Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM
Summary
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) is commonly treated with PDE5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), and avanafil (Stendra®).
- These medications help increase blood flow to the penis by preventing the breakdown of cGMP, which facilitates erections during sexual arousal.
- Some ED medications can be taken daily, such as daily-use formulations of tadalafil. However, they all come with warnings not to exceed one dose per day.
- Potential benefits of daily use include improved erectile function over time and better nocturnal erectile activity, though risks include headaches, vision loss, and dangerously low blood pressure.
- Consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether daily use of ED medications is safe and appropriate for you based on individual health conditions.
Learn how often to take ED medications for optimal performance & safety
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common sexual disorder that affects men, so it’s not surprising that many different medications to treat it exist. But how often can you take these drugs safely—and is it okay to take them on a daily basis?
Below, we take a closer look at some of the most widely used medications for ED so that you can understand more about how they work in the body. We’ll also explain which ones can be used on a daily basis, which ones can’t and why. Use this information to start an informed conversation with your healthcare provider about whether ED medication might be right for you.
An overview of popular ED medications
The medications normally used as a first-line treatment for ED belong to a class called PDE5 inhibitors. These medications work by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) before it can break down too much of an intracellular messenger called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
cGMP plays a vital role in helping blood flow to the muscles in the penis during sexual arousal. These medications cause cGMP to break down more slowly, which means more of it builds up in your body while the medication is working. As a result, getting and maintaining an erection often becomes easier.
FDA-approved PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction
Some of the most widely used PDE5 inhibitors that are FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction in men include:
- Sildenafil (Generic of Viagra®)
- Tadalafil (Generic of Cialis® and Cialis Daily)
- Avanafil (Generic of Stendra®)
Please note: although their appearance and flavor might be different due to trademark laws, generic versions of medications are identical to their branded versions in terms of how they work, their effectiveness, their risks, and their side effects. So for the purposes of this article, anything we say about sildenafil also applies to Viagra® (and so on).
Which ED medications can you take every day?
All of the FDA-approved PDE5 inhibitors listed here—sildenafil, tadalafil, and avanafil—come with warnings not to take them more than once a day. That means taking them on a daily basis shouldn’t come with any additional health risks or potential side effects not already listed in the patient information for each drug.
Potential benefits of daily dosing
Some research actually suggests that taking specific PDE5 inhibitors on a daily basis might come with additional health benefits.
One study showed that taking sildenafil before bedtime led to better nocturnal erectile activity, which helps maintain smooth muscle cells in the penis. This may imply that sildenafil can be used to prevent erectile dysfunction when taken before sleep on a daily basis—although further research is needed.
Taking versions of some ED medications that are specifically intended for daily use might also be more effective than taking their on-demand counterparts. For example, one study found that patients who took a daily formulation of tadalafil showed more improvement in their erectile function after 24 weeks of treatment, as well as a lower risk of adverse effects.
The risks of taking ED medications every day
While some men may benefit from taking ED medications on a daily basis, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved. Like all medications, PDE5 inhibitors can cause side effects, and any time you take a medication there is some risk that you could experience adverse effects as well as beneficial ones.
Common side effects of PDE5 inhibitors include:
- Headaches
- Flushing
- Indigestion
- Nasal congestion (itching, sneezing, etc.)
There are also less common, but more serious, risks to consider. These may include:
- Sudden vision loss
- Hearing problems
- Priapism (a painful erection lasting over four hours that requires urgent in-person medical care)
If any of these serious side effects occur while you are taking PDE5 inhibitors, stop taking the medication and seek help from a healthcare provider right away.
Additionally, certain medical conditions and medications can interact with PDE5 inhibitors in unwanted ways. Taking these medications every day may require you to be more vigilant about these risks since there are more opportunities for complications. For example:
- People taking nitrates for chest pain or heart problems should avoid ED medications since the combination can lead to dangerously low blood pressure.
- People taking alpha-blockers at the same time as PDE5 inhibitors should work with a healthcare provider to monitor their blood pressure levels regularly.
Consulting a healthcare provider
Before deciding to take any ED medication on a daily basis, it’s vital to talk to your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your overall health, review any medications you’re taking, and determine whether daily ED medication use is appropriate for you.
Keep in mind that ED can be a sign of underlying health issues like cardiovascular disease, so addressing the root cause of the condition is essential for long-term health.
If daily ED medication isn’t right for you, your healthcare provider may suggest other treatment options. Working together, you can find a solution that supports your sexual health and overall well-being.
Explore different options for ED medication with Lemonaid Health
Erectile dysfunction can be challenging, but there are multiple options available to help you manage the condition. While daily use of ED medications may be safe for some men and even offer additional benefits, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and consult a healthcare provider to make an informed decision.
To talk with an expert about these medications, get started with Lemonaid Health. Our US-based healthcare professionals can answer your questions and may also be able to prescribe appropriate medication if it’s clinically indicated.
Viagra® is a registered trademark of Pfizer, Inc. Cialis® is a registered trademark of Lilly ICOS LLC. Stendra® is a registered trademark of Metuchen Pharmaceuticals LLC.
