Oral Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors for Erectile Dysfunction

Drug

Dose*

Onset of Action

Comments

50, 100, or 200 mg

30 minutes

Can be taken 15 minutes before intercourse

Initial: 50 mg

Maintenance: 25‒100 mg (most men respond best to 100 mg)

60 minutes

Duration of action: 4 hours; take on empty stomach

10‒20 mg

60 minutes

Duration of action: 24‒36 hours

2.5‒5 mg

60 minutes

For daily use, taken at about the same time each day, without regard to timing of sexual activity

For daily use in patients who also need treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

10‒20 mg

60 minutes

Duration of action: 4 hours

10 mg

30 minutes

Can be taken 30 minutes before intercourse

PDE5 = phosphodiesterase type 5.