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Sildenafil is a popular drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and PAH. When the medication isn’t the best choice for an individual, alternative options may be available.

Potential Alternatives for Sildenafil

Tadalafil (Cialis)

Like sildenafil, tadalafil also is used to treat erectile dysfunction and PAH and belongs to the same class of drugs. It can also be used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and, for this reason, may be preferable to sildenafil. Its effects may be longer lasting and be helpful for correcting impotence for up to 36 hours.

Vardenafil (Filitra) 

This drug is a vasodilator (vessel widening) used to treat erectile dysfunction and is also from the same class as sildenafil. Filitra (vardenafil) may work slightly longer than sildenafil (as Viagra), for about 4 hours. 

Vardenafil Hydrochloride (Staxyn) 

Some individuals may prefer Staxyn (vardenafil hydrochloride) to treat their erectile dysfunction because the tablet dissolves in the mouth (so there’s no pill or liquid to swallow) and because it may work at a lower dose. 

Avanafil (Stendra) 

Studies comparing avanafil to sildenafil have found that avanafil appears to be equally effective but often comes with fewer side effects. It also appears less likely to affect blood pressure. For these reasons, avanafil may be the more preferred choice for many individuals with erectile dysfunction.

However, avanafil is not used to treat PAH.

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.


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