What is Vardenafil?
Vardenafil (Levitra) belongs to the group of medicines called PDE-5 inhibitors. It works by blocking the PDE-5 enzyme, allowing cGMP levels to remain elevated. This relaxes the blood vessels in the penis, increasing blood flow during sexual stimulation.
Key Facts About Vardenafil
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Dosages |
5mg 10mg and 20mg |
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Recommended starting dose |
10mg tablets |
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Maximum dose |
Vardenafil 20 mg |
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Dose timing |
25-60 minutes before sexual activity |
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Effect duration |
Up to 6 hours |
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Condition |
Requires sexual stimulation |
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Minimum interval between doses |
24 hours |
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Food |
Fatty meal can delay the onset of action |
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Alcohol |
Avoid drinking alcohol or limit intake to mitigate the effect on erections and vardenafil side effects |
How does Vardenafil work?
Levitra (Vardenafil) is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Together with sildenafil and tadalafil, it belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
Because of sexual arousal, the body releases a chemical called nitric oxide in the erectile tissue of the penis. This triggers the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a molecule that relaxes smooth muscle cells and dilates blood vessels. As a result, blood flow to the penis increases, leading to an erection.
The enzyme PDE5 breaks down cGMP. When this happens too soon, it shortens the duration of an erection. Vardenafil inhibits this enzyme, so cGMP levels remain elevated for longer. This enhances and prolongs the erection.
Containing the same active ingredient, generic Vardenafil works exactly the same way as branded Levitra.
Vardenafil does not cause an erection on its own. You still need to be sexually aroused for it to work. The medication should be taken thirty to sixty minutes before sexual activity. The effects can last for four to five hours.
Vardenafil dosages for erectile dysfunction
Vardenafil is available in three strengths — 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg — as standard film-coated tablets, and also as a 10 mg orodispersible (dissolves in your mouth) tablet. All formulations are taken when needed. Unlike tadalafil, there is no daily low-dose regimen available for vardenafil.
The recommended starting dose commonly prescribed for most men is 10 mg. If this doesn't work well and is safe, the dose can be increased to 20 mg. However, men who experience side effects with 10mg tablets, or those who are older or have mild to moderate liver or kidney problems, may find it better to start at 5 mg.
The maximum dose of vardenafil is 20 mg per day.
Regardless of strength or formulation, only one dose of vardenafil should be taken within any 24-hour period.
Manufacturers of Vardenafil
Since the expiry of the Levitra patent, multiple licensed manufacturers produce high-quality generic Levitra products such as Vardenafil Stada, Vardenafil Zentiva, Vardenaristo, and others.
All must demonstrate bioequivalence, meaning the same safety, quality and efficacy as the branded medication Levitra - usually at 40–60% lower cost.
How should Vardenafil be taken?
The recommended dosage of vardenafil is 10 mg, taken 30-60 minutes before sexual intercourse with a glass of water.
Important:
- Take no more than one Vardenafil tablet once a day
- Leave at least 24 hours between doses
- Do not exceed the maximum dose of vardenafil 20 mg
- Take on an empty stomach or after a light meal
- Only effective with sexual stimulation
- Do not take a double dose if you forget to take a dose.
Meals: Very fatty foods can delay the onset of action by up to 1-2 hours and weaken the effect of vardenafil – therefore, take on an empty stomach or after a light meal.
Alcohol: Excessive consumption impairs erectile function and increases vardenafil side effects such as dizziness and drop in blood pressure. Only moderate alcohol consumption is permitted.
How effective is Vardenafil in the erectile dysfunction treatment?
Generic Levitra is a highly effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. It works for most men, including those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
In clinical trials, response rates for vardenafil range from approximately 70% to 80%, depending on the severity and cause of erectile dysfunction [1]. Many men report improved ability to achieve and maintain erections. Users also point out greater confidence and satisfaction during sexual activity.
One of the strengths of vardenafil is its reliability and potency. Some studies suggest it may be particularly effective in men who did not respond well to other PDE5 inhibitors [2]. It also has a relatively fast onset of action (sometimes in as little as 25 minutes).
The effectiveness can vary based on several factors, including:
- Overall health
- Lifestyle habits (such as smoking or alcohol consumption)
- Psychological factors like stress or anxiety
What are the Vardenafil side effects?
Is Vardenafil safe?
Yes, Vardenafil is generally safe and well-tolerated.
Still, as with any medication, some side effects are possible individually:
Very common: Headaches
Common: Dizziness, facial flushing, nasal congestion or runny nose, and indigestion
Occasional: Swelling of the skin or mucous membranes (including swelling of the face, lips, or throat), sleep disturbances, drowsiness, numbness or altered touch perception, visual disturbances, red or irritated eyes, colour vision changes, eye discomfort or light sensitivity, tinnitus, vertigo, rapid heartbeat or palpitations, shortness of breath, nasal obstruction, acid reflux, gastritis, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, dry mouth, elevated liver enzymes, skin rash or redness, back or muscle pain, increased creatine phosphokinase, muscle stiffness, prolonged erections, and general malaise.
