Oral Medicines for Erectile Dysfunction

You can use prescription oral medicine for ED. They often work well. But, like all medicines, they can have side effects. Also, you can’t use them if you have certain health problems or take certain other medicines. Talk with your doctor about oral ED medicine. Ask whether it is right for you.

Types of oral ED medicines

There are three types of prescription oral ED medicines. Each one increases blood flow to the penis. When the penis is stimulated, an erection results. The types are:

• Sildenafil citrate 

• Tadalafil 

• Vardenafil

• Avanfil

What oral ED medicines don’t do

There are some things ED medicines can’t do.

• They don’t cure the cause of your ED. Without the medicine, you’ll still have trouble getting an erection.

• They can’t produce an erection without sexual stimulation.

• They won’t increase sexual desire. They also won’t solve any other sexual issues. Psychological, emotional, or relationship issues will not be fixed.

Taking oral ED medicines safely

• Do not combine ED medicines with other treatments unless your doctor tells you to.

• Don’t take ED medicines more often or in larger doses than prescribed.

• Tell your doctor your health history. Mention all medicines you take. This includes over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbs.

• Ask your doctor about whether you can drink alcohol while taking ED medication.

Possible side effects of oral ED medicines

• Headache

• Facial flushing

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Indigestion

• Distortion of your color vision for a short time

• Sudden vision loss or hearing loss (rare)

• Dizziness