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Medications for Erectile Dysfunction

Other names: ED; Erection Problems; Impotence; Sexual Dysfunction, Male

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, Senior Medical Editor, B. Pharm. Last updated on May 22, 2026.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a consistent inability to achieve or sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse, commonly known as impotence.

Causes of ED

ED can have physical or psychological causes, or a combination of both. Common physical causes include heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and hormonal imbalances. Psychological causes include stress, anxiety, and depression. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol, and lack of exercise can also contribute.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

  • Oral PDE5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra, Vybrique), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil, and avanafil (Stendra), are the most commonly prescribed first-line treatments
  • Intracavernosal injections, such as alprostadil (Caverject) or papaverine and phentolamine injected directly into the penis
  • Hormone therapy: testosterone replacement for men with confirmed deficiency
  • Urethral suppositories: alprostadil (Muse)
  • Vacuum erection devices: mechanical pumps that draw blood into the penis
  • Penile implants: surgically placed devices for cases unresponsive to other treatments
  • Lifestyle changes and counseling: including weight loss, smoking cessation, and psychotherapy.

Notes:

Yohimbine, extracted from African tree bark, has long been used as an aphrodisiac. It works by blocking receptors in the brain linked to libido and erection. Studies show it improves erectile function, but works best when combined with other treatments.

Drugs used to treat Erectile Dysfunction

The medications listed below are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

Filters
Details Drug name Rating Reviews Activity ? Rx/OTC Pregnancy CSA Alcohol
8.6 468 reviews for Cialis to treat Erectile Dysfunction Rx B N ✕
Generic name:
tadalafil systemic
Drug class:
impotence medications
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
FDA approval date:
November 21, 2003
8.3 447 reviews for sildenafil to treat Erectile Dysfunction Rx B N ✕
Generic name:
sildenafil systemic
Brand names:
Viagra, Vybrique
Drug class:
impotence medications, agents for pulmonary hypertension
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
New approval
Rate Add review Rx B N ✕
Generic name:
sildenafil systemic
Drug class:
impotence medications
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
FDA approval date:
February 5, 2026
8.5 656 reviews for tadalafil to treat Erectile Dysfunction Rx B N ✕
Generic name:
tadalafil systemic
Brand name:
Cialis
Drug class:
impotence medications, agents for pulmonary hypertension
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
8.5 229 reviews for Viagra to treat Erectile Dysfunction Rx B N ✕
Generic name:
sildenafil systemic
Drug class:
impotence medications
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
9.4 10 reviews for Caverject Impulse to treat Erectile Dysfunction Rx ✕ N ✕
Generic name:
alprostadil systemic
Drug class:
vasodilators, impotence medications
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
7.9 170 reviews for vardenafil to treat Erectile Dysfunction Rx B N ✕
Generic name:
vardenafil systemic
Drug class:
impotence medications
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
7.0 183 reviews for alprostadil to treat Erectile Dysfunction Rx ✕ N ✕
Generic name:
alprostadil systemic
Brand names:
Caverject Impulse, Edex, Caverject, Muse
Drug class:
vasodilators, impotence medications
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
7.5 48 reviews for Edex to treat Erectile Dysfunction Rx ✕ N ✕
Generic name:
alprostadil systemic
Drug class:
vasodilators, impotence medications
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
5.7 60 reviews for Stendra to treat Erectile Dysfunction Rx C N ✕
Generic name:
avanafil systemic
Drug class:
impotence medications
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
FDA approval date:
April 27, 2012
6.8 28 reviews for Caverject to treat Erectile Dysfunction Rx ✕ N ✕
Generic name:
alprostadil systemic
Drug class:
vasodilators, impotence medications
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
5.4 54 reviews for Muse to treat Erectile Dysfunction Rx ✕ N ✕
Generic name:
alprostadil systemic
Drug class:
vasodilators, impotence medications
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
5.8 62 reviews for avanafil to treat Erectile Dysfunction Rx C N ✕
Generic name:
avanafil systemic
Brand name:
Stendra
Drug class:
impotence medications
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information

Frequently asked questions

View more FAQ

Alternative treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Erectile Dysfunction. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However, there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction.

Legend

Rating For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Activity Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list.
Rx Available for purchase by prescription only.
OTC Available for purchase over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC Available for purchase by prescription or over-the-counter.
Alcohol The medication interacts with alcohol (if marked with "✕").
New approval The FDA has approved this medication within the past year.
Off-label The FDA may not approve this medication for the treatment of this condition.
EUA An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.
Expanded access Expanded access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available.
Pregnancy Category
A Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
✕ Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U CSA Schedule is unknown.
N Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1 Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2 Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3 Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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