ED Medication Comparison: Find the Right Treatment for You

When it comes to erectile dysfunction (ED) medication, prescription drugs designed to help men achieve and maintain an erection by increasing blood flow to the penis. Also known as PDE5 inhibitors, these medications are among the most commonly prescribed treatments for ED, with millions of men using them every year. But not all ED meds are the same. Some work faster, some last longer, and some come with different side effects that can make one a better fit for your lifestyle than another.

The big names you’ve probably heard of—sildenafil, the original ED pill, sold as Viagra, that starts working in about 30 to 60 minutes and lasts 4 to 5 hours, tadalafil, the 36-hour option, sold as Cialis, that lets you be spontaneous without timing doses around sex, and vardenafil, a middle-ground choice, sold as Levitra, with similar timing to sildenafil but sometimes fewer side effects like facial flushing—all do the same basic job. But the differences matter. If you’re dating regularly, tadalafil’s longer window might be easier. If you’re trying to avoid headaches or upset stomach, vardenafil might be kinder. And if you’ve tried one and it didn’t work, it’s not always because it’s weak—it might just not be right for your body.

What you won’t find in ads is how food, alcohol, or other meds can change how these drugs work. Sildenafil loses effectiveness if you eat a heavy, fatty meal. Tadalafil doesn’t care. Alcohol can make any of them less effective—or worse, increase dizziness and low blood pressure. And if you’re on nitrates for heart issues, none of these are safe. That’s why comparing them isn’t just about price or brand—it’s about matching your health, habits, and goals.

Below, you’ll find real comparisons based on actual user experiences and clinical data. We’ve looked at how these drugs stack up against each other in terms of speed, duration, side effects, and cost—not just what’s on the label, but what happens in real life. Whether you’re new to ED treatment or you’ve tried one and want to know what else is out there, this collection gives you the facts without the marketing fluff.