All erectile dysfunction (ED) pills available by prescription at a local pharmacy are generally safe for most people. However, if a person is taking nitrates for an underlying heart condition, they should avoid ED pills.
ED pills are phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. A person may experience an uncertain drop in blood pressure if they take them with nitrates.
PDE5 inhibitors help a person achieve an erection by relaxing the smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels. This extension allows the penis to fill up with blood.
In this article, we’ll talk about the different types of ED pills, their safety and side effects, and the differences between generic and brand options.
Types of erectile dysfunction tablets
There are four main types of ED pills that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers approved as treatment in the United States.
They are:
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- tadalafil (Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Levitra)
- Avanafil (Stendra)
Viagra
Sildenafil, better known under the brand name Viagra, is often the first-line treatment for ED. Doctors tend to like to try Viagra before other treatments as it has been on the market for so long, meaning its side effects and interactions are well known.
The FDA states that the recommended dose of Viagra is 50 milligrams (mg), which a person should ideally take around 1 hour before sexual activity. However, it should be effective between 30 minutes and 4 hours before sex.
A person should avoid taking Viagra with meals, as it slows down the absorption rate and delays its effect. People should also avoid taking Viagra with alcohol.
It usually takes 30-120 minutes for Viagra to take effect after a person has taken it.
Cialis
According to prescription information, the starting dose of cilias is 10 mg, and a person can take it as needed for sexual activity. You can reduce the dose to a minimum of 5 mg or increase it to a maximum of 20 mg, depending on what you need and can tolerate.
Cialis behaves a bit differently than other ED drugs. It does not disintegrate as quickly and therefore stays in the body longer.
A doctor may prescribe Cialis in a dose of 5 mg to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is therefore a good option to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and ED at the same time.
The authors of a 2017 review that looked at 16 studies comparing Cialis with Viagra found that people taking
Levitra
Levitra is the brand name of vardenafil. The FDA recommends 10 mg as a starting dose, which a person should take 1 hour before sexual activity. The maximum dose is 20 mg, the minimum dose is 5 mg.
A doctor may adjust the dose depending on the effect of the medication on the person. A person should not take Levitra more than once a day, with or without food.
Staxyn is a soluble tablet that contains vardenafil. According to the FDA, it is “not interchangeable” with Levitra as it has a stronger effect on the body.
Staxyn is available in 10 mg tablets that dissolve in the tongue. A person may take the tablet with or without food about 1 hour before sexual activity, but it is important not to take more than one per day.
Stendra
The FDA has approved three doses of Stendra: 50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg. A person usually takes Stendra 30 minutes before sexual activity. The starting dose is often 100 mg, but a person can either increase it to 200 mg or decrease it to 50 mg, depending on how they respond to treatment.
For more research-backed information and resources on men’s health, visit our dedicated hub.
Are ED pills safe?
The medical community generally regards ED pills as safe for most people who are otherwise healthy enough for sexual activity.
As with any medication, there are possible side effects that a person may experience. ED pills may also interact with other medications, such as nitrates.
People with urinary problems should allow 4 hours between taking alpha blockers and ED medications.
Are there any side effects?
Every pill for ED carries the risk of mild side effects.
Common side effects include:
- redness, congested
- Nose
- vertigo
- headache
- skin rash
- indigestion
- vision problems
- diarrhea
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If a person has an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, they should see a doctor immediately attention. A long-lasting erection can permanently damage the penis.
How well do they work?
Experts estimate that 70% of people taking ED medication achieve an erection that is good enough for sexual intercourse.
The quality of erection, pleasure, and sensations depend on other pre-existing conditions, such as nerve damage due to surgery or diabetes. However, anyone who can achieve an erection should have one that lasts long enough to be able to ejaculate.
Learn more about the best ED pills for diabetes here.
How long does it take for ED pills to work?
How long it takes for ED pills to work varies from person to person. Most manufacturers suggest that a person should complete their ED treatment 15-60 minutes before sexual activity.
For the most effective erection, experts recommend that a person also do foreplay with their partner to stimulate arousal.
Viagra, Levitra, Staxyn and Stendra offer more of an on-demand sexual experience.
Cialis, on the other hand, stays in the body longer and requires more time to take full effect. As a result, it is good for people who prefer the reliability of a product for daily use with a longer lasting effect.
Generics vs. brand options
Branded drugs are better known than their generic counterparts because of advertising. They appear on the market first and tend to be more expensive than the generic equivalent. Newer drugs generally do not have generic versions, as it takes time to release their patent rights.
Generics are a copy of the brand equivalent. A generic form of medication works in the same way as the brand-name drug and has the same side effects and dosage instructions. An individual’s insurance company can replace a generic version of the brand equivalent to save money.
A person should always buy their medicines from a reputable pharmacy. ED drugs are only available with a prescription. If they’re available online without the need for a prescription, people shouldn’t buy them.
ED pills sold illegally may come from an unreputable manufacturing source and contain a dangerous combination of ingredients.
Executive summary
ED medications are generally safe and only have mild side effects. The drugs mostly work in the same way and help a person achieve an erection for sexual activity.
People should discuss all of their medications with a doctor and discuss safe options when taking alpha blockers or nitrates. This is important because when a person combines these medicines, it can lead to an uncertain drop in blood pressure.