Where Can You Buy Vardenafil and How Is It Used?

Vardenafil is one of the medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction. It belongs to the same family as sildenafil and tadalafil but has its own dosing, timing and interaction profile. This article explains how vardenafil works, the main precautions and where it can be obtained in the UK.

Vardenafil, sometimes supplied as vardenafil hydrochloride, is a PDE5 inhibitor. It is used to help adult men achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation.

It is normally taken by mouth before sex. It will not cause an erection without sexual arousal.

The history of vardenafil

After the success of sildenafil, other pharmaceutical companies began developing additional PDE5 inhibitors. Bayer, GlaxoSmithKline and Schering were involved in the development and marketing of vardenafil.

The best-known brand is Levitra. Vardenafil was authorised in the early 2000s as another oral treatment for erectile dysfunction.

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction means repeatedly having difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for sex. Causes may include:

• psychological factors, such as stress, trauma or performance anxiety
• physical factors, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, nerve damage or hormonal problems.

Erectile dysfunction is more common with age but can affect men at any stage of adult life. Vardenafil is one of several possible treatments.

How vardenafil works

Vardenafil requires sexual stimulation to work. It does not create an automatic erection.

It blocks the PDE5 enzyme, allowing levels of cGMP in the erectile tissue to remain higher. This relaxes smooth muscle and increases blood flow to the penis during arousal.

Warnings and contraindications

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using vardenafil, particularly if you have cardiovascular disease or another long-term condition. Sexual activity places additional strain on the heart, so it may be unsuitable for some patients.

Vardenafil can cause a temporary reduction in blood pressure. People with circulatory problems or very low blood pressure may be particularly sensitive to this effect.

Extra care is needed with alpha-blockers because both medicines can lower blood pressure. If the combination is considered appropriate, treatment may begin at a low dose and the timing of the two medicines may need to be separated. This decision should be made by a clinician rather than by the patient.

Tell the healthcare professional assessing you if:

• you are allergic to vardenafil or any other ingredient
• you take prescription medicines, herbal products or supplements
• you receive dialysis
• you have had a stroke or heart attack
• you have a penile deformity
• you have cardiovascular disease.

Do not take vardenafil with nitrates or recreational nitrites. It may also interact with some HIV treatments, antifungals, antibiotics and medicines that affect heart rhythm.

Possible side effects

Common side effects include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion and dizziness. Less common effects may include palpitations, low blood pressure, nausea, reflux or visual changes.

Seek urgent medical help for chest pain, fainting, sudden loss of vision or hearing, a severe allergic reaction or an erection lasting more than four hours.

Do not drive, cycle or operate machinery if vardenafil makes you dizzy or affects your sight.

Healthy habits may also support erectile function:

• stop smoking
• limit alcohol
• eat a balanced diet
• exercise regularly.

Medicines containing vardenafil

The best-known vardenafil products include:

• Levitra, historically available in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg strengths
• generic vardenafil, produced by various manufacturers

Availability of individual brands changes over time and differs between countries. In the UK, vardenafil is a prescription medicine.

Recommended dose and duration

A common starting dose is 10mg, taken around 30–60 minutes before sexual activity. Depending on effectiveness, side effects and health factors, the dose may be reduced to 5mg or increased to a maximum of 20mg.

Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. Older men or those taking interacting medicines may need a lower starting dose.

A very high-fat meal may delay the onset. Sexual stimulation is still required. Vardenafil generally remains useful for around four to five hours, although the response varies.

How much does vardenafil cost?

The price depends on the brand, strength, pack size and supplier. Generic vardenafil is generally less expensive than branded Levitra.

Where can you buy vardenafil?

In the UK, vardenafil can be obtained from a high-street or online pharmacy after an appropriate prescription assessment. Online ordering may provide privacy, competitive pricing and fast delivery.

Use only an established supplier with clear contact details, secure payment and transparent information about the product and prescriber. Avoid websites that offer vardenafil without any medical questions.