Erectile Dysfunction Medications Guide
Everything you need to know about erectile dysfunction medications — how they work, what they cost, side effects, and where to get them.
Sildenafil (Generic Viagra)
genericSildenafil citrate — 25mg, 50mg, or 100mg taken as needed, roughly 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. Most providers suggest not exceeding one dose per day.
Men who want an affordable, well-studied, as-needed option for erectile dysfunction
$0.50-$10/pill
See quoted unit
Tadalafil (Generic Cialis)
genericTadalafil — 2.5mg or 5mg daily, or 10mg-20mg as needed roughly 30 minutes before sexual activity. Should not exceed one dose per day.
Men who prefer a daily option or want a longer-lasting medication that may allow for more spontaneity
$1.80-$10/pill
See quoted unit
Vardenafil
genericVardenafil hydrochloride — Prescription-only, usually taken as needed. The prescribed formulation, dose, and timing matter; follow your own label.
A licensed clinician assessing erectile dysfunction, health history, and medication interactions
$3-$12/tablet (approved generic, online, Sept 2026)
See quoted unit
Custom ED Compounds (Chewables & Troches)
compoundedCompounded sildenafil, tadalafil, or combination formulations — Varies widely by product. Chewables and sublingual troches are typically taken 15-30 minutes before sexual activity. Dosage depends on the active ingredients and combination used.
Men who have difficulty swallowing pills, want faster onset through sublingual absorption, or prefer combination formulations
$2-$23/dose
See quoted unit
Avanafil (Stendra)
genericAvanafil — 50mg, 100mg, or 200mg taken as needed, approximately 15-30 minutes before sexual activity. Should not exceed one dose per day.
Men who want the fastest possible onset of action and are willing to pay a premium
$10-$70/dose
See quoted unit
Medication Comparisons
Vardenafil vs. Sildenafil (Levitra vs. Viagra): What Actually Differs
Vardenafil (the generic of the discontinued Levitra) and sildenafil (generic Viagra) are both as-needed PDE5 inhibitors with similar onset and a similar four-to-five-hour window. The differences that matter in practice are narrower than marketing suggests: strengths, a heart-rhythm caution that is specific to vardenafil's label, the visual side effect more associated with sildenafil, and price and availability, where sildenafil is far easier to find online. This comparison is drawn from the MedlinePlus patient sheets and the DailyMed prescribing information; it does not replace a prescriber's assessment.
Read Comparison »Sildenafil vs. Tadalafil: Which ED Medication May Be Right for You?
Sildenafil (generic Viagra) and tadalafil (generic Cialis) are the two most widely prescribed ED medications in the world. Both are PDE5 inhibitors that work through the same core mechanism, but they differ meaningfully in duration, dosing flexibility, and price. Understanding these differences may help you and your provider decide which option could be a better fit for your lifestyle and needs.
Read Comparison »ED Pills vs. Chewables & Troches: Which Format May Work Better?
Traditional ED pills (standard sildenafil and tadalafil tablets) are FDA-approved finished products. Newer chewable or sublingual formats (like BlueChew, Hims Hard Mints, and Rugiet Ready) are compounded medications made with FDA-approved active ingredients but delivered in alternative formats. These compounded formulations are not FDA-approved as finished products. This comparison explores whether the format matters and what the potential tradeoffs may be in terms of speed, cost, convenience, and regulatory status.
Read Comparison »