It can be dropped to 5 mg or increased to 20 mg depending on how you respond. The daily dose for regular use is 2.5 mg to 5 mg.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment FAQs

There’s no single best ED medication. But there are some differences between them that may make one treatment a better fit for you than another. Sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (formerly sold under the brand names Levitra and Staxyn), and avanafil (Stendra) belong to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. PDE5 inhibitors increase the amount of blood that fills the penis, helping an erection last long enough for satisfying sex. They don’t affect arousal or libido.

Compare ED treatments

All of these medications have been proven to be safe and effective for ED treatment. And some people even prefer to alternate between PDE5 inhibitors, depending on their lifestyle and relationship status. The main differences between these medications have to do with: How you take them (with or without food) How you take them (with or without food) How long they last (4 to 36 hours, though an erection should not last that long) How long they last (4 to 36 hours, though an erection should not last that long) How often you plan to use it How often you plan to use it Your healthcare professional might also recommend one over another depending on whether your ED is mild or more severe. Viagra was the first major medication the FDA approved for ED. It’s been available in the U.S. Generic vardenafil was previously sold under the brand names Levitra and Staxyn, but those brands have been discontinued. It has been shown to be as effective as Viagra and gets to work faster. How to take it: Vardenafil can be taken with or without food. But high-fat foods can delay vardenafil's absorption and lower its effectiveness. Ideally, try to wait 1 to 2 hours after eating before you take it. If that’s not possible, stick to a light, low-fat meal.

Natural alternatives include herbal supplements like ginseng and L-arginine.
Psychological factors like stress can affect tablet effectiveness.
Proper diet and exercise can improve erectile response over time.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption when taking these tablets.
These medications do not increase sexual desire, only performance.
Some tablets are available over-the-counter in certain regions.
Always follow dosage instructions to minimize risks.
Use caution if you have cardiovascular conditions.

You can take it as needed for occasional ED symptoms. How fast it works: Vardenafil can start working in as quickly as 15 minutes, but peak effects can take up to 1 hour. Then, it will keep working for 4 to 5 hours. Typical dose: The typical starting dosage of vardenafil is one 10 mg tablet. It can be cut back to 5 mg or increased to a maximum of 20 mg. Vardenafil is available as a traditional pill that you swallow and a rapidly dissolving pill (which gets to work faster). Stendra is a newer ED medication that works similarly to Viagra, Cialis, and vardenafil. How to take it: Avanafil comes in a pill, which food doesn’t affect. How fast it works: Avanafil works a little faster on average than the other ED medications. The usual starting dose of 100 mg works within 15 minutes.

Product	Dosage	Quantity + Bonus	Price
Levitra Generic	20mg	20 Pills	52.63€ 50.12€
Levitra Generic	60mg	20 Pills	81.30€ 77.43€
Kamagra Effervescent Tablets	100 mg	14 Pills	51.61€ 49.15€
Cialis Professional	40mg	10 Pills	65.09€ 61.99€
Apcalis SX Oral Jelly	20mg	17 + 4 Sachets	95.52€ 90.97€
Kamagra Soft Tabs	100mg	12 Pills	57.55€ 54.81€
Kamagra Polo	100mg	20 Pills	83.56€ 79.58€
Viagra Generic	100mg	120 + 6 Pills	149.50€ 142.38€
Viagra Generic	25mg	30 + 4 Pills	47.97€ 45.69€
Viagra Professional	100mg	10 Pills	44.09€ 41.99€
Kamagra Soft Tabs	100mg	32 Pills	120.11€ 114.39€
Viagra Professional	100mg	90 + 2 Pills	207.09€ 197.23€

With a lower dose, you’ll need to wait about 30 to 45 minutes. Typical dose: The recommended starting avanafil dosage is 100 mg, but doses can range from 50 mg to 200 mg, depending on your need and response. Viagra, Cialis, vardenafil, and Stendra are considered to work equally well. There isn’t much data that directly compares them against each other. Most existing studies have only looked at how well each medication compares with a placebo (a pill with tadalis sx 20 mg no medication in it). This means no one can definitively claim that one medication works better than the other for treating ED. But a systematic review and meta-analysis of a few hundred studies found that Viagra, Cialis, and vardenafil resulted in improved erections in 67% to 89% of people with ED. In comparison, about 30% had improvement with a placebo. All PDE5 inhibitors share common side effects. Most of these are mild and can include: With Viagra, there is a higher risk of vision changes than with Cialis. Among people who take Viagra, 3% get blue vision that lasts a few hours. On the other hand, Cialis has a slightly higher risk of muscle pain than Viagra and vardenafil. Overall, the immediate side effects of PDE5 inhibitors don’t last very long and aren’t much of a bother. But while the side effects of these medications are similar, the jury is still out on what the risks are of taking these medications long term over several decades. PDE5 inhibitors are generally safe for the heart. But there are two potentially serious side effects to know about: All PDE5 inhibitors can lower your blood pressure. This won’t necessarily affect you, but it may be a problem if you also take a blood pressure medication. A sudden drop in blood pressure can make you feel dizzy, fall, black out, or even cause more serious cardiac issues. All PDE5 inhibitors can lower your blood pressure. Nitrate medications, such as nitroglycerin (Nitrostat), can have dangerous interactions with PDE5 inhibitors. Nitrate medications are commonly given to people with heart conditions like angina or high blood pressure. If you take a nitrate medication, you should never take ED medications at the same time. There are ways to save on ED medications: Save with GoodRx: GoodRx can help you save significantly on the average retail price of the generic versions of ED meds.

