How Often Should I Take ED Pills?
August 28, 2020
4 mins
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that makes it difficult for men to reach or maintain an erection. Men often wonder how often they need to take ED medications. Sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), and vardenafil (Levitra®) are the most common ED medications.
However, there are also cost-efficient generic versions of ED medications that can be just as effective. How often you should the medication depends on several factors. Preexisting health conditions, label instructions, and advice from a healthcare provider can all influence how often you use ED medications.
When Should I Take ED Medications?
Most ED medications, like sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), and vardenafil (Levitra®) are taken an hour before sexual intimacy. Most ED medications are taken on demand rather than daily like most chronic prescription medications.
One exception is Cialis® Daily, a lower dose of tadalafil that is taken daily that may work better for the lifestyle of some men. A healthcare provider may suggest a wide variety of dosages based on what they know about your health. Dosages are typically between 5 to 20 mg (milligrams).
For most men, they'll likely be using these medications every few days. It's not recommended to use ED medications more than once daily. Taking an ED medication more than once a day increases the risk of side effects associated with the medication.
Potential side effects of taking too many ED pills
Most side effects of ED medications like sildenafil (Viagra®) are mild. Some men may experience nasal congestion, headaches, and nausea. However, some men may experience more serious side effects like changes to their vision, erections that last too long and rashes on the skin.
Other severe symptoms that some men have reported include:
Heart attack
Stroke
Bleeding in the brain
Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
How Quickly Do ED Pills Work?
Most ED pills are effective within the first few minutes of you taking them. ED medications are the most effective when taken on an empty stomach. Men who eat a heavy meal right before taking an ED medication may notice the medication starts working a bit slower than it would otherwise.
How quickly does Viagra® work?
Sildenafil takes around 30 to 60 minutes to be effective. The medication can take longer to work if you've just eaten a large or fatty meal. The state of your overall health and metabolism can change that timeframe as well. Sildenafil blood concentration peaks in under 2 hours and falls off quickly after.
How soon does Cialis work?
Tadalafil is recognized for taking longer than sildenafil to become effective. This may work better for men who prefer a slower gradual buildup before engaging in sexual intercourse. With tadalafil, eating a full meal will not further delay the effectiveness of the medication.
How quickly does Levitra® work?
Levitra® is effective between 30 minutes to one hour of taking the medication. Men are typically prescribed 10 to 20 mg of vardenafil. This medication is typically available as a quickly dissolving tablet. After taking the medication, the effects can last for up to four hours.
How Rex MD Can Help
It's important to understand that ED medications don't work magically. For many men, it takes some time and sexual stimulation to get things started. If one medication doesn't work for you, stop use and consider trying a different kind of ED medication.
Rex MD offers affordable ED medication options through a simple and accessible process. Get started today on finding a medication that will help you have a more enjoyable sex life.
More Articles Like this
The Best Male Enhancement Pills (That Actually Work!)
Hundreds of male enhancement pills claim to help boost male sexual performance, but do they actually work? Here’s a list of the ones that work, and why they’re so effective.
Revatio vs. Viagra: A Comprehensive Comparison
Despite having the same active ingredient, there are some key differences between Revatio® and Viagra®. Discover what makes these two medications different, and which one is best for your needs.
How to Deal with Erectile Dysfunction in a Marriage
Discover how to address erectile dysfunction and strengthen your relationship with these essential insights and strategies.
Is There a Way to Tell if a Man is Taking Viagra?
Here’s what you need to know about Viagra, including how it works, what to expect after taking it, how to tell if your partner is using it.
Does Hydrogen Peroxide Help with ED?
Hydrogen peroxide has certain properties that might be beneficial in promoting blood flow and tissue repair. Discover how hydrogen peroxide can be an alternative treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Erectile Dysfunction in Gay Men
Erectile dysfunction can affect men of any sexual orientations, but there are unique factors to consider in the context of gay men's experiences. Learn about the distinct causes of ED among gay men and get guidance for addressing these specific challenges.
Top 10 Sex Toys for Men
Finding the right sex toy can take a while and will depend largely on personal tastes. However, if you are looking for a few toys to start with, these are the 10 best toys for men.
Different Types of Nuts and Their Benefits
Are you nuts for nuts? Rex MD discusses common different types of nuts, their nutritional value, and the potential health benefits they provide.
Best Over-the-Counter ED Medications
While prescription medications like Viagra and Cialis can help effectively treat erectile dysfunction, some men opt for over-the-counter remedies. Here’s a detailed look at some of the best over-the-counter options for ED.
What is Testofen and What is it Used for?
Testofen is a daily supplement that claims to boost testosterone production in men. Here is everything that you need to know about it.