This article will help you find the answers to the following questions:
Which medication for erectile dysfunction should I choose?
Which erection support medication can I take daily?
How do medications interact with food?
How do medications interact with alcohol?
Why should you avoid consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice when taking potency medications?
Which preparation works the fastest and which lasts the longest?
What if the medications don't work?
What should never be combined with ED medications?
Disclaimer:
The content on this page is intended for informational purposes only and should under no circumstances be considered a substitute for any medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of any questions regarding your health condition, consult with your doctor before self-treatment or seek assistance from a qualified healthcare provider.
Which Erection Support Medication should I Choose?
Below are details about individual active ingredients (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil).
Structurally, vardenafil is similar to sildenafil, while tadalafil is very different. Vardenafil is almost 10 times more biochemically effective than sildenafil, so a lower dose may be required for erection support, resulting in fewer side effects.
Duration of drug presence in the blood: Sildenafil has a half-life of 4 hours, vardenafil has a half-life of 4 to 6 hours, while tadalafil has a half-life of 17.5 hours.
This means that vardenafil should last longer than sildenafil, and tadalafil should have the longest duration of action. The disadvantage of tadalafil is that if you need nitrates after taking tadalafil, this medication stays in the bloodstream for a long time and may expose you to a higher risk.
From the above, it follows that:
Tadalafil may work well for younger people, while older people with other health problems may be better off using sildenafil or vardenafil.
The side effects of vardenafil are potentially smaller than those of sildenafil. Tadalafil is as effective as sildenafil and vardenafil with similar side effects, except for back pain, which occasionally occurs with tadalafil.
Can any of the Erectile Dysfunction Treatments be taken Daily?
One of the active ingredients for erection support, tadalafil, is FDA-approved for daily use at doses of 2.5 to 5 milligrams. In this dosage, tadalafil not only helps facilitate erection but can also help alleviate urinary problems resulting from an enlarged prostate.
How do Erection Support Medications Interact with Food?
Generally, moderate eating is recommended, avoiding fatty and hard-to-digest foods. This could disrupt the absorption of the active ingredient. This recommendation applies especially to medications containing sildenafil and vardenafil.
The absorption of tadalafil is not dependent on the fat content of ingested food. However, it is better to avoid hard-to-digest foods to avoid discomfort during sexual activities.
How do Erection Support Medications Interact with Alcohol?
One glass of alcohol in combination with potency medications usually does not cause problems. Higher doses of alcohol (for example, 5 units*) can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, drowsiness, dizziness, light-headedness, nausea. In combination with erection support medications, these conditions can be worsened. Therefore, instead of enjoying pleasant sex, you may experience only unpleasant conditions. Excessive alcohol consumption itself does not benefit erection, so why complicate the efforts of medications?
*One unit of alcohol corresponds to: 1 glass of 10° beer with a volume of 330 ml, or 1 glass of wine in a quantity of 100 ml, or 1 glass of spirits in a quantity of 25 ml
Why should you Avoid Consuming Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice when Taking Potency Medications?
It has been found that even a small amount of grapefruit juice increases the potency of medications to such an extent that overdose is possible. At the same time, it significantly slows down the excretion of the active ingredient from the body, prolonging the time during which unpleasant side effects of the medication may occur. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice for up to 72 hours before taking an erection support medication.
Which Active Ingredient Works the Fastest and which Lasts the Longest?
The speed of onset of action depends not only on the active ingredient but also on the dosage form. The fastest-acting active ingredient is avanafil (effective within 15 to 30 minutes of administration), while the longest-lasting is tadalafil (up to 36 hours). Faster onset of action can be observed with orally dissolving tablets and gel.
What if the Medication doesn't Work?
If the erection support medication doesn't work, it may be necessary to change the dosage or choose a medication with a different active ingredient and see if it works better. Consultation with a doctor is suitable for further treatment.
What should Never be Combined with Erection Support Medications?
Caution: Never take erection support medications with recreational drugs such as poppers!
Poppers are slang terms for chemical substances alkyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite, or amyl nitrite, which are used as aphrodisiacs.
The most common side effect of poppers is severe headache. Combining poppers with potency medications can also cause nausea or dizziness, or even sudden loss of consciousness with a risk of falling and serious injury.
The most dangerous consequence of combining them is a significant drop in blood pressure, which can even result in death.
Careful selection and reasonable dosage are essential for successful treatment of erectile dysfunction using medications. Responsible behaviour and patience will allow your sexual life to flourish.
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Author: Jason Smith