A number of men with ED (erectile dysfunction) may go back to an active sex life by the treatment of the underlying conditions, for instance high blood pressure and/or with lifestyle changes and counseling. But others may need medication to achieve and maintain a healthy erection during sexual activity. 

The Food and Drug Association (FDA) has given approval to a number of prescription drugs that may be taken for ED treatment.

American Integrative Pharmacy (AIP) is an advanced integrative pharmacy offering safe and innovative compounding solutions to patients in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Torrance, South Bay, Orange County, and various Southern California locations. Moreover, it provides services such as online prescription refills for delivery across the United States.

What Medications are Available?

The following medications could work by giving relaxation to your muscles and increasing the flow of blood to your penis, making it easier to maintain erection. 

• Sildenafil (Viagra)
• Avanafil (Stendra)
• Tadalafil (Cialis)

Caution: Do not take these erectile dysfunction medications if you consume nitrates (for instance nitroglycerin or a similar drug) for your chest pain. The combination can result in low blood pressure.

What are the Differences between these Drugs?

These medications all work in the similar manner. However, there are subtle in the time they take to show their result and the duration of the time for which they are effective. Levitra takes nearly thirty minutes to start working and the effects lasts for about five hours, somewhat longer than Viagra.

Staxyn will dissolve in your mouth. It comprises the same active ingredient as Levitra and starts working in approximately fifteen minutes. Viagra takes nearly thirty minutes to become effective and the effects last for about four hours.

Cialis can last for a much longer time, up to thirty six hours for some patients. Patients may find the drug stendra starting its action in as little as fifteen minutes and its effects can last up to six hours.

Can You Change Medication?

Yes. Patients can switch their medicines if they find that one medicine works better for their schedule or there are differences in the side effects for them. However these medications work the same basic way, therefore the chances to get similar results are high.

What Precautions should be Taken?

As  mentioned in the earlier sections, patients should not use these medications if they take nitrates such as nitroglycerin for chest pain. But in addition to the above conditions, there are a number of other situations that may make these medications unsafe as well. 

Who Should Avoid the ED Medications?

If the patient has had a heart attack, life-threatening irregular heart rate or stroke within the past six months, it is important to discuss other options with your doctor. Remember to avoid these medicines if you have uncontrolled high or low blood pressure or if you get chest pain while having sex.

What are the Side Effects?

ED medicines usually do not have any side effects, but at times the patients may complain of the following:

• Heartburn or stomach upset
• Headache
• Warm feeling 
• Nasal congestion
• Vision changes (lights tinged with color, glare)
• Pain in the back
• Loss of Hearing

Warnings

You may require emergency treatment if you get an erection that lasts for more than four hours and occurs without any sexual excitement. You may hear a doctor refer to it as  a “priapism.” When blood gets trapped in the penis and cannot flow back out. It may lead to scarring and permanent erectile dysfunction if the condition is left untreated. 

Storage of Medications 

Store them in their original container and out of the reach of children. Do not store them in bathroom. Store them away from heat and moisture (not in a bathroom). Eventually, when the medicines expire or you do not need them anymore, you should get rid of them.

AIP, led by Dr. Neema Yazdanpanah, provides compounding pharmacy solutions, including online prescription refills, to patients in Long Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles, South Bay, Orange County, Southern California areas, and nationwide. 

For more information on compound pharmacy medications available or to make an online prescription purchase, please click here or call Toll Free 1-855-247-7948.

American Integrative Pharmacy is located in Lomita, CA serving residents in and around Orange County, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Torrance and surrounding areas. Online prescription sales are available across the US.