What is Vardenafil?
Vardenafil is the generic, unbranded version of Levitra, and both are treatments for erectile dysfunction in adult men. Levitra and Vardenafil contain the active ingredient Vardenafil and so are medically equivalent. In comparison with other erectile dysfunction treatments, Vardenafil has a longer lasting effect.
What is the difference between Vardenafil and Levitra?
Generic medications have the same active ingredient as their branded versions but available on the market at a lower price. Manufacturers of generic medicines have to show that the medicines are equally effective, that is, they have the same strength, quality, stability and efficacy.
How does it work?
Vardenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5) and works by relaxing the muscles in the penis to allow more blood to flow through the blood vessels. The extra blood in the penis results in a firm erection for sexual intercourse.
How do I take Vardenafil?
A tablet should be swallowed whole with water about 25-60 minutes before intended sexual activity. Vardenafil will not work without sexual stimulation. The recommended initial dose is 10mg once a day maximum, which can be adjusted according to how you respond to the medicine.
How long does Vardenafil take to work?
The drug acts with the presence of sexual stimulation approximately 25-60 minutes after taking the dose.
How long does Vardenafil last?
Vardenafil remains in the body for around 4-5 hours.
Are there alternatives to Vardenafil?
There are multiple ED medications on the market, the most popular of which are Sildenafil (Viagra) and Tadalafil (Cialis).
We offer specially priced ED trial packs:
How does it work?
Vardenafil belongs to a group of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5), which relaxes the blood vessels in the penis and allows the blood to flow. Combined with sexual stimulation, Vardenafil helps to achieve and maintain the erectile function.
Does food have an effect on its activity?
You can take a pill with or without food but eating a capsule with a high-fat meal can delay the action of the drug and reduce its effectiveness.
What are the risks of taking Vardenafil?
There are certain risks for those also taking alpha-blockers found in high blood pressure medication, nitrates used in cardiovascular drugs and other phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors including Sildenafil, Tadalafil and Avanafil.
Can I buy Vardenafil over the counter?
No. You can only buy Vardenafil from some UK pharmacies after a consultation with your pharmacist. However, not all pharmacists and pharmacies offer this service.
| Vardenafil (Generic Levitra) |
|---|
| Strength
| 5 mg
10 mg
20 mg |
| How long it lasts
| Up to 5 hours |
| Dosage
| One tablet 30 minutes before |
| How fast it works
| 30 minutes |
| Active Ingredient
| Vardenafil |
A headache is the most common side effect that occurs when taking Vardenafil, occurring in more than 1 in 10 users. Other common side effects include:
- pain in your back/muscles/head
- migraines
- getting flushed/going red
- indigestion
- feeling and or being sick
- getting a blocked or runny nose
- vision disturbances
Information Leaflet
Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.
Important: We advise you to always read the patient information leaflet inside the medication box, as the generic medication may not always entirely match the patient information leaflet listed. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Written and reviewed by our qualified team
Authored by:
Carolina Goncalves
Superintendent
Pharmacist
Reviewed by:
Rehma Gill
Pharmacy
Manager
Find out more about how we ensure the accuracy of our content with our content guidelines.
Content last updated:
13 Sep 2023