Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is a medical condition in which men cannot maintain an erection. MedlinePlus says that erectile dysfunction becomes more prevalent with increasing age. Sometimes, erectile dysfunction may be a side effect of certain medicationsl or it may be the result of an underlying illness. There are drugs that help maintain erections.
Sildenafil
Sildenafil is a medication used to maintain erections. According to Drugs.com, sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that relaxes penile muscles so that the penis fills with blood. This leads to an erection. Sildenafil is also used to treat the manifestations of pulmonary hypertension, a condition in which the major blood vessels leading to the lungs become severely constricted.
Drugs.com says that sildenafil's side effects include headache, stuffy nose, back pain, memory problems, stomach pain and flushing of the neck, face or chest. An irregular heartbeat, visual loss, shortness of breath, fainting, lightheadedness, chest pain, sweating and an erection that continues for four or more hours (priapism) are other possible sildenafil side effects.
Drugs.com says that sildenafil should not be used with nitrate medications because dangerously low blood pressure can result.
Sildenafil is a tablet typically taken 30 minutes to an hour before sexual intercourse.
Tadalafil
Like sildenafil, tadalafil is also a phosphodiesterase inhibitor used to maintain an erection. Tadalafi's side effects include heartburn, headache, indigestion, diarrhea, flushing, a cough and stomach or back pain. Chest pain, dizziness, ringing of the ears, loss of hearing, blurry vision or loss of vision are additional possible side effects.
Like sildenafil, tadalafil can cause a prolonged erection and lead to very low blood pressure when used with nitrate medications. MedlinePlus says that a dose change may be needed when tadalafil is taken with prazosin, tamsulosin, carbamezapine, rifabutin, verapamil or danazol.
Tadalafil can also be taken 30 minutes to an hour prior to sexual activity. In some cases, tadalafil can be prescribed on a daily basis, regardless of planned sexual activity.
Vardenafil
Vardenafil, like sildenafil and tadalafil, is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor used to induce an erection. Drugs.com says that vardenafil's side effects include headache, nasal congestion, memory problems, stomach problems and back pain. This drug can also cause sudden vision loss, sudden hearing loss, fainting, lightheadedness, sweating, nausea, chest pain, shortness of breath and an irregular heartbeat. Vardenafil can also provoke seizures and swelling of the ankles and feet. Like other phosphodiesterase inhibitors, do not take vardenafil with nitrate medications because of resultant low blood pressure. Take vardenafil as needed one hour prior to sexual activity, says Drugs.com.
