List of Medications for Erectile Dysfunction

This is the last article on my series of list of medications for common ailments/diseases in the US.  I hope you found the series informative. 

 

Medications Used to Treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the condition of not being able to get or keep an erection that’s firm enough for sexual intercourse. It’s often caused by an underlying health problem. The Urology Care Foundation estimates that this condition affects 30 million men in the United States. For some men, treatment with drugs may resolve their ED.

There are many types of drugs used to treat ED. Each drug works differently, but they all improve sexual activity by stimulating blood flow to the penis.

The most common ED drugs belong to a group known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. They block certain enzyme activity that leads to ED.

If you have certain health issues, it may not be safe for you to take ED drugs. For instance, if you have heart disease, your heart may not be healthy enough for sex.

1. Alprostadil

Alprostadil (Caverject, Edex, MUSE) comes as an injectable solution and as a penile suppository. You’ll inject the solution directly into your penis 5 to 20 minutes before having sex. You can use it as needed up to three times per week. You should let at least 24 hours lapse between injections.

With MUSE (or Medicated Urethral System for Erections), the suppository should be administered 5 to 10 minutes before sex. It shouldn’t be used more than twice in a 24-hour period. The more common side effects of this drug include pain in the penis and testicles, as well as burning in the urethra.

2. Avanafil

Avanafil (Stendra) is an oral drug and a PDE5 inhibitor. You should take it about 15 minutes before having sex. Don’t take it more than once per day.

You shouldn’t use any PDE5 inhibitors if you’re also taking nitrates to treat heart disease. Examples of nitrates include isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) and nitroglycerin (Nitrostat). Taking nitrates with avanafil can cause severely low blood pressure and even death. The more common side effects of this drug include:

• headache
• flushing, or the reddening and warming of your face
• stuffy or runny nose
• back pain
• sore throat

3. Sildenafil

Sildenafil (Viagra) is also a PDE5 inhibitor. Viagra is only available as an oral tablet. You should take it only once per day, about 30 minutes to an hour before sex. The more common side effects of this drug include:

• headache
• flushing
• stuffy or runny nose
• back pain
• upset stomach
• muscle aches
• vision changes, such as blurry vision and changes in how certain colors look

4. Tadalafil

Tadalafil (Cialis) is an oral drug that increases blood flow throughout your body. You take this PDE5 inhibitor about 30 minutes before sex, no more than once per day. It may work for up to 36 hours. The more common side effects of this drug include:

• headache
• flushing
• stuffy or runny nose
• back pain
• upset stomach
• pain in the limbs

5. Testosterone

Testosterone is the main sex hormone in the male body. It plays many roles in overall health. Testosterone levels naturally drop with age. This change can lead to ED and other issues, such as:

• fatigue
• low sex drive
• reduced sperm count
• weight gain

Doctors sometimes prescribe testosterone to treat ED. In fact, PDE5 inhibitors are most effective when used alongside testosterone therapy in men with a testosterone deficiency. However, the drug does come with risks. Testosterone can increase your chance of a heart attack or stroke. Because of these risks, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source says that only men who have low testosterone due to certain health issues should use testosterone.

Your doctor will watch you closely if they give you testosterone. They’ll test the levels of testosterone in your body before and during your treatment with this drug. If your testosterone levels are too high, your doctor will stop your treatment or lower your dosage. Side effects of testosterone may include:

• acne
• male breasts
• prostate growth
• fluid retention that causes swelling
• moodiness
• sleep apnea, or interrupted breathing during your sleep

Testosterone for ED comes in many forms. The table below lists the forms of testosterone and their brand-name versions. Some forms may also be available as generic drugs.

Testosterone form	Brand names
Transdermal cream	First Testosterone Cream 2%
Transdermal gel	AndroGel, Fortesta, Testim, and Vogelxo
Transdermal patch	Androderm
Transdermal solution	None (only available as generic)
Topical gel	AndroGel and Natesto
Nasal gel	Natesto
Oral capsule	Testred
Oral tablet	Android 25
Mucoadhesive film that dissolves under your gums	Striant
Pellet implant	Testopel
Solution for intramuscular injection	Depo-Testosterone and Aveed

6. Vardenafil

Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) is an oral drug and a PDE5 inhibitor. You take it as needed 60 minutes before sex. You can take this drug up to once per day as recommended by your doctor. The more common side effects of this drug include:

• headache
• flushing
• stuffy or runny nose
• back pain
• upset stomach
• dizziness

7. Vitamins and supplements for ED

There are many vitamins and supplements on the market that claim to help ED. Some promise better sexual function as well as increased energy and vitality. However, these supplements usually don’t work. They may also be unsafe.
Some supplements that are marketed as “natural” may even contain drugs. ED supplements can still interact with other medications you’re taking. They may also cause side effects. Talk to your doctor before using any vitamins or supplements for ED.

Before you take ED medications

Not everyone with ED needs to take medications. If you think you have ED, see your primary care doctor. They’ll give you a physical exam and request certain lab tests, as well as a complete medical and psychosocial history.
They may also refer you to a mental health professional, who can help you manage performance anxiety or relationship issues related to your ED.

ED caused by underlying conditions

Your ED may be caused by untreated diabetes, high blood pressure, or another issue. Treating that condition first may improve your ED symptoms.

ED caused by medications

ED may also be caused by other medications you’re taking. These may include drugs used to treat:

• high blood pressure
• heart disease
• depression
• seizures
• cancer

Your doctor can review the drugs you’re currently taking. They may make some changes that can improve your ED.

ED caused by lifestyle choices

Sometimes lifestyle choices can contribute to ED. Adopting healthy habits may help improve your symptoms. Try avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and keeping your alcohol intake in check.

Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/medication-list#work-with-your-doctor

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Peter Peppers 

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