over the counter. Your suitability for the medication will need to be assessed by a doctor before you can buy this erectile dysfunction treatment in the UK. After it is confirmed you are suitable for vardenafil, you can be issued a prescription.

For convenience, buy vardenafil online at Online Mens Clinic. You will just need to complete a short medical assessment before one of our online pharmacists reviews your questionnaire. We can then confirm your suitability for vardenafil and issue your prescription. Your vardenafil tablets will be sent out by next day delivery. Buy vardenafil UK-wide at Online Mens Clinic today.

Directions

Vardenafil Dosage

The normal initial dose for erectile dysfunction is 10 mg taken around an hour before sexual activity. If you think a 10 mg dose is too weak or not strong enough, you should speak to your pharmacist or doctor. This dose can be increased to 20 mg or reduced to 5 mg, according to tolerability and effectiveness for each individual.

Vardenafil tablets shouldn’t be taken more than once a day. You should note that sexual stimulation is required for the treatment to be effective.

How to Use Vardenafil

Vardenafil tablets are taken with water, with or without food. If you have had a meal before you take vardenafil, the treatment could take longer to be effective. A heavy or fatty meal is likely to delay the effect of the medication. You shouldn’t drink grapefruit juice when using vardenafil, as this can boost the blood levels of the drug and trigger side effects such as headache and flushing.

If vardenafil tablets are not working satisfactorily, you should speak to your pharmacist or doctor, who can advise you on another erectile dysfunction treatment that may be more effective. Don’t take vardenafil more than once per day, or combine it with other erectile dysfunction treatments, nitrate medications, or poppers (amyl nitrate).

You may not be suitable for vardenafil if:

  • You are taking medication for arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
  • You are taking medication for an enlarged prostate gland
  • You are taking medication for high blood pressure
  • You have a heart problem
  • You have a liver problem
  • You have kidney dialysis
  • You are taking medications for HIV
  • You are over 75 and are taking anti-fungal medicine
  • You have recently had a stroke
  • You have recently had a heart attack

How Long Does Vardenafil Last?

You may be able to get an erection any time from 25 minutes up to 5 hours after taking vardenafil tablets. Some men have reported that it was still easier for them to get an erection the day after taking the medication.

Side Effects

Vardenafil Side Effects

Many people who take vardenafil tablets will not experience serious side effects. Among the most common potential side effects of vardenafil are:

  • Flushing
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Runny nose
  • Stuffy nose

Getting up slowly from sitting or lying down can help to reduce the risk of dizziness. If any of these side effects persist or get worse, inform your pharmacist or doctor.

Less common side effects of vardenafil include:

  • Tiredness
  • Sleeping disorders
  • Numbness
  • Swollen face or throat
  • Vertigo
  • Ringing ears
  • Vision changes such as trouble telling green and blue apart
  • Breathlessness
  • Rash
  • Acid reflux
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Muscle pain
  • Back pain
  • Malaise (a general feeling of discomfort)

If you experience any of these side effects, you should stop taking vardenafil and contact your doctor.

If you have any of the following side effects:

  • Prolonged erections (an erection for over four hours, or a painful erection)
  • Sudden vision changes or loss
  • Symptoms of a heart attack such as chest pain and pressure
  • Pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder

You should seek immediate medical help.

Patient Information Leaflet

Vardenafil Tablets Treatment Patient Information Leaflet

For more information on Vardenafil Tablets treatment, take a look at the patient information leaflet below:

Author Information

All of our medication and condition content is written by UK qualified pharmacists and doctors.

Nazmul Kadir

Authored by

Nazmul Kadir

Director & Superintendent Pharmacist

GPhC Number: 2215377

Reviewed by

Review Date 12 February 2023
Next Review 12 February 2024
Published on 9 June 2022
Last Update 6 February 2026

Vardenafil Tablets (5mg, 10mg & 20mg) FAQs

Medically reviewed on February 12th, 2023

What is erectile dysfunction and how is it treated?

Erectile dysfunction is when a man has difficulty getting or maintaining an erection firm enough for sex. Treatment usually involves addressing the underlying cause and, where appropriate, using erectile dysfunction medication such as oral tablets that improve blood flow to the penis. Lifestyle changes and psychological support may also help.

What are the most common erectile dysfunction treatments?

The most common ED treatments are oral medications like sildenafil and tadalafil. These erectile dysfunction tablets are widely prescribed in the UK and are effective for many men when taken as directed. Your prescriber will recommend the most suitable option based on your needs.

What is the best erectile dysfunction treatment for most men?

There isn’t a single best option for everyone. The best erectile dysfunction treatment depends on factors such as how often you experience ED, how quickly you want the medication to work, and how long you want the effects to last. A medical consultation helps determine the most appropriate treatment.

Do erectile dysfunction pills work straight away?

Most erectile dysfunction pills start working within 30 to 60 minutes, although this can vary depending on the medication and whether you’ve eaten recently. Sexual stimulation is still required for the medication to be effective.

Is it safe to get ED treatment online?

Yes, ED treatment online is safe when it’s provided following a medical consultation and prescribed by a UK-registered prescriber. Online Men’s Pharmacy only supplies regulated ED medication after suitability has been reviewed.

Can younger men use erectile dysfunction medication?

Yes. Erectile dysfunction can affect men of all ages. Younger men may experience ED due to stress, anxiety, or lifestyle factors, and erectile dysfunction treatment may be appropriate depending on the cause. Suitability is always assessed during the consultation.

Will I need to take ED medication long-term?

Not necessarily. Some men use ED treatment occasionally, while others may use it more regularly. This depends on what’s causing the erectile dysfunction and whether the underlying issue improves over time. Your prescriber can advise on what’s appropriate for you.

Can erectile dysfunction tablets be taken with other medications?

Some erectile dysfunction medications can interact with other medicines, particularly nitrates and certain heart or blood pressure treatments. That’s why it’s important to declare all medications during your consultation so a prescriber can confirm whether ED tablets are safe for you.

A fully qualified team

Our experienced pharmacists are all registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council in the UK.

View our full team
Nazmul Kadir Nazmul Kadir

Director & Superintendent Pharmacist

MPharm, PgDip

Anna Wedderburn Anna Wedderburn

Clinical Director

MPharm

Stephanie Beirne Stephanie Beirne

Clinical Governance Lead

MPharm, PgDip

Fahmida Kadir Image Fahmida Kadir

Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist

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