Alternatives to Viagra: Exploring Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

Viagra is one of the most popular prescription medications for erectile dysfunction, but it's not the only one. There are many treatment options available to help you get the most from your sex life, including personalized compounded medications*, which combine benefits from a range of medicines. Here, we explore the many Viagra alternatives, from cutting-edge compounded* pills to natural remedies, to help you find the right treatment for you.

What is Viagra and how is it used?

Viagra is an oral medication that treats erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow to your penis when you're aroused. It contains the active ingredient sildenafil, which is a drug known as a PDE5 inhibitor. You typically take Viagra 30-60 minutes before sex.

How do ED medications work?

Like Viagra, most erectile dysfunction drugs belong to a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, or PDE5 inhibitors. They work by blocking PDE5, an enzyme that controls blood flow. When PDE5 is blocked, blood flow to your penis is increased when you experience sexual stimulation, making it easier for you to get and maintain an erection during sexual activity. [1]

In film and TV, these medications are often shown to give you instant or unwanted erections. But, in reality, they have no impact on your libido or sexual desire. If you're not aroused, erectile dysfunction pills won't help you get an erection.

Popular erectile dysfunction pills

Although the ‘little blue pill’ is one of the best known erectile dysfunction drugs, it's not the only one. Here are some popular Viagra alternatives:

Generic Sildenafil

Sildenafil citrate is the active ingredient in Viagra, but it's also available as a generic medication. This means it's medically equivalent to Viagra, and is just as effective, but it's available at a lower cost than the brand-name version.

Cialis (Tadalafil)

Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis, a long-lasting erectile dysfunction treatment. It's also known as 'the weekend pill' as it can improve your sexual performance for up to 36 hours. [2] You can also take a lower daily dose to help you get an erection whenever you're aroused, on a continuous basis.

Compounded ED* treatments

Compounded treatments* are the next generation of erectile dysfunction medications. But what are they?

ZipHealth compounded medications* are personalized treatments that combine different ingredients and dosages to deliver optimum results for your needs. Licensed healthcare professionals assess your medical history and personal health requirements and in-house specialists formulate your individualized treatment in our licensed pharmacy. Because these medications are personalized for you, they cannot be approved by the FDA, however every ingredient is used in licensed treatments and backed by registered medical professionals.

At ZipHealth, we offer three different compounded erectile dysfunction medications.* Each has different benefits, so you can find the right one to suit your lifestyle. And, for your peace of mind, every dosage is carefully chosen using clinical research to deliver optimum results while minimizing potential side effects.

Daily Max

Daily Max is our once-daily formula. It combines the fast-acting power of sildenafil (generic Viagra) with long-lasting tadalafil (generic Cialis) for a treatment that gets to work quickly and continues delivering results throughout the day. This is perfect for you if you want to be prepared at all times for spontaneous sexual activity.

Dosage: 20 mg sildenafil, 5 mg tadalafil.

Directions: Take one chewable tablet at around the same time every day. 

Rapid Max

Rapid Max is a high-dose treatment that combines a high dose of sildenafil with a low dose of tadalafil. This means you'll receive all the fast-acting benefits of sildenafil, but tadalafil helps extend these effects for up to 36 hours, so you continue to have improved sexual performance the following morning, and even the next day.

Dosage: 90 mg sildenafil, 5 mg tadalafil

Directions: Take one chewable tablet 30-60 minutes before sex.

Weekend Max

Weekend Max is the treatment for you if you're looking to increase your sexual stamina. It combines equal doses of sildenafil and tadalafil for both prompt and prolonged effects, helping you sustain your performance all weekend long. This option is perfect for weekends or extended intimate experiences, as it gives you the confidence and flexibility to have spontaneous sex and be confident in your performance.

Dosage: 20 mg sildenafil, 20 mg tadalafil

Directions: Take one chewable tablet 30-60 minutes before sex.

Find out more about our compounded erectile dysfunction treatments here.

