As with sildenafil, a high-fat meal or alcohol keep the body from absorbing it as quickly.
Vardenafil usually works for 4 to ed gels 5 hours. Its effects might last longer if you have mild to moderate ED.
A newer form of the medicine that dissolves on the tongue might work faster than the pill that you swallow. This medication is taken with or without food an hour before sex. It works for up to 36 hours. You can take it in a small dose daily or in a larger dose as needed. You can take this medicine with or without food 30 minutes before sex, depending on the dose. It lasts 4 to 5 hours, or longer if you have mild to moderate ED. These medicines all work well for ED. When choosing one, tell your doctor or other health care professional what your preferences are, such as cost, ease of use, how long the drug's effects last and side effects.
| Brand Name | Focus Area | Price Range | Notable Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra (Pfizer) | ED Treatment | $20-$50 per pill | Sildenafil |
| Cialis (Eli Lilly) | ED and BPH support | $15-$45 per pill | Tadalafil |
| TestoPrime | Testosterone Boosting | $30-$70/month | Natural extracts |
| Provacyl | Anti-aging, libido support | $40-$80/month | D-Aspartic Acid, herbs |
Generic versions of sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil are available.
The four main medicines taken by mouth for erectile dysfunction are: They enhance the effects of a chemical the body makes that relaxes muscles in the penis, called nitric oxide. This boosts blood flow and helps you get an erection from sexual activity. Each oral medicine for ED has a slightly different chemical makeup. These small differences affect the way each medication works, such as how quickly it takes effect and wears off, and the possible side effects. Your doctor or other health care professional can recommend one for you based on these factors, other health conditions you have and any other medicines you take.
This medicine works best when you take it on an empty stomach an hour before sex. The body takes longer to absorb it after a high-fat meal or alcohol. Its effects often last for 4 to 5 hours. It might work longer if you have mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. This medicine also works best when you take it an hour before sex on an empty stomach. Check with your health care team before you take any medicine for erectile dysfunction. Oral ED medicines might not work or might be dangerous if you also take any of the following: Often, these are prescribed for chest pain called angina.
Some examples of nitrates are nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat, others), isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) and isosorbide dinitrate (Bidil).
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cialis Generic | 5mg | 180 + 10 Pills | 159.65€ 152.05€ | |
| Cialis Professional | 40mg | 30 Pills | 148.94€ 141.85€ | |
| Kamagra Polo | 100mg | 12 Pills | 60.21€ 57.34€ | |
| Priligy Generic Dapoxetine | 60mg | 120 + 10 Pills | 341.26€ 325.01€ | |
| Super Kamagra | 160 mg | 152 + 8 Pills | 729.11€ 694.39€ | |
| Cialis Super Active | 20mg | 60 + 8 Pills | 230.32€ 219.35€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 2.5mg | 120 + 6 Pills | 128.93€ 122.79€ | |
| Cialis Professional | 20mg | 270 + 6 Pills | 623.07€ 593.40€ | |
| Viagra Original | 100mg | 76 + 4 Pills | 306.59€ 291.99€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 20mg | 30 + 4 Pills | 68.05€ 64.81€ |
These are commonly prescribed for an enlarged prostate or male pattern baldness.
Media Mentions & Features: A User’s Guide to Therapeutic Psychedelics: From magic mushrooms to MDMA and ayahuasca to ibogaine—everything you need to know before (and after) taking the leap - Oprah Daily, May 6, 2024 A User’s Guide to Therapeutic Psychedelics: From magic mushrooms to MDMA and ayahuasca to ibogaine—everything you need to know before (and after) taking the leap - Oprah Daily, May 6, 2024 A User’s Guide to Therapeutic Psychedelics: From magic mushrooms to MDMA and ayahuasca to ibogaine—everything you need to know before (and after) taking the leap - Oprah Daily, May 6, 2024 Why I Practice Medicine: I'm passionate about helping people access reliable, affordable healthcare—without stigma or unnecessary barriers. Everyone deserves to feel informed and empowered when it comes to their health! I'm passionate about helping people access reliable, affordable healthcare—without stigma or unnecessary barriers. Hobbies & Interests: Salsa dancing, drumming, surfing, scuba diving, triathlons Salsa dancing, drumming, surfing, scuba diving, triathlons Salsa dancing, drumming, surfing, scuba diving, triathlons Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which you have trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for satisfying sex. Erectile dysfunction affects as many as 30 million men in the United States.
Premature ejaculation (PE) is a sexual dysfunction characterized by a short ejaculatory latency, a perceived lack of control about the timing of ejaculation, and distress and interpersonal difficulty related to ejaculating too quickly. Low testosterone or testosterone deficiency, also known as hypogonadism, is a condition in which patients develop symptoms such as low sex drive, erectile dysfunction (ED), and fatigue because the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone. Though many men don’t like to talk about it, ejaculation problems are very common. Some of the most common issues include premature, delayed, or retrograde ejaculation. Your pelvic floor is a lot like plumbing in your home: you never really think about it unless something goes wrong.
