Best Erectile Dysfunction Pills
The best erectile dysfunction pills help men achieve and maintain erections firm enough for sex. These medications enhance blood flow to the penis, making it easier to get an erection when you’re sexually stimulated.
There are several types of erectile dysfunction (ED) pills available. Two of the most popular are sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) and tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis).
Getting ED medication in the UK is generally straightforward, with both prescription-only and over-the-counter options available. There are a few different things to think about when deciding which ED pill is best for you. For example, it’s important to consider how long the medication lasts, the risk of side effects and how compatible it is with your lifestyle.
Having an open and honest conversation with your doctor is the best way to find the safest and most effective option for you.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best erection pills available and help you make the right choice based on your needs and preferences.
Best ED Medication
Over the years, a number of ED pills have been developed. Different medications work for different people, and some of these treatments are likely to be more effective for you than others. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ option, so you may need to try a few medications to find the treatment that’s right for you.
Some of the best erectile dysfunction pills currently on the market are:
- Sildenafil
- Tadalafil
- Tadalafil once daily
- Viagra
- Viagra Connect
- Vardenafil
- Cialis
- Cialis Once Daily
- Cialis Together
- Spedra
- Liberize
Some of these erection pills are designed to be taken shortly before you plan to have sex, while others are formulated for daily use, allowing you to get an erection whenever you’re sexually stimulated.
Thanks to the wide choice of tablets available, deciding which is the best ED medication for you can be difficult. A doctor or pharmacist will be able to talk you through the top 10 ED pills and help you make an informed decision.
Choosing the Best Erection Pills
Medication | Price | Dosage | Onset | Duration | Pharmacy Status | Generic/Brand |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sildenafil | From £6.99 | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg | 30-60 minutes | 4-6 hours | Prescription-only | Generic version of Viagra |
Tadalafil | From £8.99 | 10mg, 20mg | 30-60 minutes | Up to 36 hours | Prescription-only | Generic version of Cialis |
Tadalafil Once Daily | From £15.99 | 2.5mg, 5mg | 3-5 days after treatment begins | Effective continuously during use | Prescription-only | Generic version of Cialis Once Daily |
Viagra | From £19.99 | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg | 30-60 minutes | 4-6 hours | Prescription-only | Branded |
Viagra Connect | From £19.99 | 50mg | 30-60 minutes | Up to four hours | Available without prescription | Branded |
Vardenafil | From £14.49 | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg | 30-60 minutes | Up to five hours | Prescription-only | Generic version of Levitra |
Cialis | From £44.60 | 10mg, 20mg | 30-60 minutes | Up to 36 hours | Prescription-only | Branded |
Cialis Once Daily | From £87.99 | 2.5mg, 5mg | 3-5 days | Effective continuously during use | Prescription-only | Branded |
Cialis Together | From £19.49 | 10mg | 30-120 minutes | Up to 36 hours | Available without prescription | Branded |
Spedra | From £27.50 | 50mg, 100mg, 200mg | 20 minutes | 4-5 hours | Prescription-only | Branded |
Liberize | From £26.99 | 50mg | 30-60 minutes | 4-6 hours | Available without prescription | Branded |
Sildenafil: Best for Immediate Results
Sildenafil is a popular choice for men who want an ED pill that acts fast. This active ingredient, sold as generic tablets and under brand names like Viagra and Liberize, takes as little as 30-60 minutes to start working. It should remain active for 4-6 hours after ingestion.
If you take sildenafil, you may experience common side effects like headaches or a stuffy nose, though these are usually mild, and will generally subside within a few hours.
If you have a cardiovascular condition, you’ll need to be careful when taking sildenafil as it affects blood vessels throughout the body, not just those in the penis. Talk to your doctor to find out if sildenafil is a safe option for you.
Tadalafil: Best for Prolonged Duration
Tadalafil stands out as the best ED pill for duration. Capable of lasting 24-36 hours per dose, its exceptionally long effectiveness makes it a popular choice for men who want flexibility. Taking a single tablet provides reliable erection support for an entire day and night, and may even allow for spontaneity the next day.
While tadalafil is generally well-tolerated, some men may experience mild side effects such as headaches or muscle pain. Anyone on nitrates or with a serious heart or liver condition should seek medical guidance to ensure tadalafil is safe for them to use.
Overall, tadalafil could help men to achieve firm erections for a full 24-36 hours from one dose. However, you’ll still need to be sexually aroused in order to achieve an erection during this timeframe.
Viagra: Best for Proven Track Record
The first oral pill for erectile dysfunction, Viagra remains a trusted brand and many men still prefer it and ask for it by name. Those wanting a familiar, time-tested option may feel most confident choosing Viagra.
Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, takes effect in around 30-60 minutes, enabling erections firm enough for sex for the next 4-6 hours. Side effects, like facial flushing, headache or upset stomach, typically prove mild. However, anyone on medications that contain nitrates needs to avoid Viagra due to the risk of severely low blood pressure.
Thanks to its well-known brand name, Viagra itself tends to be expensive. Less costly generic versions contain the same key ingredient and offer the same benefits as Viagra. Overall, Viagra suits men wanting an ED treatment with decades of safe clinical use to reassure them.
