Can I Combine ED Meds When Viagra Doesn't Work?

Published: 2020-10-09

Updated: 2024-12-19

4 mins

For the vast majority of men dealing with erectile dysfunction, drugs like Viagra and Cialis help them successfully get an erection. During clinical trials, over 80% of men with ED experienced improvement in erectile function after using Cialis.

Men with cardiovascular health conditions may not be recommended by their healthcare provider to use ED medications. ED medications may also be less effective after certain surgeries and medical treatments. Cancer treatments and other exposure to radiation may negatively interact with ED medications.

Who Do ED Medications Not Work Well For?

While ED medications are successful for most men, around 30% of men may not ever reach an erection. Older men tend to be more at risk for erectile dysfunction. One study found that 60% of men over the age of 75 found sildenafil to be effective in helping them to maintain erections.

Men with diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure may not experience as much success with ED medications. A hormonal imbalance is a common cause of ED. Men with low testosterone levels are more likely to experience ED. Be sure to speak with a healthcare provider about your health history before starting an ED medication.

How Do ED Medications Work?

The most popular medications for ED are Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), and Levitra (vardenafil). All of these medications are PDE5 inhibitors that work the same way to increase blood flow to the penis.

Viagra (sildenafil) is available in doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg (milligrams). Most men begin treatment at 25 or 50 mg. However, a healthcare provider may increase your dosage if lower dosages are not as effective.

How do you use ED medications?

Most ED medications are used hours before sex. You should only take an ED medication dose once a day. Using ED medications more than once a day can increase your risk of ED complications.

What Are Other Alternative ED Medications?

A common next step, especially for men who may be dealing with ED after surgery is an injectable ED injectables work by delivering medication directly to where it's needed for blood flow.

Two types of injectable ED medications are:

Tri-mix: Apaverine, phentolamine, and prostaglandin E-1 (PGE1). This cocktail is injected into the base of the penis and works within 20 minutes. 

Cavaject (alprostadil): An injectable that contains the PGE1 alprostadil. PGE1s cause the blood vessels in the penis to relax and dilate, allowing for healthy blood flow.

What are the risks of combining ED medications?

It's not recommended to combine ED medications for a stronger erection. While ED medications can help your body reach erections, they do not create erections on their own. Using Viagra irresponsibly can lead to serious health concerns like:

• Blurred vision

• Low blood pressure

• Back pain

• Muscle soreness

One study found that combining tadalafil with sildenafil helped some men who had radical prostatectomy surgery. The majority of participants did not see major improvements in erectile function. Be sure to speak with a healthcare provider before combining ED medications.

How Rex MD Can Help

Rex MD offers affordable access to ED medications. Medications like sildenafil and tadalafil have been used to treat ED for decades.

Get started today with finding which medication works best for you.