Even though they are both manufactured by Pfizer, Viagra and Cialis are still considered to be two distinct medications. In fact, not even pharmacy technicians are authorized to combine the two medications into 1 prescription! If you’re taking either medication, you’ll most likely need to visit your doctor regularly for blood tests and Pap smears (Pap smears are not required for men aged <30). Due to their relatively low bioavailability, Viagra and Cialis both have a relatively high drop-rate when administered in combination, which is why they're typically not prescribed concurrently. However, this can be effective if your doctor determines that this is beneficial for your health.
Viagra (Sildenafil) is a medication that can help improve blood flow to the penis and increase its rigidity. However, it is not an aphrodisiac and should not be used to treat low libido or drive you to have sex with someone else. In fact, taking Viagra without seeing your doctor first can lead to significant drug interactions and adverse effects. If you do decide to try it, make sure you only take it for the stated purpose and consult your doctor before taking any other medications or supplements while on it.
Alternative Medications To Treat ED
If you try one of the many alternatives to treat your erectile dysfunction and it doesn’t work out well for you, there’s no need to fall back on Viagra. In fact, you might be better off without it. Here are some of the most popular treatments that can be an alternative to treat your erectile dysfunction.
Tadalafil
Tadalafil is the active ingredient in the drug Advil. It is a more effective medication than Viagra and is usually given to treat erectile dysfunction. However, it doesn’t produce the same stimulating effects on the brain as Viagra does. In fact, patients who take Tadalafil often notice a decrease in their mental acuity. This can be a disadvantage, especially if you’re taking it for the first time and have no history of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease in your family.
Piroxicam
Piroxicam is an anti-inflammatory medication that can help decrease sperm count in males and has been known to cause birth defects. However, it can also be an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction and has been prescribed to men with low libido due to its positive effect on sexual function. Piroxicam should not be taken by patients who are either pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It can also cause liver toxicity and stomach pain. Like most medications, adverse effects can be minimized by taking piroxicam as recommended by your doctor.
Cinnolin
Cinnolin is a medication which has been proven to significantly increase the blood flow to the male genitals, resulting in enhanced erectile function in patients with diabetes. It can also be applied to the skin to treat erectile dysfunction in patients who can’t take pills or who want to avoid side effects. Like most medications, side effects include skin dryness, redness, and itching. However, they are usually mild and transient and rarely lead to longer term problems.
Sildenafil
Sildenafil (Viagra) is a drug that can help improve blood flow to the penis and increase its rigidity. However, it does not produce the same stimulating effects on the brain as compared to tadalafil and cinnolin. Therefore, fewer side effects and less interaction with other medications. Like most medications, side effects include mild stomach upset, headache, facial flushing, and stuffy nose. If you do decide to try it, make sure you only take it for the stated purpose and consult your doctor before taking any other medications or supplements while on it.
Trimetazenic Acid (TMTZ)
TMTZ is a medication that can help improve cholesterol levels. It is also known to have a positive effect on erectile function, especially in patients who have low cholesterol levels and a history of cholesterol-related cardiovascular disease in their family. It can be applied to the skin to treat erectile dysfunction in patients who can’t take pills or who want to avoid side effects. Like most medications, side effects include skin dryness, redness, and itching. However, these are usually mild and transient.
Vardenafil
Vardenafil (Levitra) is another medication that can help improve blood flow to the penis and increase its rigidity. It is a more effective treatment than Sildenafil and is usually given to treat erectile dysfunction. However, it does not produce the same stimulating effects on the brain as compared to Tadalafil and Cinnolin. Therefore, fewer side effects and less interaction with other medications. Like most medications, side effects include mild stomach upset, headache, facial flushing, and stuffy nose. If you do decide to try it, make sure you only take it for the stated purpose and consult your doctor before taking any other medications or supplements while on it.
Terazosin
Terazosin (Hytrin) is an anti-hypertensive medication that can also be used to treat erectile dysfunction. It can be applied to the skin to treat erectile dysfunction in patients who can’t take pills or who want to avoid side effects. Like most medications, it has a variety of side effects including dizziness, drowsiness, and headaches. However, these are all relatively mild and transient. Some of the more serious side effects include liver toxicity (which can be corrected with a liver transplant) and prostate cancer. Due to its positive effect on sexual function, it is recommended that Hytrin be used in combination with a nitrate medication (usually nitroglycerin or isosorbide mononitrate) to produce the best results. As with all medications, side effects can be reduced by following the recommended dosing schedule and consulting your doctor if you experience any negative effects.
Saw Palmetto Extract
Saw Palmetto Extract is an extract of the blackberry which is native to the state of South Carolina in the United States. While it has not been proven to directly treat erectile dysfunction, it has been shown to have a positive effect on the overall sexual health of men. It can be applied to the skin to treat erectile dysfunction in patients who can’t take pills or who want to avoid side effects. Like most medications, it has a variety of side effects including stomach upset, headache, nausea, dizziness, and flushing. However, these are all relatively mild and transient. The most serious side effect (in less than 1% of patients) is a severe allergic reaction that can lead to anaphylaxis or death. Some men even develop a sensitivity to the substance after only a few months of use. In order to determine if you’re at risk of developing sensitivity to saw palmetto extract, consult your doctor and regularly test for skin sensitivity.
Mulberry Extract
Mulberry Extract is another medication that can be used to treat erectile dysfunction. It is a natural product that has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is thought to have a positive effect on the blood flow to the penis and can be applied to the skin to treat erectile dysfunction in patients who can’t take pills or who want to avoid side effects. Like most medications, it has a variety of side effects including stomach upset, headache, dizziness, and flushing. However, these are all relatively mild and transient. The most serious side effect is an allergic reaction that can cause severe illness or even death. If you’re at risk of developing sensitivity to mulberry extract, consult your doctor and regularly test for skin sensitivity.
Tocotrienol
Tocotrienol is an antioxidant that is believed to have a positive effect on sexual function. It is a natural substance that is extracted from the fruit of the palm tree. It is known to have a protective effect on the skin and can be used to treat erectile dysfunction in patients who can’t take pills or who want to avoid side effects. Like most medications, tocotrienol has a variety of side effects including skin dryness, redness, and itching. However, these are all relatively mild and transient. The most serious side effect is hepatotoxicity and, again, it can be potentially life-threatening. If you’re at risk of developing sensitivity to tocotrienol, consult your doctor and regularly test for skin sensitivity.