What are the best erectile dysfunction pills in the UK?
The main medications used to treat erectile dysfunction are phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. Medicines like Viagra work by helping to increase the blood flow to your penis during sex.
In the UK, there are four types of PDE-5 inhibitors available: sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil and avanafil.
Sildenafil is the most widely available ED pill on the market, due to it being the main ingredient in Viagra. It’s also available as a generic drug, and is the active ingredient in Aronix, Liberize and Almus.
It takes between 30-60 minutes to work and typically lasts between 4-5 hours. You can take any pill containing sildenafil up to four hours before you want to have sex.
Sildenafil tablets come in different doses ranging from 25mg to 100mg, though the usual dose is 50mg, including over-the-counter Viagra Connect.
Sildenafil can cause side effects, though these don’t normally affect people taking it for ED, as you’re only taking it for a short time. Sildenafil side effects can include:
If you’re looking for something that’ll allow you a bit more freedom, then you could consider tadalafil.
It’s the longest-lasting ED pill available, staying in your system for between 24-36 hours. This bigger window of opportunity means you can be more spontaneous in the bedroom.
Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis, Stamiz and Avarante, and can be bought over the counter as Cialis Together. There are four doses of tadalafil available: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets, though the usual dose is 10mg.
Although most people don’t experience side effects when taking ED medication, it still may be a concern. If that’s true for you, then you could consider vardenafil.
That’s because vardenafil is more potent, and more selective, then alternative treatments, meaning a lower dose may be required. And a lower dose typically means fewer side effects.
Vardenafil comes as 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets, though the usual dose is 10mg. You should not take more than one dose of vardenafil within 24 hours.
You should take vardenafil 25-60 minutes before you want to have sex. It can last for 4-5 hours.
Avanafil, the active ingredient in Spedra, starts to work in as little as 15 minutes, and reaches maximum concentration within 30 to 45 minutes. This makes it the fastest-acting ED pill available in the UK.
Avanafil comes as 50mg, 100mg and 200mg tablets, though the usual dose is 100mg. You should not take more than one dose of avanafil within 24 hours.
"If you are affected by adverse effects there are alternatives like vardenafil, which may produce fewer side effects due to its greater selectiveness as a PDE-5 inhibitor.
"We always advise patients to speak to their pharmacist or their GP for more personalised advice surrounding ED medication."
How to choose the best erection pills for your needs
Choosing the right ED medication depends on your lifestyle and preferences. When comparing erectile dysfunction pills, consider:
How quickly it works: for example, Spedra is the fastest-acting pill in the UK, starting to work in as little as 15 minutes.
How long it lasts: the longer a pill stays in your system, the more time you have to get intimate. Tadalafil is the best erectile dysfunction pill for length, lasting 24-36 hours.
Side effects: it’s always important to compare side effects so you’re comfortable with the medication you choose.
Availability: while most ED pills require a prescription, you can buy Viagra Connect and Cialis Together online and over the counter immediately. Â
Warnings and interactions: make sure that your chosen ED pill doesn’t interact with any medication you’re already taking, or any pre-existing conditions you might have.
How our expert clinical team can help
Our UK-registered clinicians and pharmacists are here to support you through every step of your ED treatment.
We offer online consultations where you can discuss your symptoms confidentially and receive expert recommendations on the most suitable treatment.
Our pharmacists can answer questions about dosage, timing, potential interactions with other medications, and any concerns about side effects.
Frequently asked questions about the best erection pills
Who should not take Viagra?
You should not take Viagra if:
you struggle with low blood pressure
you have recently had a stroke or heart attack
you have an allergy to the active ingredient sildenafil
How quickly do erection pills work?
On average, most erection pills will start working within 30 to 60 minutes. However, it is encouraged that you take most tablets roughly an hour before any sexual activity. Always speak to a pharmacist and consult the patient information leaflet if you are unsure.
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