ED Treatment Comparison Tool
Select your preferences to compare ED treatments:
Comparison Table
| 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).
- Medexil works within 30‑60minutes and lasts up to 5hours.
- It’s prescription‑only in most countries.
- Typical price is higher than generic sildenafil but lower than some newer branded options.
- Common side‑effects include headache, flushing, and upset stomach.
- Alternatives vary in onset, duration, and safety profile.
How PDE5 Inhibitors Like Medexil Work
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.
Major Prescription Alternatives
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.
Natural and Non‑Prescription Options
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.
Side‑Effect Profiles Across Options
All PDE5 inhibitors share common side‑effects - headache, facial flushing, nasal congestion, and visual disturbances. However, the frequency and severity vary.
- Medexil: headache (10‑15%), dyspepsia (8%), occasional blue‑tint vision (rare).
- Viagra: similar rates, with slightly higher incidence of visual changes.
- Cialis: more reports of back pain and muscle aches due to longer half‑life.
- Levitra: slightly higher incidence of dizziness.
- Stendra: lowest overall side‑effect rate in head‑to‑head studies.
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.
Cost Comparison (2025 Prices, Australia)
| 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 |
Decision‑Making Checklist
Use the following quick‑check to narrow down the best option for your situation.
- Speed of onset - If you need a fast‑acting pill, Stendra or low‑dose Cialis are top picks.
- Window of opportunity - For spontaneous intimacy, Cialis’s 24‑hour effect is unrivaled.
- Side‑effect tolerance - Men prone to back pain may steer clear of Cialis; those with visual sensitivities prefer Stendra.
- Cost sensitivity - Generic sildenafil (the ingredient in Medexil) is cheapest; supplements are cheaper but less reliable.
- Medical contraindications - Anyone on nitrates must avoid all PDE5 inhibitors; a cardiology consult is mandatory.
Practical Tips & Safety
Regardless of which product you choose, follow these rules:
- Take the tablet on an empty stomach for fastest absorption; high‑fat meals can delay onset by 30‑60minutes.
- Start with the lowest effective dose - 50mg for sildenafil‑based drugs, 5mg for tadalafil, 10mg for vardenafil - and titrate up only under medical supervision.
- Never combine PDE5 inhibitors with recreational nitrates (e.g., “poppers”) - the combo can trigger life‑threatening hypotension.
- Monitor blood pressure before and after the first dose if you have hypertension.
- Store tablets below 30°C; moisture can degrade the active ingredient.
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.
Related Concepts to Explore Next
Understanding ED in depth helps you make smarter treatment choices. Topics worth diving into include:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) a condition where a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity, affecting up to 30% of men over 40
- Cardiovascular health the primary physiological system linked to erectile function; atherosclerosis can reduce penile blood flow
- Psychological factors stress, anxiety and depression that can impede sexual response even when blood flow is normal
- Lifestyle modifications regular exercise, weight control, smoking cessation, and reduced alcohol intake, all proven to improve erectile outcomes
- Doctor‑patient communication open dialogue with a urologist or GP to assess underlying causes and tailor therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Medexil and generic sildenafil?
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.
Can I take Medexil with alcohol?
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.
Is Stendra faster than Medexil?
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.
Are natural supplements a safe substitute?
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.
What should I do if I experience a prolonged erection?
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.
How often can I safely use Medexil?
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?
Vic Harry
Medexil is just a cheap copy of the real stuff made abroad
Suman Wagle
Ah, the eternal quest for the perfect pop‑pill, as if a single molecule could solve the existential dread of a mid‑life crisis; the tables comparing onset and cost are impressive, yet they barely scratch the surface of why anyone would bother with chemistry when the real problem is often a lack of intimacy.
Neil Sheppeck
True, the data is clear – Medexil hits the sweet spot for many, but remember it’s still just a tool; a healthy lifestyle, communication, and a little patience often outweigh the milligram debate.
Stephanie S
When we examine the pharmacokinetics, we observe that Medexil’s 30‑60 minute onset aligns closely with Viagra’s profile; however, the cost differential-approximately $3.50 versus $4.00 per tablet-introduces a subtle economic incentive, especially for patients managing chronic conditions, and the side‑effect spectrum, though overlapping, does present nuanced variations that merit careful consideration.
Bradley Fenton
Take it on an empty stomach and you’ll feel it faster.
Wayne Corlis
Let’s begin with the obvious: if you’re looking for a miracle, you won’t find it in a 100 mg tablet.
The comparison chart is a parlor trick that pretends numbers alone can dictate intimacy.
Medexil’s 30‑to‑60 minute onset is mathematically identical to Viagra’s, yet marketers love to whisper ‘brand’ like a secret spice.
Cialis boasts a 15‑minute onset in some studies, but then it hangs around for a full day, which is both a blessing and a logistical nightmare.
Stendra’s claim of a 15‑minute kick‑off sounds seductive, but its $6.10 price tag makes it the haute couture of PDE5 inhibitors.
When you factor in the side‑effect profile-headache, flushing, occasional visual disturbances-you realize the real trade‑off is comfort versus cost.
The natural supplements listed at the bottom, such as L‑arginine, are essentially dietary niceties; they might help a little, but they cannot replace a clinically tested inhibitor.
Moreover, the table neglects a critical variable: patient comorbidities, especially cardiovascular disease, which can render any of these pills dangerous.
If you’re on nitrates, the entire class is a no‑go, a fact that no amount of marketing gloss can obscure.
The recommended practice of taking the pill on an empty stomach is not just a tip; it’s a pharmacokinetic imperative.
Even the “once‑daily” dosing of tadalafil for daily use is a compromise devised for men who value spontaneity over peak potency.
From a psychological perspective, relying solely on medication can mask underlying relationship issues that need communication, not chemistry.
The cost analysis in Australian dollars is useful, yet it ignores insurance coverage variations that can swing the effective price dramatically.
In the end, the choice between Medexil and its rivals is less a scientific hierarchy and more a personal negotiation of budget, lifestyle, and health status.
So pick a pill, follow the safety guidelines, and remember that no tablet will substitute for consent and connection.
And if you ever find yourself with an erection lasting longer than four hours, call emergency services without hesitation.
Kartikeya Prasad
😂 Nice breakdown, especially the part about “pharmacy glamour”; I’d add that the “once‑daily” tag sounds like a subscription model for romance.
HARI PRASATH PRASATH
Honestly, the article tries to be all scientifc but forgets that many men cant even afford the cheapest option, let alone the fancy ones.
Andrew Miller
Reading through the tables felt like watching my own insecurities in spreadsheet form.
Brent Herr
Enough with the neutral tone; the real issue is that people in the West are coddled into using pills instead of fixing the cultural decay that breeds ED.
Julius Adebowale
Data shows cost correlates with usage frequency; cheaper means more abuse.
KISHORE KANKIPATI
While the numbers are handy, let’s not forget the human story behind each dosage – a partner’s patience, a doctor’s counsel, and the occasional laugh at the absurdity of “quick‑fix” culture.
Garreth Collard
Ah, the drama of love and pharma! 🎭 It’s almost poetic how a tiny tablet can make headlines.