context: var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; if(webmd.useragent && webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop'){ webmd.ads2.disable Initial Load(); webmd.ads2.disable Ads Init = true; $(function() { webmd.p.pim.increment(); $('.responsive-video-container').insert After('.module-social-share-container'); require(['video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader'], function(video Loader) { video Loader.init({ autoplay: webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop' && ! !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } Some men with erectile dysfunction, or ED, find they can return to an active sex life by treating an underlying condition, such as high blood pressure, or with counseling and lifestyle changes. But others find they may need medication to get and keep an erection. The FDA has approved several prescription drugs you take orally to treat ED. All of these work by relaxing your muscles and boosting blood flow to your penis, making erections easier to get and maintain. They are: avanafil ( Stendra) sildenafil ( Viagra) tadalafil ( Cialis) vardenafil ( Levitra, Staxyn) Caution: Do not use these ED medications if you take nitrates, such as nitroglycerin or a similar medicine, for chest pain. The combination can cause dangerously low blood pressure. These medications all work similarly to each other. However, there are subtle differences in how long they stay effective and how quickly they begin to work. Levitra takes about 30 minutes to start working and the effects last a little longer than Viagra, about 5 hours. Staxyn dissolves in your mouth. It contains the same active ingredient as Levitra and can begin working in about 15 minutes. Viagra takes around 30 minutes to become effective and lasts about 4 hours. Cialis lasts much longer -- up to 36 hours in some cases. Stendra can start doing its thing in as little as 15 minutes, and its effects last up to 6 hours. Yes. You may find that one works better for your schedule or that there are differences in the side effects for you. But these medications work the same basic way, so you're likely to have similar results. Again, do not use these ED medications if you take nitrates, such as nitroglycerin or a similar medicine, for chest pain. But there are other situations that may make these medications unsafe as well. Before you take Viagra or one of the others, tell your doctor: If you are allergic to any medications, including other ED medications About any prescription or nonprescription medications you take, as well as any herbal and dietary supplements If you are scheduled for surgery, even dental surgery If you take alpha-blockers for blood pressure or prostate problems. These can lower your blood pressure when taken with ED pills. Always follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. Also, make sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain anything you don't understand. Take these drugs exactly as directed. If you've had a heart attack, stroke, or life-threatening irregular heart rate within the past 6 months, you should discuss other options with your doctor. You should also avoid these medications if you have uncontrolled high or low blood pressure or if you get chest pain while having sex. Side effects are not common, but they can happen. You may get: â¢ A headache â¢ Upset stomach or heartburn â¢ Feeling of warmth â¢ Nasal congestion â¢ Changes in vision (lights tinged with color, glare) â¢ Back pain â¢ Hearing loss You may need emergency treatment if you get an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours and happens without any sexual excitement. You may hear a doctor call it a âpriapism.â Blood becomes trapped in the penis and can't flow back out. It can lead to scarring and permanent ED if not treated. Also get emergency treatment with any of the following: A rash Painful erection Fainting Chest pain Itching or burning during urination If you're having chest pain and have taken Viagra in the past 24 hours or Cialis in the past 48 hours, don't take nitroglycerin. Call for an EMS and make sure you or someone with you tells them which ED medicine you took. You should also stop these medications and call your doctor right away if you have vision loss. A rare vision problem called NAION -- short for ânonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathyâ -- has been reported by a few men using these drugs. The condition causes a sudden loss of eyesight because blood flow is blocked to the optic nerve. People who have a higher chance for NAION include those who: Are more than 50 years old Smoke Have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol levels Have certain other eye problems Keep them in their original container and out of reach of children. Store them away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). When they expire or you don't need them anymore, get rid of them.