Cialis: Best for Spontaneous Lifestyles
The ability of Cialis’ active ingredient, tadalafil, to work for 24-36 hours makes it a go-to ED medication for men who want long lasting results. Rather than needing to take a pill right before sex, Cialis supports erections whenever you’re sexually stimulated during its window of effectiveness.
Men can take Cialis as either a regular daily dose or an as-needed tablet. Daily tablets build stable levels of tadalafil in the system, giving you continuous erection support. It’s suitable for men who have regular sex. While as-needed tablets offer flexibility for less frequent sexual encounters.
The side effects of Cialis are usually mild and can include headaches, muscle aches, or red skin. Those on nitrate medications cannot take these types of medicines (there are alternatives that our medical team can advise on), due to the risk of blood pressure plummeting severely.
Vardenafil and Levitra: Best for Mild Side Effects Profile
For men who want to reduce the risk of side effects, Levitra and its generic form, vardenafil, usually have fewer issues. These drugs are less likely to cause problems like headaches, muscle pain, a stuffy nose, or upset stomach when compared to other options.
In terms of effectiveness, vardenafil rivals popular options like sildenafil and tadalafil. It similarly boosts blood flow for firmer, longer-lasting erections when aroused. However, its molecular structure differs from sildenafil and tadalafil, likely explaining the lower incidence of side effects.
Levitra is a branded version of vardenafil and offers the same effectiveness. Typical dosing supports erections for around 4-5 hours. Ultimately, vardenafil suits men who want reliable erection support with fewer associated side effects.
Alternative Pills: Spedra, Liberize, and Others
As well as famous names like Viagra and Cialis, there is a whole host of alternative ED pills on the market. Two of the best known are Spedra and Liberize. Spedra distinguishes itself as the fastest-acting option, enabling erections just 15-30 minutes after ingestion. Meanwhile, Liberize offers a chewable format that doesn’t need water to swallow – making it easier for some men to ingest.
These medications come with their own pros and cons. For instance, Spedra is well suited to men who want maximum spontaneity without the need to plan sexual encounters in advance. While Liberize appeals to men who want to be able to take their ED pill anytime, anywhere, without having to worry about keeping liquids on hand.
Most alternative ED pills share mild side effects like a headache and facial warmth. Talking to a doctor can help you understand how the benefits they offer fit with your own health history.
How to Choose the Right ED Pills for You
You’ll need to consider a number of important factors to find the best ED treatment for you. These include:
Duration
Consider how long you need your ED medication to be effective for. While many ED pills are designed to last 4-6 hours, some allow you to achieve an erection for up to 36 hours.
Side Effects
If you have pre-existing health conditions, you may be at higher risk of side effects from certain medications. It’s well worth talking to a doctor or pharmacist to find the treatment that’s safest for you.
Lifestyle Fit
Think about how spontaneous your sexual encounters are likely to be. If you have regular, unplanned sex, a once daily tablet may be best suited to your lifestyle. Alternatively, if you only have sex occasionally, or prefer to plan sexual activity, a single-dose pill would probably be ideal.
Budget
The cost of ED medication can vary significantly. In general, generic treatments are more affordable than branded pills. When comparing prices, look for over-the-counter options and check to see how many doses are contained in a packet. This should help you find the right medication for your budget.
Underlying Conditions
If you have contributing issues like high blood pressure, prostate problems or diabetes you’ll need to consider how ED pills will impact these pre-existing conditions.
Partner Input
It’s a good idea to involve your partner when selecting your ED medication. They’ll be able to help with considerations like duration, effectiveness and lifestyle, and enable you to select the treatment that’s right for you both.
Most ED pills are prescription-only. So, you’ll need to talk to a doctor or pharmacist before you can start your treatment. Speaking to a medical professional will give you the chance to discuss your concerns, find out more about the pills available and select the most appropriate treatment for your health and lifestyle.
Take the Next Step with The Independent Pharmacy
The Independent Pharmacy offers convenient and discreet online services that connect men with appropriate and affordable ED treatments. As an accredited online pharmacy, our expert team can assess patients via a safe and secure digital platform. This means you won’t have to make an in-person clinic visit and can get access to the medication you need fast.
Simply use our self-assessment form to describe your symptoms and medical history. The Independent Pharmacy team will then review your details and get back to you with professional suggestions about ED medication or other products that may help manage your condition.
Once you decide which erectile dysfunction pills to try, The Independent Pharmacy can fill your prescription and deliver it to your door. Our customer service remains available by phone or e-mail in case you need any guidance on proper dosage, usage, side effects or other ED related issues.
Getting started is easy. Reach out to The Independent Pharmacy’s experienced team anytime. Our discreet process and genuine focus on patient intimacy goals make taking the next step worry-free.
Sources:
Erectile dysfunction (impotence) - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Erectile dysfunction - Illnesses & conditions | NHS inform
Sexual health and wellbeing for all ages - Sexual Health West Sussex
Authored by
Andy is a co-founder and the Superintendent Pharmacist and Director at The Independent Pharmacy.
Reviewed by
Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.
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