Choosing erectile dysfunction drugs

Other > ed medications


Alternative oral therapies for Erectile Dysfunction (availability may vary geographically) are Uprima (apomorphine), and phentolamine. Both Uprima and phentolamine have very low or no efficacies and therefore for present purposes will not be addressed.

Side effects

Dr. J. Francois Eid discusses the oral therapy options, or “pills”, available to treat erectile dysfunction. The following can be prescribed a PDE 5 inhibitor (Cialis, Levitra, Viagra) safely without the need for extensive Cardiovascular investigation²: men who are a symptomatic and have fewer than three risk factors for coronary artery disease patients who have undergone successful coronary revascularisation (bypass or stent placement) men with a history of uncomplicated heart attack that happened greater than 6-8 weeks ago those with mild valvular disease of the heart patients with mild left ventricular disease and congestive heart failure (NYHA Class I) Oral medications such as Cialis, Levitra and Viagra are available for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. They are in a class called PDE 5 inhibitors.

Who Should Not Take Viagra™

They work to restore a normal system of blood flow in the penis so that an erection can occur with sexual stimulation. Only ED medicine clinically proven to work up to 36 hours. Works as fast as 30 minutes in some men. Gives you the freedom to choose the moment that is right for you. The most common side effects include headache, upset stomach, back pain and muscle aches. Uprima is approved for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Europe and initial sales have not been very impressive (less than 20% of ED market). Refill rates are dismal supporting lack of efficacy. Phentolamine’s application to the FDA was withdrawn and the drug is not available. Although Viagra, Levitra and Cialis differ in their biochemical potency and selectivity, and in onset and duration of action, it is important not to extrapolate those findings inappropriately to the clinical setting. For example, greater biochemical potency does not necessarily translate into enhanced clinical efficacy.

Product Dosage Quantity + Bonus Price
Cialis Generic10mg10 Pills31.41€ 29.91€
Kamagra Soft Tabs100mg120 + 6 Pills311.78€ 296.93€
Cialis Original20mg76 + 4 Pills319.19€ 303.99€
Cialis Soft Tabs20mg60 + 4 Pills159.37€ 151.78€
Viagra Generic200mg90 + 6 Pills170.79€ 162.66€
Levitra Soft Tabs20mg180 + 10 Pills398.14€ 379.18€
Viagra Soft Tabs100mg20 Pills62.99€ 59.99€
Cialis Soft Tabs20mg180 + 8 Pills353.17€ 336.35€
Kamagra Soft Tabs100 mg32 Pills120.11€ 114.39€
Apcalis SX Oral Jelly20mg50 + 6 Sachets146.39€ 139.42€
Cialis Generic40mg360 + 10 Pills477.87€ 455.11€
Viagra Generic50mg120 + 6 Pills129.64€ 123.47€

In short, there appears to be little biochemical or clinical differences between the three agents except for the lack of food interaction and the duration of activity for Cialis.

Erectile Dysfunction Surgery

First effective FDA-approved oral medication for the treatment erectile dysfunction Boosts natural process of erection during arousal Works across broad range of Erectile Dysfunction causes Over 6 million patients have tried it Approximately 250,000 doctors have prescribed it Unlike placebo-like drugs, Viagra™ has high refill rate If taken on an empty stomach, it takes about 85 minutes for Viagra™ to be absorbed into the circulation and reach the penis. Some patients (younger men) may experience benefits from the medication as early as 30 minutes after taking it. A high fat meal will delay the absorption of Viagra™, and therefore it is recommended that Viagra™ is taken on an empty stomach or after a lowfat meal. Furthermore, once absorbed, Viagra™ will stay in the circulation for approximately four to six hours, which represents the window of sexual opportunity. If initially not successful, patients should try Viagra™ at 100mg on 3 different occasions before concluding that the medication is ineffective.

