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Prescription-based ED Pills

Doctors usually prescribe only those medications that the FDA has approved for a specific condition. As stated before, generally prescribed ED medicines include Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, Avanafil, and Udenafil. These five medications belong to the PDE-5 inhibitor class, with only Tadalafil approved for daily use. 

These pills block the PDE-5 enzyme, preventing the breakdown of cGMP (Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate) molecules. cGMP relaxes and widens the smooth muscles in the penis. This action enables increased blood circulation into the penis, crucial for firm and long-lasting erections. 

Swallow the ED tablets as a whole with water. Chewing and splitting the pills is not recommended. It’s important to note that all of these medications need sexual stimulation to show their effects. Below is the discussion of these PDE-5 inhibitors in detail:

Sildenafil

Sildenafil Citrate is popularly known as the brand name Viagra, manufactured by Pfizer. It was FDA-approved in 1998 as the first oral treatment for ED. Generic versions, such as Cenforce and Kamagra, are now widely available since Viagra’s patent expired. This allows other companies to use the same ingredients to produce similar medicines. 

Sildenafil is to be taken at least 60 minutes before a planned sexual activity. A high-fat or heavy meal can delay the onset of action. Therefore, it’s recommended to take it on an empty stomach. This medicine is the most affordable option. Key features of this pill include:

• Its onset of action is 30-60 minutes.
• Effectiveness lasts for 4 to 6 hours.
• Available doses are 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.
• Typical starting dosage is 50 mg.

Tadalafil

Tadalafil is generally marketed under the brand name Cialis by manufacturer Eli Lilly. It was FDA-approved in 2003, with several generic versions, like Vidalista and Tadarise, widely available. Tadalafil is mildly affected by meals, which is why it can be taken with or without food. Take the pill 30 minutes before intimacy. Key features are as follows:

• Its onset of action is 30 minutes.
• It is known as the weekend pill since its effectiveness lasts for 36 hours.
• Available doses include 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg.
• The typical starting dosage for most men is 10 mg, taken on demand (as needed).
• This medicine can be taken daily in doses of 2.5 or 5 mg.

Vardenafil

Vardenafil is available under two brand names, Levitra and Staxyn, both marketed by Bayer. Levitra comes in standard tablet form, while Staxyn is an orally disintegrating tablet. Both were FDA-approved in 2003. Nowadays, its generic versions, like Vilitra or Zhewitra, are easily available.

Vardenafil is taken 60 minutes before sexual activity, usually on an empty stomach, since heavy meals can delay the onset of action. For the oral disintegrating variant, place it on the tongue to allow it to dissolve. There is no need to swallow it with water. The following are its features:

• Its onset of action is 30-60 minutes.
• The effectiveness lasts for 4 to 5 hours.
• The available dose range is 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg.
• 10 mg is the generally recommended starting dose.

Avanafil

Avanafil is marketed under the brand name Stendra, manufactured by Metuchen Pharmaceuticals. It was FDA-approved in 2012, with limited availability of generic versions. Since it is a comparatively newer medicine, it has the lowest risk of side effects.

Its effectiveness is typically not affected by the food. Therefore, the user can take it with or without food. The main features are as follows:

• It has a rapid onset of action, 15-30 minutes.
• Its effectiveness lasts for 6 hours.
• Available doses are 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg.
• The starting dose is usually 100 mg.

Udenafil

Udenafil is a newly developed medication for ED treatment. It is taken at least 30-60 minutes before sexual interaction. It is strongly advised not to consume more than 1 tablet in a day. Moreover, it can be taken with or without food. However, for optimal results, try to avoid high-fat meals before taking the medicine. This will help avoid delay in its effectiveness.  

Key features of Udenafil include:

• The onset of action is 30 to 60 minutes. 
• Its effectiveness lasts for up to 12 hours. 
• It is available in strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg. 
• The commonly recommended starting dosage is 100 mg. 

Non-prescription ED pills

For men who prefer beginning the treatment with a natural approach before shifting to prescription medicines, non-prescription pills provide holistic and herbal support. These supplements work by improving blood circulation, energy, and hormonal balance, all of which are crucial for a healthy erectile function.

