Vardenafil is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. It belongs to the same group of medicines as sildenafil and tadalafil, known as PDE5 inhibitors.
In the UK, authorised vardenafil medicines are available in several strengths, including 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets. Vardenafil is also commonly associated with the brand name Levitra, although generic vardenafil medicines are available.
This guide explains how vardenafil works, when it is taken, available strengths, possible side effects, medicine interactions and how it compares with sildenafil and tadalafil.
What Is Vardenafil?
Vardenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, usually shortened to a PDE5 inhibitor.
It is used to help adult men with erectile dysfunction achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity.
Like sildenafil and tadalafil, vardenafil supports the body’s natural erectile response rather than producing an erection automatically.
Sexual stimulation is required for vardenafil to work.
How Does Vardenafil Work?
During sexual stimulation, chemical signals cause blood vessels supplying the penis to relax. This increases blood flow into erectile tissue.
The PDE5 enzyme normally contributes to reducing this response. Vardenafil inhibits PDE5 and helps the natural erectile process remain active for longer.
Vardenafil does not directly increase sexual desire or libido. Its purpose is to support the physical erectile response when sexual stimulation occurs.
Vardenafil in the UK
Vardenafil is an established erectile dysfunction medicine and authorised vardenafil products are available in the United Kingdom.
Current UK-authorised products include generic vardenafil tablets supplied in several strengths.
These medicines are prescription-only and should be used according to the instructions supplied with the particular product and appropriate medical advice.
Vardenafil 5mg, 10mg and 20mg
Authorised vardenafil tablets are commonly available in three strengths:
- Vardenafil 5mg
- Vardenafil 10mg
- Vardenafil 20mg
For many adult men, the recommended starting dose is 10mg taken when required.
Depending on effectiveness and tolerability, the dose may be reduced to 5mg or increased to 20mg.
The maximum recommended dose for many authorised vardenafil products is 20mg, and the maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day.
A stronger tablet should not automatically be considered a better treatment. Dose selection should take individual response, health conditions, other medicines and side effects into account.
When Is Vardenafil Taken?
Vardenafil is generally taken approximately 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity.
Individual response can vary, so the exact timing that works best may differ between people.
The instructions supplied with the particular medicine should always be followed.
Does Vardenafil Require Sexual Stimulation?
Yes. Vardenafil does not create an erection independently.
Sexual stimulation is needed to trigger the natural chemical processes that vardenafil helps support.
This is similar to sildenafil and tadalafil, which also require sexual stimulation for their intended erectile effect.
Can Vardenafil Be Taken With Food?
Vardenafil can generally be taken with or without food.
However, a high-fat meal can delay the onset of action. This means the medicine may take longer to produce its intended effect after a particularly fatty meal.
People using vardenafil should consider this when planning the timing of a dose.
Vardenafil and Levitra
Vardenafil is commonly associated with the brand name Levitra.
The relationship between the two terms is straightforward:
- Vardenafil is the active pharmaceutical ingredient.
- Levitra is a brand name associated with vardenafil.
Generic medicines can contain the same active ingredient without using the Levitra brand name.
When comparing ED medicines, it is usually more useful to identify the active ingredient than to rely only on the brand name.
Vardenafil vs Sildenafil
Vardenafil and sildenafil are both PDE5 inhibitors and work through broadly similar mechanisms.
Both are taken before anticipated sexual activity and both require sexual stimulation.
| Feature | Vardenafil | Sildenafil |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine group | PDE5 inhibitor | PDE5 inhibitor |
| Common strengths | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg |
| Typical timing | About 25–60 minutes before sexual activity | Often around 1 hour before sexual activity |
| Sexual stimulation required | Yes | Yes |
| Food effect | High-fat meals can delay onset | Substantial meals can delay onset |
The two medicines should not be treated as directly interchangeable simply because they belong to the same drug group.
Individual response, interactions and medical history can influence which treatment is appropriate.
For detailed sildenafil information, see our Sildenafil UK guide.
Vardenafil vs Tadalafil
Vardenafil and tadalafil are also both PDE5 inhibitors, but tadalafil has a considerably longer potential treatment window.
Tadalafil can remain useful for up to 36 hours in some patients, whereas vardenafil is generally used within a shorter period around anticipated sexual activity.
This difference can affect treatment preference. Some people prefer a shorter-acting medicine taken for a particular occasion, while others may prefer the longer period of flexibility associated with tadalafil.
Neither approach is automatically better.
For more information, see our Tadalafil UK guide.
Vardenafil vs Sildenafil vs Tadalafil
The three medicines share the same general mechanism but have different characteristics.
| Active ingredient | Common ED strengths | Typical timing | Notable characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sildenafil | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg | Often around 1 hour before sexual activity | Widely used and available in many authorised products |
| Tadalafil | 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg | From around 30 minutes beforehand | Potential effect for up to 36 hours |
| Vardenafil | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg | About 25–60 minutes beforehand | Established short-acting PDE5 inhibitor |
For our complete comparison, visit the ED Medicines by Ingredient guide.
