Erectile dysfunction (ED) meds, also called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, are commonly prescribed medications. These are used to manage the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

ED is a condition characterized by the inability to get or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. Such medications are specifically designed to alleviate erection difficulties.  

They work by increasing blood flow to the penile, which helps facilitate and maintain an erection during sexual intercourse.

There are a total of four ED medications that have received approval from the FDA. These meds are all branded ones that alleviate erection difficulties and restore a healthy erection response.

Sildenafil (Viagra)

Sildenafil is a drug that is primarily prescribed for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. It belongs to the class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

These are available in oral tablet forms. They come in various strengths, typically ranging from 25 mg to 100 mg. The lowest dose is 25 mg, which is recommended as a starting dose to see its effects.

The medicine typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour to become fully active in the bloodstream. The effective time varies according to the strength.

Sildenafil is also sometimes prescribed to manage the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The medication relieves the condition by reducing the blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.   

Vardenafil (Levitra)

This medication is used only to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) problems in men. It has the active ingredient vardenafil, which comes under a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

The medicine works by boosting blood flow to the penile during sexual stimulation. By doing so, it helps men achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.

The medicine begins its action between 15 minutes to 30 minutes after taking. It has acquired approval from the FDA. This branded medicine comes in doses ranging from 5 mg to 20 mg.

The duration of action of this medicine varies from individual to individual. It depends on factors such as metabolism, interactions, and dosage. Its effects generally last for about 4 to 6 hours.  

Tadalafil (Cialis)

Tadalafil medications are generic ED medicines. Their brand-name version is Cialis. These are widely used and effective medications for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in males.

The medicine helps men regain a healthy erection function and improve their sex life. However, it is essential to use this medicine responsibly, as the medicine has prolonged action time.

Its effects last for around 36 hours or so. This is true in the case of high-dose Cialis medicines. To be on the safer side, one must use these medicines under the guidance of a healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective treatment.  

Tastylia 10 mg is the unbranded generic version of Tadalafil. They offer the same benefits as Tadalista. Their function is the same, that is, to boost the blood supply to the penile and ease erection function.

Avanafil (Stendra and Staxyn)

Avanafil medications are available in the form of oral tablets. They come in various strengths, typically ranging from 50 mg to 200 mg. The medicine has to be taken approximately 15 to 30 minutes before a planned sexual activity.

The right dose will be recommended by the healthcare provider. The adjustments in the dosage can be made based on individual response and tolerability, with a maximum recommended dose of 200 mg per day.

The medicine has a relatively rapid onset of action, with its effects becoming active within 15 to 30 minutes after ingestion.

The action time or duration of avanafil varies depending on individual factors including metabolism and dosage, but effects generally last for about 4 to 6 hours.

Action mechanism of ED meds

All these FDA-approved ED meds differ in their composition and formulations. However, even though everything about them is different, their function is the same.

They all help improve the erection function by increasing blood flow to the penile. Here is how ED meds work and what they do exactly:   

The function of ED meds is to inhibit the activity of an enzyme, called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This enzyme is responsible for breaking down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a chemical messenger involved in the relaxation of penile blood vessels.

They keep the penile blood vessels dilated. Through PDE5 inhibition, these medicines help increase the levels of cGMP. Further, it leads to the relaxation of penile blood vessels, thereby increasing the blood flow to the penile, which triggers a stronger erection.