Prescription medications for erectile dysfunction (ED) work by stimulating blood flow to the penis, enhancing erections by prolonging the effects of nitric oxide. FDA-approved oral prescription ED medications include Viagra, Stendra, Cialis, and Levitra (vardenafil). Learn more about these options below:
Aspect |
Viagra |
Cialis |
Stendra |
Levitra |
Active ingredient |
Sildenafil citrate |
Tadalafil |
Avanafil |
Vardenafil |
Onset of action |
Typically within 30-60 minutes |
Typically within 30 minutes |
Typically within 15 minutes |
Typically within 30-60 minutes |
Duration of action |
Approximately 4-6 hours |
Up to 36 hours |
Approximately 4-6 hours |
Approximately 4-5 hours |
Effectiveness |
Highly effective for most men |
Highly effective for most men |
Highly effective for most men |
Highly effective for most men |
Recommended dosage |
Typically 50mg, adjustable as needed |
Typically 10mg, adjustable as needed |
Typically 100mg, adjustable as needed |
Typically 10mg, adjustable as needed |
Administration |
Oral tablet |
Oral tablet |
Oral tablet |
Oral tablet |
Food interactions |
May be affected by heavy, fatty meals |
Less affected by food intake |
Should not be taken with heavy meals |
May be affected by heavy, fatty meals |
Side effects |
Headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion |
Headache, indigestion, muscle pain |
Headache, flushing, nasal congestion, back pain |
Headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion |
Contraindications |
Nitrate medications, certain heart conditions |
Nitrate medications, certain heart conditions |
Nitrate medications, certain heart conditions |
Nitrate medications, certain heart conditions |
Availability |
Available by prescription |
Available by prescription |
Available by prescription |
Available by prescription |
Cost |
Generic costs as low as $15-25 for 30 tablets |
Generic costs around $6 per dose |
Only available by brand name, at around $140 for 2 tablets |
Generic costs around $50 for 10 tablets |
Before taking ED medications, consult your healthcare provider, especially if you are using supplements or have underlying conditions. While alternative options like ED rings and vacuum devices are available, it is crucial to understand the associated risks.