ED Medication Comparison: Find the Right Pill for You

When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction, a condition where a man can’t get or keep an erection strong enough for sex. Also known as impotence, it affects more than half of men over 40 at some point. The good news? There are several effective pills on the market, each with different timing, duration, and side effects. Choosing the right one isn’t about which is "best"—it’s about which fits your body, schedule, and health.

Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra and many generics like Fildena Strong. Also known as Viagra, it’s the most studied ED drug and usually starts working in 30 to 60 minutes. But it’s sensitive to food—eat a heavy meal, and it might take longer to kick in. Then there’s tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis. Also known as Cialis, it lasts up to 36 hours, which is why some call it the "weekend pill." You can take it daily in low doses or as needed, and it’s not as affected by meals. Vardenafil, found in Levitra and Staxyn. Also known as Levitra, it’s similar to sildenafil but may work faster for some men and cause fewer side effects like facial flushing. Each one has different risks if you’re on nitrates, have heart issues, or take certain blood pressure meds. None are safe with nitroglycerin or other heart medications—it can drop your blood pressure to dangerous levels.

Cost matters too. Brand-name Viagra can cost $70 a pill. Generic sildenafil? Often under $5. Same active ingredient, same results. But not all generics are created equal—some are made in unregulated factories. Always buy from licensed pharmacies. Also, some men try herbal "ED cures"—but those aren’t tested like FDA-approved drugs. They might contain hidden doses of sildenafil or worse, toxic fillers.

Side effects vary. Headaches, stuffy nose, and upset stomach are common with all of them. Dizziness and vision changes happen less often. Tadalafil can cause back pain or muscle aches in some users. If you’re over 65, have liver or kidney problems, or take alpha-blockers for prostate issues, your doctor might lower your dose. There’s no one-size-fits-all pill. What works for your buddy might not work for you—and that’s okay.

Below, you’ll find real comparisons of the most common ED pills, including how they stack up against each other in speed, length, cost, and safety. You’ll see what real users report, what studies show, and how to avoid the most common mistakes. No marketing hype. Just the facts you need to pick the right option—and know when to talk to your doctor instead.