Men with erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence suffer mainly due to an insufficient supply of blood throughout the penile which ultimately affects their sexual performance. It usually results after the clogging and narrowing of the blood vessels that circulate blood throughout the penile shaft. Several ED drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Common Treatments For ED
Commonly prescribed treatments for ED – Viagra (Sildenafil), Cialis (Tadalafil), Levitra (Vardenafil), and Stendra (Avanafil) are FDA-approved that are considered effective and reliable for use. The active ingredients within each of the medications are different but their function is similar. These medications are PDE5 inhibitors that relax the penile blood vessels and increase the blood flow to the penile causing harder erections.
The best treatment for erectile dysfunction is the one that best suits you considering your lifestyle, medical condition (if any), and affordability. At present, Viagra (Sildenafil) and Cialis (Tadalafil) are the two most prescribed drugs for impotence and are considered equally safe as well as effective.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Men suffering due to erectile dysfunction find it extremely difficult to get or maintain an erection due to insufficient blood supply to the penile. Poor blood flow to the penile affects the erection function which prevents men from attaining the natural erection for indulging in sexual activity even after ample sexual stimulation.
Physiological or Psychological Condition
Erectile dysfunction is a symptom of some underlying physiological or psychological condition that isn’t apparent. Some individuals may even suffer from chronic erectile dysfunction for a prolonged duration due to an undiagnosed underlying condition. Sometimes a combination of both physical and mental issues can aggravate the sexual dysfunction even more. However, ED is a treatable condition. It can be treated with the help of prescription drugs. Let us check out these drugs.
Erectile Dysfunction Drugs
Sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil are potent drugs that are pharmacologically classified under PDE5 inhibitors that are pure vasodilators. PDE5 inhibitors boost the release of nitric oxide in the penile blood vessels and overcome all the blockages in the passages of the blood vessels to trigger firmer erections.
Moreover, these medications do not trigger erections spontaneously. They help to get the required result only in the presence of sexual stimulation. Sexual arousal is the prerequisite for these medications to show their effects; hence, adequate sexual stimulation is necessary for getting the optimal benefits of the medication on your sexual performance.
Viagra and Sildenafil Generics
Viagra is the brand name for Sildenafil which is also present as an active ingredient in many sildenafil generics. It is a well-known brand, and these medications are preferable. Doctors recommend Sildenafil due to its prevalence and the side effects and interactions are noted, which makes these medicines safe for consumption.
How to Consume
The medicine comes in a conventional tablet form. Take the medicine with some water approximately an hour before a planned sexual activity. Avoid taking it with the food. Do not consume high-fat or oily foods around the consuming this medicine. The effects of the medicine remain in the bloodstream for around 3 to 4 hours from the time of its consumption. Its side effects include headache, dizziness, rash, and visual disturbance.
Dosage
Viagra medications come in three different strengths – 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. It is safe to start from a mild dose i.e., 25mg. Your doctor can increase the dose from 25 to 100mg, depending on your need.
Cialis and Tadalafil Generics
Cialis is the brand name for Tadalafil which serves as an active ingredient in many other tadalafil generics. Tadalafil medications are unique as they offer sexual spontaneity to men due to their long duration of action and effectiveness in the bloodstream. High dose of these medicines has prolonged effectiveness for up to 36 hours and even more, making it an amazing weekend medicine. Its side effects include back pain, muscle pain, headache, flushing, and stomach discomfort.
How to Consume
Swallow the medicine with some water for approximately 15 to 30 minutes before getting intimate. It is preferable to take it on an empty stomach or 2 hours after a low-fat meal. Avoid having heavy and oily meals before consuming the medication, as such meals can hinder the medicinal effectiveness.
Dosage
Doctors typically prescribe a dose of 10mg strength which can be decreased to 2.5 mg or 5 mg or increased up to 20mg based on how well your body responds to the effects of the dose.
Levitra and Vardenafil Generics
Vardenafil medications are sold under the brand name Levitra. Vardenafil is also present in several generic medications as a key ingredient. The effects of the medicine last for up to 6 hours in the bloodstream.
How to Consume
The pill must be swallowed as a whole with some water approximately an hour before sex. It is recommended to avoid having heavy and fatty meals before consuming the medicine, as it can slow down the absorption of the medicine in the bloodstream. The medicine starts its action as soon as 25 minutes from the time of consumption.
Dosage
The safe recommended dose is 10mg which is a moderate one. It can be reduced down to 5mg or increased to 20mg which is the maximum dose.
Stendra or Avanafil
Avanafil medications are available under the brand name Stendra. The medicine remains active in the bloodstream for up to 6 hours.
How to Consume
The medicine comes in tablet form that must be taken with some water, half an hour before an anticipated sexual activity. A gap of 2 hours must be maintained between the meal and medicine consumption. Heavy, fatty, oily meals must be avoided before consuming the medicine, as such meals can lessen the efficacy of the medicine.
Dosage
These drugs are available in three doses – 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg. It is safe to enter a low-dose regimen as prescribed by the doctor. It can be increased further.
To Conclude
Sildenafil is considered best for occasional use. Whereas tadalafil is preferred for regular usage. Sildenafil and Tadalafil are the safest ED drugs that are predominantly prescribed by doctors. These two have existed for a significant time. Their side effects, complications, and interactions are well-known, which makes them preferable to doctors prescribing them to their ED patients.