Vardenafil is a prescription-only erectile dysfunction medication. It belongs to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, the same class as other erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra and Cialis.

Vardenafil can help you get an erection in 25 to 60 minutes and lasts up to 5 hours. Vardenafil was the active ingredient in Levitra, a branded erectile dysfunction medication which has been replaced with this generic version.

Vardenafil is a PDE-5 inhibitor which works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, increasing blood flow and making it easier for you to get and keep an erection long enough for sex.

Vardenafil only increases blood flow to the penis and will only work if you are sexually aroused. It will not treat any underlying cause of erectile dysfunction or increase your sex drive.

How effective is vardenafil?

Vardenafil is very effective at helping men sustain an erection that is hard enough for sex. Clinical trials have shown that 10mg of vardenafil improved erections in 63% of men while up to 80% of men had successful sex when taking 20mg of vardenafil.

Vardenafil is effective even if you have diabetes. Studies have reported that 10mg tablets resulted in 61% of men getting an erection, and this number increased to 64% with 20mg tablets.

Swallow the vardenafil tablet whole, with or without food. You should take a vardenafil tablet about 25 to 60 minutes before you want to have sex, and you’ll still need to be sexually aroused.

Note that when taking vardenafil, certain food and drink can affect how the treatment works. We recommend you avoid the following when taking vardenafil:

• a high-fat meal – as it would take longer for vardenafil to absorb in your body and work
• grapefruit or grapefruit juice – because it can increase side effects
• alcohol – can increase erectile dysfunction symptoms, and cause side effects

The recommended dose for vardenafil is 10mg, but your doctor may prescribe a higher 20mg dose if you do not feel this has worked well for you.

You should always take vardenafil exactly as your doctor has prescribed it to you.

When to take vardenafil

You should not take vardenafil more than once a day and you should take it up to 60 minutes before you are going to have sex.

How long does vardenafil take to work?

Most patients find that vardenafil works between 25 to 60 minutes after taking it. However, some patients may get an erection around 15 minutes later.

How long does vardenafil last?

The effects of vardenafil usually last for 4 to 5 hours, but you must be sexually aroused for it to work.

Vardenafil is available in 3 doses:

• 5mg
• 10mg
• 20mg

The standard dose is 10mg, but if this doesn’t work for you, a doctor can prescribe a higher 20mg dose. If you experience side effects or the dose is too strong for you, it may be lowered to 5mg.

You should never change your dose yourself. Your doctor should advise you if you need a higher or lower vardenafil dose and can provide a new prescription.

Vardenafil 5mg

The lowest vardenafil dose available is 5mg. This dosage is usually prescribed if you have experienced side effects on the higher doses.

The lowest dose can also be prescribed to people who have other medical conditions such as mild liver problems.

Vardenafil 10mg

The 10mg vardenafil dose is the standard recommended dose and is usually what you’ll be prescribed to begin your treatment.

Vardenafil 20mg

The maximum vardenafil dose available is 20mg and is usually prescribed if you have already tried the 10mg dose and haven’t experienced the results you were expecting, and you didn’t get any side effects.

If this dose doesn’t work, your doctor may suggest trying a different erectile dysfunction medication or treatment.

Vardenafil can be obtained with a prescription quickly and easily from reputable online services like Superdrug Online Doctor without a face-to-face appointment. It may also be available on the NHS if you meet certain requirements.

Can I buy vardenafil online?

Yes, you can request vardenafil from Superdrug Online Doctor using our quick and easy service.

To request vardenafil, you will need to:

1. Fill out a short health and lifestyle questionnaire.
2. Order your preferred treatment via your online account and make payment.
3. One of our doctors will review your order and questionnaire answers to make sure vardenafil is suitable for you.
4. If approved, your medication will be posted to your address or made available to collect at your local Superdrug Pharmacy in as little as 2-3 hours of approval.
5. If your order isn’t approved, one of our doctors will contact you via your account with alternative treatment options.

Can I buy vardenafil over the counter?

No, vardenafil is a prescription-only medication which means you will need a doctor to prescribe it in order to obtain it.

