I’m certain you’ve heard about Viagra. If not, then maybe you’ve seen one of the countless ads on television, or maybe you’ve even gone to the trouble of searching for it on the internet.
Viagra was first made available for prescription in the early 90s. The medication is very effective in treating erectile dysfunction, regardless of whether it’s due to psychological factors or physical factors. Since then, countless other medications and treatments for erectile dysfunction have been created.
While Viagra undeniably changed the face of medicine, it is far from the only medication out there. Take a look at our list of the twelve best ED medications and you’ll see that some of them are made from plants, while others are chemically based.
The Twelve Best ED Medications
Here’s a breakdown of the twelve best ED medications, and why you should consider trying them. Keep reading for more information about each drug:
1. Sildenafil citrate (Viagra)
Sildenafil citrate (brand name Viagra) is a medication that allows men to have longer and stronger erections. Basically, it helps to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis. Sildenafil citrate is a prescription medication that was first approved by the FDA in December 1994. It’s been incredibly popular ever since and is currently available in 100 mg, 120 mg, and 150 mg forms. One of the biggest selling points of Viagra is that it is one of the few ED medications that can be taken orally, without the need for a doctor’s supervision. This makes it convenient for patients who need to take it on the go. It’s also very discreet and can be bought at any pharmacy without a prescription.
2. Tadalafil (Cialis)
Tadalafil (brand name Cialis) is another medication that improves erectile function in men by increasing blood flow to the penis and relaxing the muscles in the area. Tadalafil was first made available to physicians in April 2000 and was later approved by the FDA in February 2003. It is currently available in 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg doses. One of the main reasons why tadalafil is so effective in treating ED is that it is a double-coaster. First, it inhibits PDE5, which is the molecular target for Viagra. Second, it reverses the effects of aging on blood vessels, which allows for increased blood flow. Like Viagra, tadalafil is also usually prescribed by a doctor and it has a very good safety record.
3. Vardenafil (Levitra)
Levitra (brand name Vardenafil) is another medication that helps men with erectile dysfunction. It does this by blocking PDE5, the same enzyme that tadalafil inhibits. However, since Levitra is a much newer medication than tadalafil, it hasn’t been around long enough for as many clinical trials to have been completed. However, based on the information available, it seems like Levitra is just as effective as the other PDE5 inhibitors (tadalafil and sildenafil). Unfortunately, it is also associated with a higher rate of severe side effects, due to it’s chemical structure. This includes stuffy nose, severe headache, and muscle pain. If you’re deciding between tadalafil and Levitra, then it’s important to consider how you’ll be using the drug. If you’re going to be taking it regularly, then tadalafil may be the better choice. If you’re only going to be taking it when you need it, then Levitra is the drug you should try.
4. Terazosin (Hytrin)
Terazosin (brand name Hytrin) is an alpha-blocker medication that is frequently used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition that affects the prostate. Hytrin was first approved by the FDA in August 1992 and is currently available in 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses. While it is effective for treating BPH, it also has the potential to cause low blood pressure and dizziness (especially if combined with caffeine). If you’re going to be taking it for BPH, then choose a lower dose, or consider a different treatment option.
5. Caffeine (Coffea)
Caffeine (cocoa flavonoid) is a medication that naturally occurs in coffee, tea, and other dark chocolate products. It acts on the central nervous system to relieve mental and physical fatigue. It is also frequently combined with other medications, due to its effectiveness in relieving anxiety and improving sleep. Caffeine is frequently used in combination with sildenafil (Viagra), because it helps to combat the negative effects of aging on the body. Some studies have even shown that caffeine can increase the effectiveness of sildenafil, by enhancing the blood flow to the penis during stimulation.
6. Rosiglitazone (Avandry)
Rosiglitazone (brand name Avandry) is a medication that improves insulin sensivity and blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is also frequently used as an add-on therapy to other diabetic medications. Rosiglitazone was first approved by the FDA in May 2007 and is available in 4mg, 8mg, and 12mg doses. Like caffeine, rosiglitazone has the potential to enhance the effect of sildenafil (Viagra) in men with erectile dysfunction. However, it needs to be used cautiously in patients who already take nitrates, as it has the risk of causing sudden cardiac arrest. Nonetheless, for men with diabetes who are already on medication, rosiglitazone might be a good choice.
7. Mevacor (Lovastatin)
Mevacor (lovastatin) is a medication that lowers cholesterol levels and prevents heart disease. It does this by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that is necessary in the synthesis of cholesterol. Mevacor was first approved by the FDA in November 1996 and is available in a variety of doses, from 5 mg to 160 mg. One of the main reasons why mevacor is so effective in treating heart disease is that it has an excellent safety profile. The most commonly reported side effects are headaches and skin rash. Men who are taking mevacor have also reported improvements in erectile function and sexual activity. In rare cases, men have reported sudden cardiac arrest, but it is believed to be due to a pre-existing condition.
8. Diluent (Polyethylene Glycol)
Diluent (polyethylene glycol) is a medication that is used to clear mucus from the lungs and respiratory tract. Diluent was first approved by the FDA for medical use in 1945 and is currently available in a variety of forms, including solutions and sprays, in strengths ranging from 1 mg/mL to 30 mg/mL. The main side effect of diluent is irritation, and in extreme cases, it has been known to cause swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing. As previously mentioned, sildenafil (Viagra) works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which can lead to increased air exposure and therefore irritability. While diluent might not be the best choice for people with severe sensitivities, it is a great option for men who are just looking for a way to prevent bad reactions to allergens.
9. Atacand (telmisartan)
Atacand (telmisartan) is an antihypertensive medication that reduces blood pressure by blocking the action of the enzyme angiotensin II in the body. It was first approved by the FDA in May 2001 and is currently available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg doses. The most commonly reported side effects of atacand include dizziness, headache, and dry mouth. As with the other medications on this list, atacand has the potential to enhance the effects of sildenafil (Viagra) in men with erectile dysfunction. However, it is important to keep in mind that atacand can cause hypotension, which is dangerously low blood pressure.