Skip to main content
Free EU delivery over €110.00
Track
Kam4eu

Active ingredient

Vardenafil

Vardenafil is the active ingredient in medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It belongs to the class of medicines known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It is the generic equivalent of the originally branded medicine Levitra. It is used by men who have trouble achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for sexual activity.

Reviewed by the Kam4eu Pharmacy Team on 21 June 2026 · Next review June 2027

Vardenafil medicines we deliver

Browse the full Erectile Dysfunction range

6 generic Vardenafil products — same molecule, different brands, formats and pack sizes.

How it works

Vardenafil inhibits the PDE5 enzyme, allowing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) to accumulate so that the blood vessels in the penis relax and blood flow improves during sexual stimulation. Sexual arousal is still necessary for the medicine to produce an effect. It generally starts to work within roughly half an hour to an hour, and its effect usually lasts for a few hours.

How it is taken

Vardenafil is taken by mouth a short while before planned sexual activity, at the dose advised by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food, though a high-fat meal may slow how quickly it begins to work. No more than one dose should be taken in any 24-hour period. Always follow the patient information leaflet and the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.

Side effects

Common (usually mild and temporary):

  • Headache
  • Flushing
  • Nasal congestion
  • Indigestion
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea

Stop and seek medical help if you experience:

  • A painful erection lasting longer than 4 hours (priapism) — seek urgent medical help
  • Sudden loss or decrease in vision in one or both eyes
  • Sudden loss or reduction in hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears
  • Chest pain during or after sexual activity
  • Signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips or throat, rash or difficulty breathing

Safety & who should not take it

  • Must NOT be taken with nitrate medicines for chest pain or with nitric-oxide donors such as 'poppers', as a dangerous drop in blood pressure can result.
  • Use with caution if you have heart or blood-vessel disease, or if sexual activity has been advised against.
  • Tell your doctor about any liver or kidney problems, as a dose adjustment may be required.
  • Caution is needed with low blood pressure and with alpha-blockers or other medicines that lower blood pressure.
  • Vardenafil may affect heart rhythm; tell your doctor about any heart-rhythm conditions or related medicines.
  • Alcohol can further lower blood pressure and may increase dizziness.
  • Not intended for use by women, children or anyone under 18 years of age.

Storage

Store in the original packaging at room temperature, out of the sight and reach of children, and do not use after the expiry date.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly does vardenafil work?+

It usually begins to work within around 30 to 60 minutes, although this varies between individuals and may be delayed by a high-fat meal. See the patient information leaflet for details.

Can I drink alcohol with it?+

Alcohol can lower blood pressure further and may add to dizziness, so it is sensible to be cautious. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise.

How is vardenafil different from Levitra?+

Vardenafil is the active ingredient and the generic equivalent of the branded medicine Levitra; both contain the same active substance and work in the same way.

Important: This information is general and not a substitute for medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine and consult a doctor or pharmacist before use — especially if you have existing health conditions or take other medication.

Vardenafil health guides

Vardenafil for men: the third ED option (generic Levitra) explained

Vardenafil — the active ingredient in Levitra — is the lesser-known third ED treatment. Here's how it compares to sildenafil and tadalafil, and who it suits.

Read guide

Vardenafil (Vilitra) Guide: How It Works and How It Compares

A factual overview of Vardenafil (sold as Vilitra), how it compares with Sildenafil and Tadalafil, and what to know about onset and duration.

Read guide

Zhewitra (Vardenafil) Guide: How It Compares

An overview of Zhewitra, a Vardenafil-based treatment for erectile dysfunction, and how it compares with other PDE5 inhibitors.

Read guide

Sildenafil vs Tadalafil vs Vardenafil: Comparing the Three Main ED Tablets

A clear, side-by-side comparison of the three most widely used PDE5-inhibitor tablets for erectile dysfunction, covering onset, duration and how to choose with your doctor.

Read guide