Vardenafil (Levitra) Guide: What It Is and How It Works

Vardenafil is the active ingredient best known under the brand name Levitra. It is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and sits alongside sildenafil, tadalafil and avanafil as one of the main oral options. This guide explains how it works and what to keep in mind.

What vardenafil does

Like all PDE5 inhibitors, vardenafil works by relaxing the smooth muscle in the blood vessels of the penis. This allows more blood to flow in when you are sexually aroused, helping you achieve and maintain an erection. It does not increase desire and does nothing without sexual stimulation.

If you are new to ED treatment, our erectile dysfunction explained page is a helpful starting point.

Onset and duration

Vardenafil usually begins to work within around 30 to 60 minutes of taking a tablet. Its effect typically lasts for several hours — broadly similar to sildenafil and shorter than tadalafil. Because of this, it is most often used as an "on-demand" treatment taken ahead of planned intimacy.

A large, fatty meal can delay its onset, so many people take it without a heavy meal beforehand.

How vardenafil compares

• Versus sildenafil: very similar timing and duration; some people simply respond better to one than the other. See our Sildenafil guide.
• Versus tadalafil: vardenafil is much shorter-acting, so it suits people who prefer a defined window rather than a long-lasting effect. See our Tadalafil guide.

Common side effects

Most side effects are mild and pass quickly:

• Headache
• Flushing of the face
• Blocked or runny nose
• Indigestion
• Dizziness

Less commonly, some people notice temporary changes in vision. The patient information leaflet lists the full range and how to respond to each.

Who should be cautious

Vardenafil is not suitable for everyone. Particular care is needed if you:

• Take nitrate medicines or use poppers — these combinations are dangerous and must be avoided entirely.
• Take alpha-blockers or other blood-pressure medicines.
• Have certain heart conditions, severe liver or kidney problems, or a history of certain eye disorders.
• Take medicines that can affect heart rhythm.

Always give your doctor or pharmacist a full list of your medicines and health conditions before starting.

Safety must-knows

• Never combine vardenafil with nitrates or poppers — the result can be a sudden, severe drop in blood pressure.
• Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours.
• An erection lasting more than four hours (priapism) needs emergency care.
• Seek urgent help for chest pain, fainting, or sudden vision or hearing loss.

In short

Vardenafil, the active ingredient in Levitra, is a reliable, well-established PDE5 inhibitor with timing similar to sildenafil. It works only with arousal and must never be mixed with nitrates. To explore alternatives, see the full erectile dysfunction range or shop all.

General information only — not medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet and consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication.