By 
Medications for erectile dysfunction are some of the most used and understood prescription medications on the market. Here’s a look at what to expect when taking erectile dysfunction medications; including how long it can take for them to take effect and any side effects, you may experience.
Table of Contents
How Long do ED Medications Take to Work?
Erectile dysfunction medications typically take between 30 and 60 minutes to work. The fastest medication is kamagra which gets to work within 30 minutes. Viagra takes around an hour to become effective, as does vardenafil.
It’s recommended that you take ED medication some time before engaging in sexual activity. Plan ahead of time and consume the medication between 30 and 60 minutes before sex, depending on the drug being used and doctor’s recommendations. Another thing to keep in mind is that eating a large and fatty meal can prevent ED meds from being absorbed, and so it’s recommended to take them on an empty stomach.
ED Medication Half-Lives
The half-life of a drug is how long it takes for the medication to reach half of peak concentration. A 50mg dose of Viagra would be around 25 mg after one half-life for example. This determines how long medication will remain in the body. Here’s a look at the half-lives of ED medication:
- Viagra has a half-life of around 4 hours and can remain active for 3-5 hours after being consumed
- Kamagra has a half-life of 4 to 5 and can remain active for up to 6 hours
Kamagra is easily the longest-lasting ED medication on the market, which makes it a good choice for consistent treatment of ED. It can also help treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) but this is something that you must discuss with your doctor.
Side Effects of ED Medication
Given that ED drugs generally work the same way, they also tend to have the same side effects. These side effects will occur while the drug is still active in the body, but they can last even after the medication has been completely expelled by the body.
This is when the length of Kamagra becomes a drawback as the negative effects can persist for as long as the positive side effects. Here are the side effects of ED Medication:
- Headaches*
Headaches are associated with every ED drugs and are commonly caused by the increase in nitric oxide levels.
- Dizziness*
This is also caused by the increased nitric oxide levels. The dizziness is generally mild but can still cause discomfort and potentially fainting.
- Muscle aches
This is caused by the increased blood flow.
- Nasal congestion
Stuffy noses generally happen when the ED medication is at peak concentration and will lessen as the drug gets metabolised and excreted.
- Facial flush
This can range from light redness to bright red skin. As is the case with other effects, this effect generally goes away as the medication is processed.
- Vision problems
This includes blurry vision and blue-tinted vision. It’s known as cyanopsia and is considered to be a result of lessened enzyme activity.
- Digestive problems
This ranges from diarrhoea to bloating and indigestion. These effects are often temporary and are exacerbated by drinking alcohol, carbonated drinks, caffeine, and dairy products.
* These side effects should be monitored closely by people with other medication conditions that require taking nitrates, such as heart conditions.
ED Medication Cost
Several factors go into determining the total cost of treating ED through common prescribed medications. The first of these factors is the dosage. ED medications can come in a variety of doses, meaning a dose that works for one person might not work as well for someone else. Your physician can help determine the right dose for you.
The second factor is the specific medication you use as they each come at a different price. Another factor is how often you use the medication, as the cost quickly adds up if you use the medication every day.
Insurance coverage is another big factor. Some insurance policies will cover the costs of ED medication, which will reduce the cost of treating erectile dysfunction.
The final significant factor is the brand of medication being used. Erectile dysfunction drugs are generally available as branded medications such as Viagra, but there are also generic options like kamagrathat are more affordable.
Comments