When you think of male sexual dysfunction, concerns like erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE) probably come to mind first. But there’s another sex-related issue that’s more common in men than you might expect: difficulty orgasming. Medicines that you take by mouth are called oral medicines. They're often the first line of treatment for trouble getting or keeping an erection, called erectile dysfunction (ED). Oral medicines for ED usually work well and cause few side effects. They include dutasteride (Avodart, Jalyn) and finasteride (Propecia, Proscar). Medicines that block an enzyme called CYP3A4.
Over-the-counter pills and supplements for sex aren’t backed by the same research as prescription medications. “Sex pills” and penis enlargement pills are readily available, but they’re not all effective. Some OTC options could actually be unsafe. FDA investigations have found that many sex pills for men contain hidden ingredients, including some that can result in dangerous drug interactions and other health problems. FDA-approved medications are your best bet for treating ED.
Evidence-based PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil and tadalafil can help with sexual health issues. They’re also available as chewable ED medications, which contain the same ingredients as Viagra and Cialis in personalized dosages. While they’re not approved for ED or PE, doctors sometimes prescribe SSRIs off-label for sexual dysfunction. Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all pill for sex. You’ll get the best results by using a treatment option that’s right for your needs.
Curious about your options for improving your sex life? Get advice from a healthcare provider at Hims today. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Oral medicine for ED also might not be safe or work well if you have: Very low blood pressure, called hypotension, or uncontrolled high blood pressure, called hypertension.
Tribulus terrestris versus placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A prospective, randomized, double blind study. Erectogenic and Neurotrophic Effects of Icariin, a Purified Extract of Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium spp.) In Vitro and In Vivo. Which of available selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is more effective in treatment of premature ejaculation? Effect of sildenafil on erectile dysfunction and improvement in the quality of sexual life in China: A multi-center study. Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current.
We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references. Full Name: Lynn Marie Morski, MD, JD Full Name: Lynn Marie Morski, MD, JD Current Role at Hims & Hers: Medical Advisor Current Role at Hims & Hers: Medical Advisor Education: Juris Doctor - Thomas Jefferson School of Law, 2014 Doctor of Medicine - Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 2005 Juris Doctor - Thomas Jefferson School of Law, 2014 Juris Doctor - Thomas Jefferson School of Law, 2014 Doctor of Medicine - Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 2005 Doctor of Medicine - Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 2005 Training: Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship - University of Arizona, 2009 Family Medicine Residency - Mayo Clinic - 2008 Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship - University of Arizona, 2009 Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship - University of Arizona, 2009 Specialties & Areas of Focus: Mental Health, Primary Care, Psychedelic Medicine Previous Work Experience: Physician & Subinvestigator/Clinician Rater - Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute, January 2025– Investigator - Elite Clinical Network, June 2024– Physician - Veterans Administration, 2010–2019 Physician & Subinvestigator/Clinician Rater - Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute, January 2025– Physician & Subinvestigator/Clinician Rater - Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute, January 2025– Invited Commentary on Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians. Increased osteoporosis screening rates associated with the provision of a Periodic Health Examination. and DeBrino, G.
Older Man With vardenafil 10 mg tablet Fever and Tender Rash. Invited Commentary on Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians. Medical Content Reviewed & Approved: List pages or topics the expert has reviewed for accuracy List pages or topics the expert has reviewed for accuracy List pages or topics the expert has reviewed for accuracy Quotes or Expert Insights: Mental health care isn’t a luxury, it’s a fundamental part of overall well-being. We all deserve mental health support that’s evidence-based, accessible, and affordable. Mental health care isn’t a luxury, it’s a fundamental part of overall well-being. Kidney disease that needs to be treated with dialysis.
| Ingredient | Function | Common Brands | Potential Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sildenafil | Erectile dysfunction treatment | Viagra, Revatio | Headache, flushing, dizziness |
| Tadalafil | Longer-lasting erection | Cialis | Muscle pain, flushing |
| D-Aspartic Acid | Boosts testosterone production | TestoPrime, Prime Male | Acne, hair loss |
| L-Arginine | Improves blood flow | Nitric Oxide Boost | Nausea, diarrhea |
These include a heart attack, stroke or a serious heart rhythm disorder in the past six months. An inherited eye disease that affects the retina.
| Side Effect | Typical Duration | Severity | Pills Usually Associated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headache | Short-term | Mild | Tadalafil, Sildenafil |
| Flushing | Short-term | Mild | Tadalafil, Sildenafil |
| Nasal Congestion | Short-term | Mild | Tadalafil, Sildenafil |
| Dizziness | Short-term | Mild | All ED pills |
Side effects of oral ED medicines are often mild. Visual changes, such as blue tinge to vision, sensitivity to light or blurred sight.
Rarely, more-serious side effects can happen, including: Some people have suddenly lost some of their hearing or vision after taking one of these medicines. But it isn't clear whether these side effects were caused by the medicine or by health conditions that the people already had.