Patient & Visitor Support

Viagra™ is effective in two-thirds of men with erectile dysfunction regardless of age and the severity of Erectile Dysfunction. However, certain groups of men using the drug do better than others. For example, spinal cord injured males have better results than patients suffering from cardiovascular disease (e.g. hypertension, high serum fat levels), and patients who have undergone treatment for prostate cancer (e.g. removal of the prostate or radiation therapy) seem to benefit the least. All three medications are contraindicated in patients who take nitrates. A recent survey looking at what patients with ED really want from their treatment found that efficacy and a favorable side-effect profile were the highest priorities³ Fast onset was desirable, but there were major differences in what was considered fast. Duration was important only in terms of lasting long enough to complete intercourse.

Frequently Asked Questions and False Beliefs

In some patients, the dose strength and maximum frequency of use blue 100 pill may be adjusted. Levitra is also an FDA approved medication for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction. Levitra is an oral medicine, available by prescription only, and should be taken approximately 60 minutes prior to sexual activity. It should be taken no more than once daily. It can be taken with or without food.

Viagra™ Efficacy

The side effects are generally mild and do not last very long. The most common side effects are headache, flushing, stuffy or runny nose. In rare cases Priapism and vision changes have been observed. Levitra is contraindicated in patients who take any form of medication known as nitrates or recreational drugs called “poppers” like amyl nitra or butyl nitrate. If you are taking any alpha blockers, Levitra is not the right medication for you. Few men (or their partners) felt that multiple erections, or the ability to achieve them over time, were critical as long as one dose was enough for a successful encounter. Most complaints were about high cost or lack of insurance coverage. An underlying desire was reported by most couples for initiation of sex to be normal (spontaneous and natural).

Oral Medications for Eresctile Dysfunction

The side effects usually go away after a few hours. In the rare event of Priapism seek immediate medical help to avoid long term injury. Another uncommon side effect reported was a sudden decrease or loss of vision. Cialis is contraindicated in patients using nitrates. If you use recreational drugs called “poppers” like amyl nitrate and buty nitrite do not take Cialis.

5. Penile implant

If Cialis is taken with certain Alpha Blockers, it can result in a sudden drop of blood pressure, which could lead to dizziness or faintness. It can however be used with Flomax 0.4mg. Tell your doctor if you take any other medications including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins or any health supplements as Cialis and these may affect each other adversely. It is taken orally before sexual activity, not more than once daily. It may be taken with or without food. Few patients fully understood the duration of activity that Viagra can provide, and its advantages. Cialis may indeed fulfill the desire that couples and patients with ED have for the initiation of sex to be normal (spontaneous and natural).

Innovation Description Potential Benefits Current Status
Soluble Film Formulations Medications in dissolvable film strips Faster onset, easier administration In development
Combination Therapies Using PDE5 inhibitors with other agents Improved efficacy in refractory cases Clinical trials ongoing
Gene Therapy Experimental approach targeting underlying causes Potential long-term cure Early research stage
Nanoparticle Delivery Systems Enhanced targeted drug delivery Reduced side effects, increased effectiveness Preclinical studies

Although Viagra, Levitra and Cialis are safe and effective they do, like all medications, have disadvantages.

Age Group Expected Efficacy Safety Considerations Notes
40-50 years High Generally safe, monitor comorbidities Regular health check, dose adjustments possible
51-65 years Moderate to high Increased risk of cardiovascular issues Screening recommended before therapy
Over 65 years Variable Higher likelihood of side effects Careful evaluation, start with lower doses

They essentially enhance partial (sexual) erections, rather than initiating them.

Treatment Type Method Description Advantages Limitations
Vacuum Erection Devices Mechanical pumps to induce erection Non-invasive, drug-free Temporary effect, discomfort
Penile Implants Surgical placement of prosthetic devices Permanent solution Surgery risks, cost
Pelvic Floor Exercises Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles Improves erectile function over time Requires consistency
Counseling and Therapy Psychological support for ED causes Addresses underlying issues Time-consuming, variable results

At best, the response rate among men with advanced ED (for example following creams for erectile dysfunction radical prostatectomy) is 30%.

