Erectile Dysfunction

Which Drug For Erectile Dysfunction

When it comes to managing erectile dysfunction (ED) problems in males, healthcare professionals recommend using oral medicines. Prescription medicines are the most effective and safer treatment for impotence issues.

The FDA has approved medicines such as Viagra, Cialis, Stendra, and Levitra for treating ED. These medicines are infused with a key ingredient that targets the root cause of erection difficulties.

FDA-approved drugs for erectile dysfunction  

Viagra (Sildenafil)

Viagra medicines are the first generic version of Sildenafil. These are branded drugs that received approval from the FDA for use among adult males experiencing difficulties with erection function.

This medicine has a key ingredient called Sildenafil Citrate, which performs the required function. Sildenafil Citrate comes under a class of medicines called as Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

Since Viagra is the first ED drug to be introduced in the market, its pros and cons are well-known by healthcare practitioners. It has been around for long, which is why its effective usage can be done and drawbacks can be easily managed.  

Cialis (Tadalafil)

Cialis medicines were introduced in the market after Viagra medicines. These medicines have Tadalafil as their active ingredient, which performs the key function.

Apart from having Tadalafil as their main ingredient, these medicines contain several inactive ingredients too. These medicines offer long-lasting effectiveness, which is up to 36 hours.  

A low dose of Cialis can be used as a regular medicine, even if you are not planning to have sex. Its daily intake keeps its effects active in the blood plasma.

Higher doses of Cialis are not suitable for daily use, as they have prolonged effectiveness of around 36 hours or even more. Its effects last for too long.

You can opt for Cialis generics like Tadalista 40, which offers the same benefits as Cialis but at a much more affordable cost.

Stendra (Avanafil)

Avanafil is the key ingredient of Stendra medicines, which are branded versions. The pill has to be taken around 15 to 30 minutes before you plan to engage in sexual activity. These were the last ones that acquired the approval from FDA.

Levitra (Vardenafil)

Levitra medicines contain Vardenafil as their active ingredient that performs the key function. In addition to Vardenafil, Levitra medicines also contain several inactive ingredients as well.

Vardenafil is also a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor compound that boosts the blood flow to the penile. It dilates the blood vessels of the penile and boosts the flow of blood inside them.

These medicines come in three doses, including 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. The healthcare provider will prescribe a suitable dose based on the severity of impotence issues.  

Mechanism of action of ED drugs   

Even though ED medicines differ in their ingredient list, they still perform the same action, which is to boost the blood flow to the penile. The active ingredients within all such ED medicines belong under the class of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

As PDE5 inhibitors, ED medicines suppress the activity of PDE enzymes. The PDE5 enzymes are present in the endothelial walls of the penile arteries. They disrupt the erection function by contributing to vascular dysfunction.   

When vascular function is affected, the erection quality declines. The blood vessels of the penile become narrow and hard because of PDE5 overaction. As a result of this, the blood supply to the penile gets hindered. In this way, the blood flow to the penile decreases.    

ED Drugs effectively overcome erection difficulties by inhibiting the action of PDE5 enzymes. The medicine causes vasodilation in the penile blood vessels and enhances the blood flow inside the penile. A rise in the blood supply promotes harder erections.

Common side effects of ED drugs  

ED drugs are considered to be the safest remedy for erection problems. However, they do trigger some common side effects that may last for not too long.

They include headache, indigestion, facial flushing, nasal congestion, dizziness, and visual disturbances (such as changes in color vision or blurred vision).

Such side effects are usually of mild to moderate intensity and typically disappear on their own without medical intervention.      

How to use ED drugs  

Generally, a single dose of ED medicine has to be around 30 minutes to an hour before an anticipated sexual activity. Allow the medicine to get fully assimilated in the bloodstream, meanwhile, you have to engage in sexual stimulation.

It is necessary to seek help from your healthcare provider for an appropriate dose. It can be risky if you take the dose more than necessary. To avoid any risk, you need to take the dose recommended by your healthcare provider.


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