There is a new drug coming out on the market to treat erectile dysfunction called Staxyn (vardenafil).  It is the exact same medicine as Levitra (vardenafil) but it is in the form of a orally disintegrating tablet (melts in your mouth)-so no need for water!  Staxyn works just as fast as Levitra but it is expected to be cheaper (who would of thunk it?!)  Levitra costs ~$19 and the new version Staxyn will only cost $14…some savings there.

The current options on the market for oral treatment of erectile dysfunction include:

1) Staxyn (vardenafil -oral disintegrating) -10mg 60 minutes before sexual activity.  Don’t chew, crush or break.  Best to take it without liquids; lasts ~4 hours

2) Levitra(vardenafil)-5-20mg 60 minutes before sexual activity; best to take on empty stomach; lasts ~4 hours

3) Viagra(sildenafil) -the original “blue pill”; 25-100mg 60 minutes before sexual activity; best to take on empty stomach; lasts ~4 hours (for some men it may lasts as long as 8-12 hours)

5) Cialis(tadalafil)-10-20mg 60minutes before sexual activity OR 2.5-5mg daily; take without regard to food; lasts ~36 hours

Common side effects for all of the medications: headache, flushing, runny nose, belly ache and back pain.  There are lots of drug interactions so first check with your physician and pharmacist.  They interact with drugs used to treat BPH and all of these meds should not be used if you are being treated with nitrates.

Studies show that they all work equally well and share most of the side effects.  Cost, ease of use, duration and patient preference help you and your physician decide what drug will work best for you.

Finally, what is the whole 4 hour erection thing all about?  Well, it is called priapism(which if you are a True Blood fan, Jason had a case of priapism during the first season).  It is a prolonged, painful erection lasting more then 4 hours without sexual stimulation.  It is due to blood being trapped and unable to drain from the penis.  It can be permanently damaging to the penis if not treated.  Priapism must be treated by a physician immediately.  Fun fact, priapism can also be caused by scorpion bites!

We would love some comments about which medication you feel works best!  So if you have any questions or comments please contact us!