  • Legitimate Sources: Requires a valid prescription from a licensed physician.
  • Online Consultations: Many reputable services offer telehealth prescriptions.
  • Rogue Websites: Avoid sites that sell medications without a prescription.
  • Counterfeit Risk: Fake pills may contain incorrect doses or harmful substances.
  • Verification: Use pharmacy verification tools to ensure legitimacy.
  • Brick-and-Mortar Pharmacy: The most traditional and secure source.
  • Compounding Pharmacies: Can create custom formulations under doctor's orders.

Fewer than 505 of men with Diabetes will respond. Correct administration of Viagra and Levitra is critical, and if one does not work when taken correctly, no other oral “Viagra like drug” (PDE5 inhibitor like Levitra or Cialis) will either. In conclusion, the potencies of Viagra, Levitra and Cialis are broadly similar, but each has unique pharmacological properties related to its molecular structure. Viagra is an exemplary PDE-5 inhibitor that, after 10 years of widespread clinical use, is acknowledged to be effective and particularly well tolerated. Cialis and Levitra are the newer medications and are similar to Viagra in their efficacy and contraindications. The only new attributes of clinical significance are the lack of food interaction and the long duration of action of Cialis.

Our Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Medications

Most side fildena 120 effects are mild and well-tolerated. The following are the most common reported side effects: headache, flushing of the face, heartburn, and nasal congestion. A small percentage (3%) of people may develop visual disturbance; it may take the form of a blue haze or tinge as well as increased perception of brightness. This effect is very mild, transient, and reversible. Viagra™ is CONTRAINDICATED for patients who take any medications that contain nitrates.

Papaverine HCL / Phentolamine Mesylate (BiMix)

This includes patients who need nitrates (including nitroglycerine) on an intermittent basis for the treatment of angina. In patients used to regular exertion, sexual activity poses no special cardiovascular risk. Even in patients who have a history of myocardial infarction (MI), there is little risk of MI during intercourse for those who exercise regularly. However, there is insufficient information on the cardiovascular risk in previously sexually inactive men who become sexually active. Stress test and/or referral to a cardiologist may be appropriate, and variables such as patient’s age, medical history and existing medical conditions may be relevant. This may translate into greater efficacy of the first dose as well as a return to more spontaneous (normal) initiation of sexual activity (broader window of opportunity). Question: Is it possible to identify potential non-responders to oral therapy?

  • PDE5 inhibitors prevent the breakdown of cGMP.
  • ED medications are often taken on an as-needed basis.
  • Tadalafil's longer duration allows daily low-dose use.
  • Viagra's active ingredient is sildenafil citrate.
  • Medical evaluation is necessary before starting treatment.
  • Not all men respond to ED medications; alternatives exist.
  • Rare side effects include priapism and sudden vision loss.
  • Some ED drugs are available in generic form.
  • Patients should follow dosing instructions carefully.
  • Medication efficacy can be enhanced by reducing alcohol intake.

Answer: No, it is not possible to identify potential non-responders to a PDE 5 inhibitor such as Cialis, Levitra or Viagra, other than by a trial of these medications in the setting of sexual activity. Patients, who appear to be non-responders to Viagra or Levitra, need to repeat a trial on an empty stomach a few different times before giving up. Cialis absorption and onset of action is not affected by food. The 20-30% who still do not respond generally have ED related to an irreversible physical abnormality due to chronic poor blood flow (often smoking-related) or damaged penile tissue (often diabetes, high cholesterol and after prostate cancer surgery). The best option for these patients remains an inflatable penile prosthesis. Question: You said that the PDE5 inhibitors were comparable in efficacy. What about reports that Levitra is more effective than Viagra in treating ED among men with diabetes? Answer: Clinical trial reveals that all three medications have the same success regardless of patient age, underlying medical condition or severity of erectile dysfunction.