When Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction. Also known as Viagra, it helps men get and keep an erection by increasing blood flow to the penis doesn’t work—or causes side effects—you’re not alone. Many men need to try other options before finding what fits. Sildenafil isn’t the only game in town. There are several FDA-approved alternatives that work in similar ways but with different timing, duration, or side effect profiles. You might need something that kicks in faster, lasts longer, or plays nicer with your heart meds or diet.
One major alternative is tadalafil, a longer-acting PDE5 inhibitor sold as Cialis. While Sildenafil lasts about 4 to 6 hours, tadalafil can work for up to 36 hours, which is why some call it the "weekend pill." Then there’s vardenafil, the active ingredient in Levitra, which works similarly to Sildenafil but may be more effective for men with diabetes. For those who need speed, avanafil, marketed as Stendra, starts working in as little as 15 minutes. Each of these drugs targets the same pathway as Sildenafil but has subtle differences in how your body handles them. Your doctor might recommend one over another based on your blood pressure, liver function, or whether you take nitrates for chest pain.
It’s not just about swapping one pill for another. Some men find relief with lifestyle changes—losing weight, quitting smoking, or getting more exercise. Others benefit from non-pill treatments like vacuum pumps or penile injections. The key is matching the solution to your health, habits, and goals. Below, you’ll find real comparisons of these alternatives, what they’re like to use, how they stack up against each other, and which ones come up most often in patient discussions. No fluff. No marketing. Just clear, practical info to help you talk to your doctor with confidence.
A quick, affordable guide comparing Aurogra (sildenafil) with top ED alternatives, covering efficacy, side effects, onset, duration, and cost to help you choose the right pill.
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