Viagra Connect, Cialis Together and Superdrug’s sildenafil are examples of over-the-counter erectile dysfunction medications. However, they contain different active ingredients and you will need to answer a few questions before a pharmacist will allow you to buy them.

Can I get vardenafil on the NHS?

Vardenafil is available on prescription but it is only prescribed on the NHS to men with erectile dysfunction which is caused by certain medical conditions. Currently, only generic sildenafil is available on the NHS for most men.

Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):

• headache

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• blocked or runny nose
• flushing
• indigestion
• dizziness

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• problems sleeping
• numbness or pain, or pins and needles in the hands, feet, arms or legs
• vision problems
• stuffy nose
• breathlessness
• acid reflux or inflamed stomach
• stomach pain, diarrhoea, being sick (vomiting), feeling sick ( nausea)
• dry mouth
• reddened skin rash
• muscle or back pain
• muscle stiffness or cramping
• prolonged erection
• feeling unwell
• ringing in the ears
• vertigo
• increased heart rate

Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):

• conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eyes)
• allergic reaction
• anxiety
• amnesia, fainting, and/or seizures
• watery eyes or increased pressure in the eye
• high or low blood pressure
• nose bleed
• chest pain (which may be a sign of a heart attack)
• sensitivity of the skin to sunlight light
• painful erections which can last for a long time

Like all medications, vardenafil can cause side effects, but not everyone will get them. Speak to your doctor if you’re worried about side effects. You can also find information on vardenafil side effects in the patient information leaflet that comes with your tablets.

How long do vardenafil side effects last?

Most side effects are mild to moderate and should go away after a few hours. If you experience persistent or bothersome side effect symptoms, contact your doctor.

What to do if you get vardenafil side effects

Mild or moderate vardenafil side effects usually go away on their own. Headaches, flushing, nasal congestion and nausea are common side effects that can be easily managed at home by staying hydrated and taking over-the-counter painkillers if needed.

However, if you are struggling with side effects or are worried about any that you are experiencing, speak to your doctor to discuss adjusting your dose or trying alternative treatments.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking vardenafil and seek immediate medical attention:

• partial, sudden, temporary, or permanent decrease or loss of vision
• allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swollen lips, tongue, or face, heart palpitations, skin rash)
• chest pain
• priapism (a prolonged and painful erection lasting more than 4 hours)

Vardenafil may not be suitable for everyone.

Do not take vardenafil if you:

• are allergic to vardenafil or any of the other ingredients in the pills
• take medications that contain nitrates
• are taking medication to treat HIV (ritonavir or indinavir)
• are over 75 and taking anti-fungal medications called ketoconazole or itraconazole
• have a severe heart or liver problem
• are having kidney dialysis
• have recently had a heart attack or stroke
• have or have had low blood pressure
• have a family history of degenerative eye disease
• have ever had non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
• are taking riociguat

You should talk to your doctor before taking vardenafil if you:

• have an irregular heartbeat or an inherited heart disease
• have a physical condition that affects the shape of your penis
• have sickle cell disease, multiple myeloma, or leukaemia
• have stomach ulcers
• have a bleeding disorder
• are using any other erectile dysfunction medications
• experience a sudden decrease or loss of vision

You should also let your doctor know if you are taking any prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medications before taking vardenafil, especially:

• nitrates
• quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, or sotalol
• ritonavir or indinavir
• ketoconazole or itraconazole
• erythromycin, clarithromycin, or macrolide antibiotics
• alpha-blockers
• riociguat

Vardenafil is not the only erectile dysfunction treatment available. If vardenafil isn’t suitable for you or you’re looking for something that works faster, lasts longer, or is available without a prescription, we explore some alternative options below.

Prescription erectile dysfunction treatments

• Viagra – The most well-known erectile dysfunction medication, also known as ‘the blue pill’, Viagra is most commonly prescribed as a standard 50mg dose. It contains the active ingredient sildenafil and can last for 4 to 6 hours.
• Cialis – A long-lasting medication that can be effective for up to 36 hours and is sometimes called ‘the weekend pill’. It contains the active ingredient tadalafil, which is also available as a generic version.
• Cialis Daily – An erectile dysfunction medication that can be taken in a lower dose, every day to help you get an erection whenever you need one, taking the need for planning out of having sex.
• Spedra – The fastest-acting prescription erectile dysfunction medication, Spedra can work in as little as 15 minutes. It contains the active ingredient avanafil.
• Vitaros – A topical cream that is applied directly to the opening of the penis to relax the blood vessels and increase blood flow to help you get an erection.