Rare: Conjunctivitis, allergic reactions, anxiety, fainting, memory problems, seizures, increased eye pressure (glaucoma), excessive tearing, serious cardiac events (such as heart attack, arrhythmias, or angina), high or low blood pressure, nosebleeds, abnormal liver test results, photosensitivity, painful erections, chest pain, and transient reduced blood flow to parts of the brain.
Always read the leaflet before you buy vardenafil.
When should Vardenafil be avoided?
You should not take or buy Vardenafil in the following cases of vardenafil warnings:
- Concomitant use of nitrates or nitric oxide donors (life-threatening!)
- Recent heart attack or stroke
- Severe heart disease
- Low blood pressure or severe liver failure
- Allergies to vardenafil
Vardenafil should never be taken in combination with other erectile dysfunction medications — including sildenafil, tadalafil, or avanafil — as combining PDE5 inhibitors significantly increases the risk of a dangerous drop in blood pressure and offers no additional therapeutic benefit.
Men with kidney dialysis should speak to their doctor before taking vardenafil, as the drug can stay in their blood for longer. This means that a lower starting dose of 5 mg may be needed, and they will need to be checked more often.
Men taking medication to treat high blood pressure (e.g. alpha blockers) should inform their prescriber before using vardenafil, as the combination can have an additive blood-pressure-lowering effect.
Men with hereditary degenerative eye diseases (with a family history) should discuss this with their doctor before taking vardenafil, as the drug can slightly reduce the activity of an enzyme involved in retinal function. This means it is not yet known whether vardenafil is safe for these patients, so caution is advised.
Men taking certain antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV — particularly strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir or saquinavir — should not take vardenafil without specialist medical advice, as these drugs significantly increase vardenafil levels in the bloodstream and the combination can lead to a serious increase in side effects.
Buy Vardenafil Online in the UK
- Can you buy Vardenafil over the counter?
No. Vardenafil in the UK is a prescription-only medication. Any offer of “vardenafil without prescription” should be avoided. Trying to buy or order Vardenafil without a prescription is unsafe and illegal.
- Where can you buy Vardenafil in the UK?
In the UK, generic Levitra is available from a wide range of licensed sources, including online healthcare services and traditional community pharmacies. Once prescribed, you can select the most convenient option for you, whether home delivery or in-store collection.
- Can you buy vardenafil online?
Yes, you can order vardenafil online after completing a medical questionnaire. If suitable, a doctor will issue a prescription, and the medication will be sent discreetly.
- What is the Vardenafil price?
Prices vary, but larger pack sizes often offer better value.
When buying generic Levitra online, compare Vardenafil price across reputable suppliers.
Vardenafil experiences
Numerous users report positive effects with generic vardenafil, particularly in terms of faster action and good erection quality:
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These individual reports do not replace professional medical advice.
Vardenafil alternatives
Along with branded and generic Levitra, other medications for the treatment of erectile dysfunction are:
- Sildenafil (Viagra) – effective for 4-6 hours, less expensive
- Tadalafil (Cialis) – effective for up to 36 hours, also suitable for long-term therapy
- Avanafil (Spedra)– effective within 15 minutes, lasting up to 6 hours
When compared with others, Vardenafil often shows fewer visual disturbances and a faster onset of action.
Vardenafil vs Sildenafil – which is better?
Vardenafil and sildenafil are both PDE5 inhibitors and work in very similar ways. However, some differences exist. These can make one medication more suitable for certain users. Here’s an overview:
Onset and duration: Although both medications typically start working within thirty to sixty minutes, vardenafil may have a slightly faster onset in some users. The duration is similar (four to six hours).
Effectiveness: Both drugs are highly effective. However, some evidence suggests that vardenafil may be slightly more potent on a milligram-to-milligram basis. It may also work better in men with diabetes.
Food interaction: A high-fat meal may delay Sildenafil’s absorption, leading to a reduction in effectiveness or a slower onset. Vardenafil is less affected by food, and therefore a more flexible option for some users.
Side effects: The side effects are similar. They may include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and dizziness. However, individual tolerance can vary. Some men may find one drug more comfortable than the other.
Which is better?
There is no universally “better” option. The choice between vardenafil and sildenafil depends on individual response, lifestyle, and personal preference. Some men may try both under medical guidance to determine which works best for them.
References:
[1] Kedia, G. T., Ückert, S., Tsikas, D., Becker, A. J., Kuczyk, M. A., & Bannowsky, A. (2020). The Use of Vasoactive Drugs in the Treatment of Male Erectile Dysfunction: Current Concepts. Journal of clinical medicine, 9(9), 2987. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9092987
[2] Cai, Z., Song, X., Zhang, J., Yang, B., & Li, H. (2020). Practical Approaches to Treat ED in PDE5i Nonresponders. Aging and disease, 11(5), 1202–1218. https://doi.org/10.14336/AD.2019.1028
