Select your preferences to compare ED treatments:
| Product | Dosage | Onset (min) | Duration (hrs) | Cost ($AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medexil | 100 mg | 30-60 | ≈5 | $3.50 |
| Viagra | 50-100 mg | 30-60 | ≈4-5 | $4.00 |
| Cialis | 10-20 mg | 15-30 | ≈24-36 | $5.20 |
| Levitra | 10-20 mg | 25-60 | ≈4-5 | $4.80 |
| Stendra | 100 mg | ≈15 | ≈6 | $6.10 |
Medexil is a brand‑name oral tablet containing 100mg of sildenafil citrate, a phosphodiesterase‑5 (PDE5) inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
All PDE5 inhibitors block the enzyme phosphodiesterase‑5, allowing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) to accumulate in penile tissue, which relaxes smooth muscle and enables blood flow for an erection. The mechanism is the same for Medexil, Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Stendra, but each drug differs in pharmacokinetics - how quickly it’s absorbed and how long it stays active.
Four other branded PDE5 inhibitors dominate the market. Each has distinct dosage options, onset times, and duration of effect.
Viagra the original 1998 FDA‑approved sildenafil product, typically supplied in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets.
Cialis contains tadalafil, known for a longer half‑life, available in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg strengths.
Levitra brand name for vardenafil, usually supplied as 10mg or 20mg tablets.
Stendra contains avanafil, a newer PDE5 inhibitor with an onset as fast as 15minutes.
Some men prefer supplements or lifestyle tweaks before turning to prescription drugs. While not FDA‑approved for ED, several agents have modest evidence.
L‑arginine an amino‑acid that serves as a precursor to nitric oxide, a vasodilator that can improve penile blood flow. Doses range from 2g to 5g daily.
Korean red ginseng herbal root studied in several small trials, showing 25‑30% improvement in erectile hardness at 1,000mg twice daily.
Yohimbine alkaloid extracted from the bark of Pausinystalia johimbe, sometimes used for low‑dose ED therapy but linked to anxiety and blood‑pressure spikes.
All PDE5 inhibitors share common side‑effects - headache, facial flushing, nasal congestion, and visual disturbances. However, the frequency and severity vary.
Natural supplements tend to have milder side‑effects but also less predictable efficacy. L‑arginine may cause gastrointestinal upset; Korean red ginseng can lead to insomnia or mild hypertension.
| Product | Typical Dose | Onset | Duration | Prescription? | Average Cost (AU$) per Tablet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medexil | 100mg | 30‑60min | ≈5hrs | Yes | ≈$3.50 |
| Viagra | 50‑100mg | 30‑60min | ≈4‑5hrs | Yes | ≈$4.00 |
| Cialis | 10‑20mg | 15‑30min | ≈24‑36hrs | Yes | ≈$5.20 |
| Levitra | 10‑20mg | 25‑60min | ≈4‑5hrs | Yes | ≈$4.80 |
| Stendra | 100mg | ≈15min | ≈6hrs | Yes | ≈$6.10 |
| L‑Arginine (Supplement) | 2‑5g daily | - | - | No | ≈$0.30 per capsule |
Use the following quick‑check to narrow down the best option for your situation.
Regardless of which product you choose, follow these rules:
For natural supplements, keep an eye on interactions. L‑arginine can boost the effect of blood‑pressure meds, and high‑dose ginseng may interfere with anticoagulants.
Understanding ED in depth helps you make smarter treatment choices. Topics worth diving into include:
Medexil is a branded formulation that uses the same 100mg sildenafil citrate as generic versions, but it may include proprietary excipients that claim faster dissolution. Clinically, the efficacy and safety profile are identical when the dose matches.
A moderate amount of alcohol (one‑two drinks) usually does not interfere, but heavy drinking can worsen side‑effects like dizziness and lower blood pressure, reducing the drug’s effectiveness.
Yes. Clinical trials show avanafil (Stendra) can work as soon as 15minutes, whereas Medexil typically needs 30‑60minutes. The trade‑off is a slightly higher price.
Supplements like L‑arginine or Korean red ginseng can improve blood flow modestly, but they don’t achieve the same reliability as prescription PDE5 inhibitors. They’re best used when a doctor advises a trial period or when prescription drugs are contraindicated.
A erection lasting more than four hours (priapism) is a medical emergency. Seek immediate care; treatment typically involves an injection of phenylephrine or oral alpha‑blockers, not another dose of the PDE5 inhibitor.
It can be taken as needed, but not more than once per day. Daily use is not recommended unless a doctor prescribes a lower, daily‑dose regimen, which is more common with tadalafil.
Deborah Summerfelt
Who says a pill can replace genuine connection?