While they are available as over-the-counter (OTC), it’s important to consider that their safety and efficacy are not as clinically backed as those of FDA-approved medications. Rather than working strongly and quickly like PDE-5 inhibitors, they promote gradual improvement in overall sexual health. These supplements include:

Ashwagandha pills

Ashwagandha is a traditional adaptogenic herb that is known to reduce stress, a common ED trigger. Recent studies indicate that this herbal remedy can support testosterone levels, better blood flow, and overall sexual health. While there is no standardized dosage, most clinical studies recommend taking 250 to 500 mg of Ashwagandha per day for at least a month to see effective results. 

Shilajit pills

Shilajit is a natural, mineral-rich substance known for its energy-boosting properties. It also supports reproductive health and testosterone levels. Several herbal supplement brands provide Shilajit pills that improve endurance and lower fatigue, indirectly supporting better erections. While there is no universal dosage, an oral intake of 200-500 mg for 2-3 months is generally considered safe. 

Panax ginseng pills

Panax ginseng, widely known as red ginseng, is a medicinal plant. Studies suggest that it has properties like the PDE-5 inhibitor Vardenafil. It increases blood circulation in the penis to improve erection quality. Men can use it to boost energy levels, reduce fatigue, and improve overall vitality. Clinical data suggests a daily dosage of 200-600 mg. However, this is not the standardized dose.

Other herbal medications

Some other popular natural supplements that help in managing ED include Maca root, Fenugreek, L-arginine, and Epimedium. They are widely available in tablet and capsule form. Given below is how they can benefit men with ED:

• Epimedium: It is popularly known as Horny Goat Weed and can indirectly help with ED by improving blood flow into the penis. 
• Maca root: It is known to support stamina, mood, and libido. 
• L-arginine: It enhances blood flow and supports firm erections in men. 
• Fenugreek: It can support libido and testosterone.  

Also Read: To know more about natural supplements for ED, read 7 Vitamins and Supplements for ED You Should Know

Where to buy ED pills

When starting ED treatment with pills, the first step is to visit a doctor and get a prescription. The doctor assesses the overall health, checks the severity of ED, discusses symptoms, and then recommends a suitable medication and its dose.

Once the valid prescription is received, individuals can proceed to buy the medicine from a trusted and legitimate source. The two main ways to make a purchase are:

• Online: Several online pharmacies and telehealth services provide medications for erectile issues. They will ask for a valid prescription before shipping the product directly to the user’s home. Always use secure and trustworthy providers, such as Cheap Medicine Shop, to avoid taking fake or contaminated products.
• Offline: For offline purchasing, take the prescription to a local, licensed pharmacy, like Walmart or Walgreens. You can also use pharmacy discount cards. Avoid stores that sell medicines for ED without demanding a prescription. This increases the risk of buying a fake pill. 

Safety tips

Safety should be the priority while choosing a treatment, whether it’s prescribed or herbal. Following the tips suggested below can prevent unwanted effects and ensure they provide the intended benefits:

• Doctor’s consultation: It is essential to consult a doctor before using medications, whether prescribed or herbal remedies. It helps to get the personalized dosage and treatment plan. 
• Avoid overdosing: Strictly stick to the recommended dosage for safe treatment. Overdosing can result in a higher risk of side effects and other health complications. 
• Interactions with other medicines: It is best to consult a healthcare professional before using ED medicines with nitrates or blood pressure medications, as the combination can lower the blood pressure. Some herbal pills mimic PDE-5 inhibitor effects, so they should also be used cautiously with other medications.  
• Avoid: When on ED treatment, avoid excessive alcohol and smoking, as they contribute to ED by adversely impacting blood circulation. 

Conclusion

Erectile Dysfunction pills can be either prescription-based or herbal. Prescription-based medications that are highly recommended include Sildenafil Citrate, Avanafil, Tadalafil, and Vardenafil. All four are FDA-approved for ED treatment and belong to the same medication class, PDE-5 inhibitors. 

Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis, the weekend pill), Vardenafil (Levitra/Staxyn), Avanafil (Stendra), and Udenafil offer different duration and onset profiles. Avanafil works the fastest, within 15-30 minutes, while Vardenafil and Sildenafil last for 4-6 hours. Tadalafil offers a 36-hour effect, making it suitable for spontaneous sexual activity. Udenafil has a long effectiveness window of 12 hours. 

Furthermore, herbal pills are also available, including Ashwagandha, ginseng, shilajit, and Epimedium. These offer gradual and holistic support to men who prefer mild treatment. Always remember safety tips, such as consulting a doctor and adhering to the recommended dosage for safe treatment.