Below is some further information about the PDE5 inhibitor drugs available.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Sildenafil (Viagra)
Sildenafil (Viagra) is common in the treatment of ED. It can also treat conditions such as pulmonary hypertension — a type of high blood pressure in the lungs.
The pills come in doses of 25 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, or 100 mg.
Some advantages of taking sildenafil for ED include:
- Fast-acting: It starts working around 30 minutes after taking the pill.
- Research: Clinical trials and studiesTrusted Source confirm its effectiveness.
- Lasting effects: The effects can last for up to 4 hours.
- Side effects: Serious side effects are rare, though they can include allergic reactions and heart problems.
Some disadvantages include:
- Short-term use: It may only be a short-term option, as 20–50% of people who take sildenafil do so temporarily.
- Unsuitable for some health conditions: According to an older review from 2012, it may not suit individuals with some chronic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis.
- Drug interactions: It can interact with other drugs, including some heart disease and blood pressure medications.
- Preference: People seem to prefer an alternative drug — tadalafil— though the two drugs are equally effective, according to 2017 research.
There are also some possible side effects of sildenafil, including:
- a stuffy or runny nose
- hot flashes
- headaches
- a fever
- nausea
- chest pains
- painful erections lasting several hours
- dizziness
- vision problems
- indigestion
Tadalafil (Cialis)
Tadalafil (Cialis) works by increasing blood flow to the penis. Doctors also use the drug to treat high blood pressure in the lungs and enlargement of the prostate. For ED, people take it as an oral tablet.
Some advantages of tadalafil include the below.
- Longest lasting: It is the longest lasting PDE5 drug for ED, typically lasting up to 36 hours, though some reports suggest it can last up to 72 hours.
- Longer-term use: It is possible to take a low dose — 2.5 to 5 mg — once a day, so that it can represent a longer-term solution.
- Daily use: People who regularly engage in sexual activities may prefer taking a daily pill.
- Increased confidence: Research suggests that people who take tadalafil experience more sexual confidence than those who take .
However, disadvantages include the below.
- Cost: Taking it every day can have a higher cost.
- Hidden underlying ED causes: Taking it in the long term may prevent or delay treatment for the underlying cause of ED, which can be psychological.
- Drug interactions: Tadalafil can interact with several types of medication, including common blood pressure drugs.
There are also possible side effects from tadalafil, including:
- a stuffy or runny nose
- a cough
- hot flashes
- indigestion
- headaches
- pain in the arms and legs
- muscle pain
- back pain
Avanafil (Stendra)
Avanafil (Stendra) is another PDE5 drug. It works similar to other drugs in its class by increasing blood flow to the penis.
Some advantages of avanafil include the below.
- Fast-acting: Avanafil can start working 15 minutesTrusted Source after taking the drug.
- Safe: ResearchTrusted Source has found that avanafil is a safe and effective ED treatment.
- Lasting: Its effects can last for up to 6 hours.
- Popular with older and younger adults: An older review from 2014Trusted Source found that older and younger adults both preferred taking avanafil to other PDE5 drugs due to its quick effects.
However, one large disadvantage of the drug is that, at this time, it is not available in generic form, making it more expensive than other PDE5 drugs.
There are also some possible side effects of taking avanafil, including:
- a stuffy or runny nose
- hot flashes
- headaches
- muscle aches
- back pain
- nausea
- vision problems
Vardenafil (Levitra)
Vardenafil (Levitra), similar to other PDE5 medications for ED, works by increasing blood flow to the penis.
Some advantages of vardenafil include that clinical trials find it to be effective. And unlike avanafil, vardenafil is available in a more affordable, generic form.
Its disadvantages are that the drug can take comparatively longer to start working — a person needs to take it 1 hour before sexual activity. In addition, compared with tadalafil and sildenafil, vardenafil does not have any unique advantages.
Also, some possible side effects of vardenafil include:
- a stuffy or runny nose
- facial flushing
- headaches
- stomach problems
- back pain
- vision problems
