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 — for that reason it's often searched for as generic Levitra. It is used by men who have trouble achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for sexual activity.
Reviewed by the Kamagra AUS Pharmacy Team on 5 September 2026 · Next review June 2027
Sources for the medical information on this page
- TGA — Vardenafil product information — Therapeutic Goods Administration — search the TGA's Product Information / ARTG for vardenafil-based products.
- PDE5 Inhibitors — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf — Peer-reviewed clinical pharmacology of the whole drug class.
Vardenafil medicines we deliver Australia-wide
Browse the full Erectile Dysfunction range6 generic Vardenafil products — same molecule, different brands, formats and pack sizes.
About Vardenafil
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. 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?
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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?
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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?
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Levitra was the brand name vardenafil was originally marketed under; the two are chemically identical, so a generic tablet is expected to perform the same way.
How much does vardenafil cost in Australia?
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Generic vardenafil 20mg starts from $65.34 for a 20-pack (Vilitra 20mg), with a lower per-tablet price on larger packs. Delivery is free on orders over $150, otherwise $20 flat.
More questions answered: How the medicines work (5 answers)
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
Best Time to Take ED Medication: Why It's Not Actually About Morning vs Evening
"Morning or evening?" is the wrong question for most ED medicines — they're timed around planned activity, not the clock. Here's what actually determines the right time to take yours.
Read guideIs Vilitra the Same as Levitra? What Actually Differs
Same active ingredient, different brand, different regulatory status. A calm look at what Vilitra and Levitra have in common and where they genuinely part company in Australia.
Read guideVilitra and Vardenafil: How It Compares
Vardenafil is the third of the well-known PDE5 inhibitors and the least discussed. An educational look at what it is, how it differs, and the safety considerations specific to it.
Read guideThe Four PDE5 Inhibitors Compared
Sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil and avanafil share a mechanism and a contraindication list, and differ in ways that matter clinically. A plain-English comparison of the class.
Read guideSuper Vilitra: Vardenafil and Dapoxetine Explained
Super Vilitra pairs vardenafil with dapoxetine for men whose prescriber is treating both erectile difficulty and premature ejaculation together.
Read guideVilitra 80mg: The Highest Standard Vardenafil Strength
Vilitra 80mg is the highest standard vardenafil strength Kamagra AUS carries, prescribed only after assessment by an Australian prescriber.
Read guideVilitra 60mg Vardenafil: Where It Fits in the Range
Vilitra 60mg vardenafil sits between the 40mg and 80mg strengths — where it fits depends on your prescriber's assessment, not personal choice.
Read guideVilitra 40mg: A Common Vardenafil Starting Dose
Vilitra 40mg is a common mid-range vardenafil strength, though the right dose for any individual is always a prescriber's decision.
Read guideVilitra 20mg Vardenafil: A Lower-Strength Option
Vilitra 20mg is a lower-strength vardenafil option, sometimes used as a cautious starting dose or after a prescriber's review.
Read guideVilitra 10mg: The Lowest Dose in the Vardenafil Range
Vilitra 10mg is the lowest vardenafil strength in the range, prescribed for men whose assessment points to a smaller dose.
Read guideVardenafil and 'Lasting Power': What the Molecule Actually Does
Vardenafil has defined pharmacological onset and duration properties, but 'lasting power' is marketing language, not a clinical description of what the medicine actually does.
Read guideHow Do PDE5 Inhibitors Actually Work?
A plain-English explainer of the biology behind sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil — and why arousal is still the trigger, not the medicine.
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