ORAL THERAPIES
ED ORAL PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
The FDA has approved several oral prescription drugs to treat ED that relax muscles and increase blood flow to the penis including:
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Avanafil (Stendra)
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Sildenafil (Viagra)
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Tadalafil (Cialis)
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Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
Most of these medications function similarly, taking effect within 30-45 minutes and lasting between 4-6 hours. Tadalafil (Cialis) is also known as “the weekend pill” and can last up to 36 hours.
SILDENAFIL (GENERIC VIAGRA)
Introduction
Sildenafil (Viagra) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence; inability to get or keep an erection) in men. Sildenafil is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. Sildenafil treats erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. This increased blood flow can cause an erection. If you are taking sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction, you should know that it does not cure erectile dysfunction or increase sexual desire. Sildenafil does not prevent pregnancy or the spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Directions
Take sildenafil as needed before sexual activity. The best time to take sildenafil is about 1 hour before sexual activity, but you can take the medication any time from 4 hours to 30 minutes before sexual activity. Sildenafil usually should not be taken more than once every 24 hours. If you have certain health conditions or are taking certain medications, your doctor may tell you to take sildenafil less often. You can take sildenafil with or without food. However, if you take sildenafil with a high-fat meal, it will take longer for the medication to start to working.
TADALFIL (GENERIC CIALIS)
Introduction
Tadalafil (Cialis) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence; inability to get or keep an erection). It is also prescribed for prostate disorders or pulmonary hypertension. Tadalafil is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. It works to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. This increased blood flow can cause an erection. If you are taking tadalafil to treat erectile dysfunction, you should know that it does not cure erectile dysfunction or increase sexual desire. Tadalafil does not prevent pregnancy or the spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Directions
There are two different ways to take tadalafil, either daily or on an as needed basis. Talk to your doctor about which dosing schedule is right for you. Tadalafil is sometimes taken as needed, usually at least 30 minutes before sexual activity and not more often than once every 24 hours. Your doctor will help you decide the best time for you to take tadalafil before sexual activity. Tadalafil is also sometimes taken once a day every day without regard to timing of sexual activity. You may attempt sexual activity at any time between doses. If you are taking tadalafil on a regular schedule, take it at around the same time every day. If you have certain health conditions or are taking certain medications, your doctor may tell you to take tadalafil less often. You can take tadalafil with or without food. However, if you take tadalafil with a high-fat meal, it will take longer for the medication to start to working.
​SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR ORAL ED MEDS
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Do not take these medicines if you are taking or have recently taken Nitrate medications. This includes: isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil), isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket), and nitroglycerin. Nitrates come as tablets, sublingual (under the tongue) tablets, sprays, patches, pastes, and ointments.
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Do not take street drugs containing nitrates such as amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate ('poppers') while taking sildenafil.
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Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with sildenafil, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
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If you are taking sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction, tell your doctor if you have ever been advised by a healthcare professional to avoid sexual activity for medical reasons or if you have ever experienced chest pain during sexual activity. Sexual activity may be a strain on your heart, especially if you have heart disease. If you experience chest pain, dizziness, or nausea during sexual activity, call your doctor immediately and avoid sexual activity until your doctor tells you otherwise.
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Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking sildenafil. If you ever need emergency medical treatment for a heart problem, the healthcare providers who treat you will need to know when you last took sildenafil.
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