Common Vardenafil Side Effects
Like other medicines, vardenafil can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Possible side effects can include:
- Headache
- Facial flushing
- Blocked or stuffy nose
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Nausea
The frequency and severity of side effects vary between individuals.
Persistent or troublesome symptoms should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Vardenafil Side Effects
Serious adverse reactions are less common but may require urgent medical attention.
Medical help should be sought for severe allergic reactions, serious cardiovascular symptoms, sudden significant changes in vision or hearing, or a painful erection that lasts for several hours.
Anyone experiencing a serious reaction should not take another dose simply to test whether the problem occurs again.
Vardenafil and Nitrate Medicines
An important safety issue with PDE5 inhibitors involves nitrate medicines used for chest pain or angina.
Vardenafil should not normally be combined with nitrates because the combination can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure.
This precaution also applies to sildenafil and tadalafil.
Vardenafil and Poppers
Recreational substances commonly known as poppers can contain nitrates or related substances.
Combining them with vardenafil can lead to a potentially dangerous reduction in blood pressure.
The interaction relates to the pharmacological effect of vardenafil and should not be ignored because the product is being used recreationally rather than as a prescribed medicine.
Vardenafil and Other Medicines
Vardenafil can interact with a number of other medicines.
Particular care can be necessary with some medicines used for:
- Heart rhythm problems
- High or low blood pressure
- HIV treatment
- Fungal infections
- Bacterial infections
- Prostate conditions
Some medicines can substantially increase the amount of vardenafil in the blood and may require dose adjustment or avoidance of the combination.
Anyone taking regular medicines should check for interactions before using vardenafil.
Vardenafil and Grapefruit
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can affect the enzymes responsible for processing some medicines.
With vardenafil, grapefruit may increase the amount of medicine in the bloodstream and therefore increase the risk of side effects.
Current UK product information advises avoiding the combination.
Vardenafil and Heart Rhythm
Vardenafil has particular precautions concerning the heart’s electrical rhythm.
People with certain conditions associated with prolonged QT intervals or those taking some anti-arrhythmic medicines may require particular caution or may be advised to avoid vardenafil.
This is one reason ED medicines should not be selected solely according to product strength or price.
Who May Need Extra Care With Vardenafil?
Vardenafil is not suitable for everyone.
Additional medical assessment can be important for people with:
- Significant cardiovascular disease
- Very low blood pressure
- Recent serious cardiovascular events
- Severe liver problems
- Severe kidney problems
- Certain inherited eye conditions
- Heart rhythm conditions
Other medicines being taken can also affect whether vardenafil is appropriate.
Vardenafil and Erectile Dysfunction Causes
Vardenafil treats the erectile symptom but does not necessarily treat the underlying condition responsible for ED.
Persistent erectile dysfunction can be associated with factors including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Hormonal conditions
- Anxiety or depression
- Some prescription medicines
Repeated erectile problems can therefore justify a broader medical assessment rather than simply increasing the dose of an ED medicine.
Which ED Ingredient Is Best?
There is no single active ingredient that is automatically best for every man with erectile dysfunction.
Choosing between sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil can depend on:
- How quickly treatment is required
- Preferred duration of effect
- Other medicines
- Existing health conditions
- Previous treatment response
- Side effects
- How often sexual activity is anticipated
Some people respond well to one PDE5 inhibitor but find another less effective or less well tolerated.
Vardenafil Frequently Asked Questions
What is vardenafil used for?
Vardenafil is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men.
What strengths does vardenafil come in?
Authorised UK vardenafil tablets are available in strengths including 5mg, 10mg and 20mg.
What is the usual vardenafil dose?
For many adult men, the recommended initial dose is 10mg when required. Depending on response and tolerability, this may be reduced to 5mg or increased to 20mg.
How long before sex is vardenafil taken?
Current UK product information generally recommends taking vardenafil approximately 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity.
Can vardenafil be taken every day?
The maximum recommended dosing frequency for many authorised vardenafil products is once per day. It is normally used when required rather than as the type of continuous low-dose daily regimen sometimes used with tadalafil.
Does vardenafil work without sexual stimulation?
No. Sexual stimulation is required for vardenafil to have its intended erectile effect.
Can vardenafil be taken with food?
Yes, but a high-fat meal can delay the onset of action.
Is vardenafil the same as Levitra?
Vardenafil is the active ingredient associated with Levitra. Generic vardenafil medicines can contain the same active ingredient without using the Levitra brand name.
Can vardenafil be taken with nitrates?
Vardenafil should not normally be combined with nitrate medicines because of the risk of a dangerous fall in blood pressure.
More ED Medicine Information
Return to our ED Medicines by Ingredient guide to compare vardenafil with sildenafil and tadalafil.
Read the individual ingredient guides:
For our broader information about Kamagra, sildenafil and erectile dysfunction medicines, visit the Kamagra UK information homepage.
This page provides general educational information about vardenafil and erectile dysfunction. It does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional.