Recent studies explore new compounds for erectile enhancement.
Some devices or pumps are alternative options for ED.
Lifestyle factors like obesity influence tablet efficacy.
Combining medications with therapy can optimize results.
Be cautious with online sources to avoid counterfeit products.
ED can be an early sign of other systemic conditions.
Men should regularly review their health and medication plan.
Follow-up with a healthcare professional ensures safe treatment.

Generic sildenafil at certain pharmacies is as low as $11.70 for 30 tablets with a free GoodRx discount. You can find the same quantity of generic tadalafil and vardenafil for as low as $10.80 and $79.13, respectively. Exclusive GoodRx savings are also available for brand-name Viagra. Save with GoodRx: GoodRx can help you save significantly on the average retail price of the generic versions of ED meds. Save with GoodRx for ED: Get generic Viagra delivered directly to your door starting at $18 per month. Generic Cialis starts at $21 per month. Save with a copay savings card: If you’re eligible, you could save up to 50% off brand-name Viagra for up to 12 months using a manufacturer savings card.

Key takeaways:

since 1998. It’s often prescribed for mild or moderate symptoms. How to take it: You should take Viagra on an empty stomach. If you really need to eat, then try waiting at least 1-2 hours after your meal before you take Viagra. It’s best to choose a light, low-fat meal since fatty meals and alcohol can slow down the time it takes Viagra to kick in by about 1 hour.

FYI on ED

How fast it works: Viagra can start to take effect in as little as 30 minutes. But usually you’ll have to wait 45 to 60 minutes before it reaches maximum effect. Then it libido booster for women keeps working for up to 8 hours. Typical dose: The typical starting Viagra dosage is one 50 mg tablet as needed. If you’re getting side effects, it can be cut down to 25 mg. In general, ED medications work by relaxing smooth muscles and blood vessels in the penis.

Physical activity increases nitric oxide levels aiding erections.
Stress and anxiety are common causes of ED needing medication.
Certain medications for other conditions may affect ED treatment.
Some ED tablets require prescription based on health history.
Age-related decline impacts the effectiveness of ED tablets.
Combining multiple ED medications is not recommended.
Men should discuss any ongoing health issues with their doctor.
Proper hydration and sleep contribute to better erectile function.

This improves blood flow, which allows for an erection to last longer. Herbal products and dietary supplements that claim to be alternatives for ED aren’t regulated by the FDA.

Side Effect	Commonality	Severity	Notes
Headache	Common	Mild	Usually subsides in hours
Flushing	Common	Mild	Redness of face and neck
Nasal Congestion	Common	Mild	Congestion and runny nose
Dizziness	Less common	Mild	Especially after standing
Vision Changes	Rare	Moderate	Blurred or altered vision

So it’s hard to determine which is best or if they’re even safe and effective. If you’re experiencing ED symptoms, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional about your treatment options. Like all medications, ED medications also carry a risk of side effects. Speak with a healthcare professional about potential side effects and whether these medications would be safe for you to take.

Tadalafil can be used for both erectile dysfunction and BPH.
Sildenafil is the most studied and widely used ED medication.
Some tablets are formulated for rapid onset within 15 minutes.
The market offers various formulations: tablets, softgels, and dissolvables.
Adjusting dosage may be necessary for optimal effectiveness.
Men with hormonal imbalances might need additional therapy.
Tablets should not be taken more than once within 24 hours.
Be aware of potential interactions with antibiotics and antifungals.

Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are a class of medications used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). The available PDE5 inhibitors include sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (previously sold as Levitra and Staxyn), and avanafil (Stendra). Currently, one PDE5 inhibitor isn’t considered the best for ED. The best ED medication for you depends on many factors such as how often you plan to use it, potential side effects, and how much they cost. Plus, many people alternate between ED medications, depending on their individual needs. Talk to a healthcare professional about which ED med would be the best choice for you.

Should I Get Surgery for Erectile Dysfunction?

If it’s not fully working, it can be increased to 100 mg. Cialis is different from Viagra and other ED medications because it lasts much longer. You can also take it on a daily basis. For this reason, Cialis may be a better fit than Viagra for regular use. It’s especially helpful for men who don’t respond as well to medications that are only taken “on demand.” Here’s an overview: How to take it: Food doesn’t affect Cialis.

Watch out for side effects

You can take it just when you need it or regularly — every day — if needed. How to take it: Food doesn’t affect Cialis. How fast it works: Cialis can start working in as quickly as 30 minutes, but you may have to wait up to 2 hours for it to reach the point when it’s most effective. The effects of Cialis can last for up to 36 hours, helping you with erections at any point in that time period. Typical dose: The typical starting dosage of Cialis for occasional use is one 10 mg tablet. Effect of high-fat breakfast and moderate-fat evening meal on the pharmacokinetics of vardenafil, an oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

What special precautions should I follow?

All ED meds are equally safe and effective. In most cases, your unique relationship needs, lifestyle, and insurance coverage will help you decide between them. There are ways to save on ED medications. Many are available as lower-cost generics or have other copay savings opportunities. GoodRx can help make your prescription more affordable.

Vitamins and supplements for ED

GoodRx for ED can also deliver generic Viagra or generic Cialis directly to your door. You’ve likely heard of Viagra, Cialis, vardenafil (previously sold as Staxyn and Levitra), and Stendra. These are commonly-prescribed treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) — when a person has regular difficulties getting or maintaining an erection for satisfying sexual intercourse. With all of these choices, is there one best ED medication? Below, we’ll discuss some key differences between ED medications to help you navigate your treatment options. Comparing vardenafil and sildenafil in the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction and risk factors for cardiovascular disease: A randomized, double‐blind, pooled crossover study. Oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and hormonal treatments for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The Science Behind Erection Enhancement