PDE5 INHIBITORS

Oral medications are often the first line of treatment for erectile dysfunction. For most men who have trouble keeping an erection firm enough for sex (erectile dysfunction), these medications work well and cause few side effects.• Sildenafil (Viagra). This medication is most effective when taken on an empty stomach one hour before sex. It's effective for four to five hours or more if you have mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. • Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn). This medication also is most effective when taken one hour before sex and can be taken with or without food. A high-fat meal might keep it from absorbing as quickly. • Vardenafil is effective for four to five hours or more if you have mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. A newer form of the drug that dissolves on the tongue might work faster than the pill that you swallow. • Tadalafil (Cialis). This medication is taken with or without food about one to two hours before sex. It's effective for up to 36 hours. It can be taken in a small dose daily or in a larger dose as needed. • Avanafil (Stendra). This medication is taken with or without food 30 minutes before sex, depending on the dose. It lasts up to six hours.What Are the Most Common Side Effects?The most common side effects from oral ED medications include: • Headache • Lower blood pressure • Dizziness • Skin Flushing/Redness • Sinus congestion • Stuffy nose • HeartburnAside from the possible side effects listed above, Sildenafil (Viagra) has a possible side effect seen in 5-10% of patients who experience a blue coloration to their vision that goes away as soon as the drug is out of their system. There are no long term problems with this side effect.Tadalafil (Cialis) has a rare side effect specific to this medication in this class that produces temporary muscular pain (like a muscle cramp or back ache). Often this side effect goes away with time and sometimes it may be reduced with more hydration.The most talked about risk with oral ED drugs that is actually very rare is called a priapism, which is a painful erection that lasts longer than 4 hours.