Non-prescription erectile dysfunction treatments

Not all erectile dysfunction medications need a prescription from a doctor. Here are some of the treatments you can get over the counter:

• Viagra Connect – An over-the-counter version of Viagra that can be bought without a prescription and contains the standard 50mg sildenafil dose.
• Superdrug sildenafil – A cheaper generic version of Viagra that can be bought at Superdrug Pharmacies without a prescription, but you’ll need to answer a few questions so a pharmacist can check it is safe for you to take.
• Cialis Together – Each pill contains 10mg of tadalafil and starts working within an hour to help you get and keep an erection. Its effects can last for up to 36 hours. Although you don’t need a prescription, you will need to answer a few questions so that a pharmacist can check if it is suitable for you to take.
• Eroxon Gel – A topical gel that is applied directly to the penis to stimulate nerve endings. 60% of patients get an erection within just 10 minutes of using it.
• Vaxaid V30 vacuum pump – A medication-free device that can be used with or without water to help you get harder erections for sex.

You can also check for possible underlying causes of erectile dysfunction with a home ED test kit from Superdrug Online Doctor. The kit is simple to use and requires a small amount of blood taken from a finger prick. It tests for some of the common causes of erectile dysfunction in men, such as:

• lipid levels, including cholesterol
• thyroid function
• total testosterone levels
• prostate problems
• prolactin levels
• diabetes

Can I split vardenafil tablets?

No, you must swallow one vardenafil whole. If you think your dose is too strong or too weak for you, speak to your doctor about changing your dose or medication.

Can I drink alcohol while taking vardenafil?

It is best to avoid or limit your alcohol intake when taking vardenafil because alcohol can make erectile dysfunction worse. Alcohol can also increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, flushing, and heart palpitations.

How should I store vardenafil?

You should store vardenafil out of the sight and reach of children. It should be stored at room temperature in a dry location.

Is vardenafil stronger than Viagra?

Vardenafil is more potent than Viagra, meaning that it is more selective at inhibiting PDE-5 to relax the blood vessels, which is why it’s often recommended for diabetics. However, vardenafil and sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, are similarly effective when compared in clinical trials.

What happens if vardenafil doesn't work for me?

If you have been taking vardenafil exactly as prescribed and you are still not getting the results you want, speak to your doctor about increasing your dose if possible or trying a different medication. You may also need to rule out any underlying health conditions that may be causing erectile dysfunction.

For vardenafil to work properly, it is important that you avoid large, heavy, or fatty meals while taking it as it can affect how well vardenafil works. You should also avoid drinking alcohol or limit how much you drink as it can cause side effects. Alcohol is also known to make it harder to get erections.

Does vardenafil make you last longer?

No, vardenafil cannot make you last longer in bed or cure premature ejaculation. It can, however, help you get and keep an erection that’s good enough for sex, and its effects can last for up to 5 hours.

What is the difference between Levitra and vardenafil?

Vardenafil is the generic name for Levitra. Both Levitra and vardenafil contain the same active ingredient (vardenafil), in the same dosages, and work in exactly the same way. However, Levitra is a branded medication which has now been discontinued but generic vardenafil is available instead.

Is sildenafil better than vardenafil?

Vardenafil and sildenafil are both examples of PDE-5 inhibitors and work in the same way to manage erectile dysfunction. Both are effective treatments. Some people find one treatment works better than the other for them, so you’d need to try them out to see which one you prefer.

Is tadalafil better than Levitra?

Tadalafil (Cialis) and Levitra (vardenafil) are almost as effective as one another. Tadalafil works for up to 86% of people compared to 80% for vardenafil. However, tadalafil may work quicker than Levitra for some and also lasts for up to 36 hours compared to 5 hours.