Sexual Potency

Oral drugs which induce erection have revolutionised the treatment of ED over the last eight years. They don’t work for everybody, but they do work for the majority – even in diabetes. They can also help people with neurological and spinal problems.

Also, the choice of available drugs means that if one particular drug doesn’t suit you, it’s well worth trying one of the others. 

There are three orally-administered drugs available in the UK. They all have side-effects, only a few of which we can list here. For more information, read the package insert leaflet, and if in doubt ask your doctor.

It is not safe for some people to use these drugs, and some medications interact dangerously with them. Therefore, before going on any of these pills you should always see a doctor, talk things over with him, and have a physical check-up. 

Do not buy erection drugs by mail-order, or from chaps you meet in pubs! They may not be the right thing.

The oral drugs currently available are:

Viagra tablets (sildenafil).

Cialis tablets (tadalafil) 

Levitra tablets (vardenafil) 

Viagra (sildenafil)

Widens the bloods vessels, so giving an erection - provided the penis is rubbed. In most men, works within an hour. Effect lasts for about four hours. Easily blocked by food in the stomach. 

Viagra still remains the world’s most popular ED drug. At the Vienna International Sexology conference of December 2006 which we attended, it was claimed that its continuing popularity is due to the ‘hardness ‘ of the erections it produces. 

The most common side-effects are headache, visual disturbances, blocked nose, flushed face, indigestion, palpitations - and dizziness after getting out of bed too quickly! Blue vision occurs at higher doses. Viagra is very dangerous with certain heart drugs. Interacts with many medications. Do not drink grapefruit juice on day of use. 

At the beginning of April 2005, a report from the University of Minnesota suggested that a small group of men have suffered blindness as a result of Viagra use. It was claimed that the drug may rarely cause a serious eye condition called ‘non-arteritic ischaemic optic atrophy.’ In 2007, it became apparent that about half a dozen British men have suffered similar eye problems. If you are taking Viagra, you should ask your doctor to keep you informed of any further research on this development. 

Cialis (tadalafil)

Works in the same way as Viagra. Now popular with a lot of men, because its effects last so long – at least 12 hours in most cases. Manufacturers claim it is not blocked by food. 

Side-effects similar to those of Viagra, but also causes back pain and muscle pain. Interactions with other drugs and with grapefruit juice are similar to those of Viagra, but also clashes with the antibiotic clarithromycin and the sedative phenobarbitone. Cialis is very similar in structure to Viagra, but so far (2007) there have been no reports of blindness on Cialis. 

Levitra (vardenafil)

Works in same way. Side-effects and interactions are similar to those of Viagra. Not as long-lasting as Cialis. So far, there have been no reports of blindness. 

The above three drugs are supposed to be ‘prescription-only’ in the UK and most other countries. However, in Manchester during early 2007, Boots the chemists opened three centres where men can obtain Viagra (for a fee) after careful counselling from a pharmacist. There is back-up from a group of private doctors. If this scheme turns out to be a success, then Viagra and similar drugs may become more widely available over the counter. 

Uprima

There is another oral anti-ED drug called ‘Uprima’, but it was withdrawn from sale in Britain during 2006 – probably for commercial reasons.

Posted in Erectile Dysfunction (ED)