Potential side effects of ED pills

Like all medications, Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil) and compounded treatments* can cause some minor side effects. Some of the most common side effects are:

• Nasal congestion
• Facial flushing
• Stomach pain
• Headaches

If you experience adverse effects while taking an erectile dysfunction medication, such as a prolonged erection or chest pain, seek urgent medical attention.

Other treatment options

PDE5 medication isn't the only treatment for erectile dysfunction. Many people also turn to hormone therapies, natural treatments, or over the counter alternatives that don't need to be prescribed by a healthcare provider. Some of these treatment options are backed by scientific evidence, while others require further research.

• Testosterone replacement: Low testosterone levels can contribute to erectile dysfunction. [3] Testosterone replacement therapy increases testosterone levels to improve sexual function and libido. [4] If you think you have low testosterone, speak to your healthcare provider about getting tested.
• Vacuum devices: Also known as penis pumps, these mechanical devices help you achieve an erection by creating a vacuum around your penis, which encourages blood flow. [5]
• Pelvic floor exercises: One small study found that exercises that target the pelvic floor muscles, which are specifically involved in erections, could improve sexual function and should be considered as a first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction. [6]
• Dietary supplements: L-arginine (a common amino acid in men's health supplements) and ginseng (found in many herbal supplements) are thought to help improve blood flow to your penis and improve sexual function. However, more clinical reviews are needed to prove the efficacy of arginine supplements or ginseng for erectile dysfunction treatment. [7, 8] Be wary of using herbal remedies to improve your erectile function, as these may not be clinically regulated or suitable for you. Always speak to your healthcare provider before introducing new supplements to your diet.

Want to boost your sex life?

Our experts can help you find the best treatment to improve your sexual performance. Start a consultation today and regain your confidence in the bedroom. 

*Compounded drugs are permitted to be prescribed under federal law but are not FDA-approved and do not undergo FDA review for safety, effectiveness, or quality.

References:

1. Dhaliwal A, Gupta M. PDE5 Inhibitor [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549843/ 
2. Porst H, Padma-Nathan H, Giuliano F, Anglin G, Varanese L, Rosen R. Efficacy of tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction at 24 and 36 hours after dosing: a randomized controlled trial. Urology. 2003 Jul;62(1):121-5; discussion 125-6. doi: 10.1016/s0090-4295(03)00359-5. PMID: 12837435.
3. Maggi M, Rastrelli G, Corona G. Both comorbidity burden and low testosterone can explain symptoms and signs of testosterone deficiency in men consulting for sexual dysfunction. Asian Journal of Andrology. 2020;22(3):265.
4. Rizk PJ, Kohn TP, Pastuszak AW, Khera M. Testosterone therapy improves erectile function and libido in hypogonadal men. Current Opinion in Urology [Internet]. 2017 Nov [cited 2020 Jan 3];27(6):511–5. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5649360/ 
5. Cookson MS, Nadig PW. Long-term results with vacuum constriction device. J Urol. 1993 Feb;149(2):290-4. doi: 10.1016/s0022-5347(17)36059-7. PMID: 8426404.
6. Dorey G, Speakman MJ, Feneley RCL, Swinkels A, Dunn CDR. Pelvic floor exercises for erectile dysfunction. BJU International [Internet]. 2005 Sep;96(4):595–7. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1464-410X.2005.05690.x 
7. Gallo L, Pecoraro S, Sarnacchiaro P, Silvani M, Antonini G. The Daily Therapy With L-Arginine 2,500 mg and Tadalafil 5 mg in Combination and in Monotherapy for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: A Prospective, Randomized Multicentre Study. Sexual Medicine [Internet]. 2020 Mar 17 [cited 2020 Apr 23];0(0). Available from: https://www.smoa.jsexmed.org/article/S2050-1161(20)30026-X/fulltext 
8. Lee HW, Lee MS, Kim TH, Alraek T, Zaslawski C, Kim JW, et al. Ginseng for erectile dysfunction. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews [Internet]. 2021 Apr 19;4:CD012654. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33871063/