Many men around the world depend on erectile dysfunction medication (EDM) to maintain an active sex life. Known generically as PDE5 inhibitors, these drugs work by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which is responsible for breaking down a natural chemical in the body called cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). When this is inhibited, the blood vessels in the penis become relaxed, allowing increased blood flow into the organ and resulting in an erection.
While it’s great that these drugs are helping men around the world, it’s not always easy to maintain an effective dose. Especially since there are now multiple EDM options, all with potentially positive interactions with other drugs. To make matters more complicated, older generation PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra have been found to have various side effects, including headaches, flushing, and stomach discomfort. Fortunately, thanks to modern research and pharmaceutical innovation, there are now safe and effective alternatives for treating ED. Here’s a short guide on how to choose the right EDM for you.
Understand The Differences
One of the most important things to understand about EDM is that there are multiple types of the medication, each with unique properties. The first is Viagra, which was approved by the FDA back in 1992 and is still one of the most popular EDM options. It is a selective PDE5 inhibitor and, as a result, works on only certain parts of the sexual response cycle. When taken in combination with other EDM or sexual performance enhancers, such as a super-vitamin (DIM), it can produce some very interesting effects. One of the most popular generics available for Viagra is Tasigna, which contains sildenafil and also has the potential to boost your libido. Another type of PDE5 inhibitor is Cialis, which was approved by the FDA in 1998. It is much more widely studied than Viagra and is considered by many to be the gold standard among EDM options. It too, has some interesting interactions with other drugs, making it a valuable combination therapy option.
Consult Your Doctor
It is extremely important to work with your doctor to find the right EDM for you, particularly since you are probably going to be taking these drugs for the rest of your life. It is also important to work with your doctor to understand the potential side effects of these medications. As previously stated, older generation PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra have been found to have various side effects, such as headaches, flushing, and stomach discomfort. Your doctor may also prescribe you a different type of medication if you have other health problems. For instance, if you have diabetes or heart disease, you may need to be on a different dosage regimen than someone without these conditions. Your doctor can advise you of the safest and most effective way to take these drugs, so you can avoid any undesirable side effects.
Research The Most Effective Dose
It is extremely important to investigate the least and most effective doses of the medication, so you do not exceed the recommended dosage. For instance, a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic found that sildenafil (viagra) at a dose of 100mg was more effective than 50mg at treating ED. They also determined that doses above 200mg were not tolerated by most patients. The same study suggested that the most effective dose for most patients was 100mg, although they cautioned that this might not be the case for people with certain health conditions.
Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that Cialis was equally effective at treating ED when taken at a dose of 10mg or 20mg. At a dose of greater than 20mg, however, there was a significant decrease in the drug’s effectiveness. It’s important to note here that both of these studies examined the efficacy of EDM in comparison to a placebo (expected treatment effect), not to another drug. This brings us to our next point.
Avoid Conflicts
It is always a good idea to talk to your doctor about possible drug interactions. This is particularly important if you are taking two or more different EDM or are planning on taking them together. Your doctor can advise you of any possible interactions and whether or not it is safe for you to combine these drugs. For instance, in some cases, it may not be a good idea to take Viagra with a PDE4 inhibitor, such as rolipram or sildenafil. Similarly, mixing Cialis with a nitrate drug (such as nitroglycerin or isosorbide mononitrate) or with a drug that inhibits the enzyme CYP3A4 (such as ritonavir) could produce potentially dangerous side effects.
Know The Contra-indications
Just like with any drug, there are certain groups of people that should not take these medications. Men with certain health problems, such as liver disease, heart disease, and stroke are some of the groups that should not take EDM. If you belong to one of these groups, you must consult with your doctor before starting any form of treatment. In addition, people with certain other health conditions, such as asthma, glaucoma, and prostate cancer should also avoid taking these drugs as the evidence suggests that they may increase the risk of these diseases. If you are unsure whether or not you should take EDM, your doctor may be able to advise you of whether or not it is safe for you to do so, based on your health history.
Choose The Right Delivery System
While it is important to keep in mind the main function of the medication (i.e. to treat ED), it is also important to remember that these drugs can be very damaging to the body if taken in excess. This is why it is always a good idea to keep your doctor informed about your medication intake and why it is important to follow the directions given to you by your doctor, particularly when it comes to maintaining an effective/safe dose. The best way for patients to receive their medication and avoid any unwanted side effects is through oral administration, taken as directed. However, if this is not possible, the next best thing is an oral capsule or tablet. Other desirable delivery systems for EDM include patches and vaginal rings, which many people with ED find helpful in keeping them active and satisfied in bed. There are also injectable versions of these drugs, which some people may prefer to take for convenience. In any case, it is important to remember that, while there are many benefits to EDM, there is also a considerable risk associated with these medications. For this reason, it is always a good idea to weigh the pros and cons of treatment before starting any form of therapy.