ED medication comparison: pick the right pill for your needs

Want a quick, usable breakdown of popular ED drugs? Here’s a practical guide to how they work, how fast they act, how long they last, common side effects, and simple tips to help you decide which might fit your life.

How these drugs differ — the essentials

Sildenafil (Viagra) — onset about 30–60 minutes, lasts 4–5 hours. Take on an empty stomach for best effect; high-fat meals can slow it down. Usual dose: 25–100 mg. Common side effects: headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and sometimes vision changes.

Tadalafil (Cialis) — onset 30–60 minutes but can take up to 2 hours; big advantage is duration: up to 36 hours. That’s why people call it the "weekend pill." Daily low-dose options (2.5–5 mg) exist for frequent use; single doses typically 5–20 mg. Side effects include headache, back pain, and muscle aches.

Avanafil (Stendra) — fast-acting: about 15–30 minutes for many men, lasting roughly 6 hours. Doses are usually 50–200 mg. It’s handy if you want a quick start and shorter window.

Vardenafil (Levitra) — similar to sildenafil in speed and duration (roughly 30–60 minutes onset, 4–6 hours), with typical doses 5–20 mg. Works well for many men who respond to PDE5 inhibitors.

Safety, interactions, and how to choose

Never combine any PDE5 inhibitor with nitrate drugs (used for chest pain). That mix can dangerously drop blood pressure. Also use caution if you take alpha-blockers or certain heart meds. If you have serious heart disease or unstable blood pressure, talk to a doctor before trying any ED drug.

Choosing tips: want spontaneity over a day or two? Consider tadalafil for its long window. Want something fast with a short window? Avanafil fits. If budget and availability matter, sildenafil and vardenafil are common and widely priced. Start at a lower dose to check tolerance, then adjust with your doctor’s OK.

Side effects are similar across the group: headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, upset stomach, dizziness. Tadalafil more often causes muscle/back pain; sildenafil may cause transient visual changes. If side effects are bothersome, try a different drug or dose.

Buying tips: only use reputable pharmacies and keep a current prescription. Our site has articles comparing sildenafil and tadalafil in detail and shopping guides for safe online pharmacies. Talk with a clinician about heart health, other meds, and realistic expectations. A short trial of one drug often shows whether it works for you — if not, try another under medical advice.

Want more detail on any of these drugs? Check our in-depth comparisons and buying guides on GlobalPharmacyPlus.com to read real-world tips and practical dosing info.