ED Medication Comparison: Find the Right Treatment for You

When it comes to erectile dysfunction (ED) medication, prescription drugs that help men achieve and maintain an erection by increasing blood flow to the penis. Also known as PDE5 inhibitors, these medications are the most common and effective treatment for ED today. You’ve probably heard of Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra—but knowing the difference isn’t just about brand names. It’s about how long they last, how fast they work, what side effects you might get, and whether they play nice with your other meds or health conditions.

Take Viagra (sildenafil), the first widely used ED drug, known for starting to work in about 30 to 60 minutes and lasting around 4 to 5 hours. It’s affordable and well-studied, but it doesn’t work well if you eat a heavy meal first. Then there’s Cialis (tadalafil), a longer-acting option that can last up to 36 hours, making it ideal for guys who want flexibility without planning sex around a pill. It also comes in a daily low-dose version for ongoing use. Levitra (vardenafil), another PDE5 inhibitor, works faster than Viagra for some and is less affected by food. But none of these work if you’re taking nitrates for heart problems—that combo can drop your blood pressure dangerously low.

It’s not just about the pill. Your lifestyle matters. If you drink alcohol often, some ED meds may not be safe. If you have liver or kidney issues, dosing changes. Some men try them once, get discouraged because they didn’t work immediately, and give up—even though it often takes a few tries. And let’s not forget: these meds don’t boost libido. They just help your body respond to sexual stimulation.

Below, you’ll find real comparisons based on actual user experiences and medical data. You’ll see how these drugs stack up against each other—not in ads, but in real life. Whether you care most about duration, speed, cost, or side effects, there’s a match here for you. No guesswork. Just facts you can use.