Key takeaways
Sildenafil citrate, a common treatment for erectile dysfunction, may not work for everyone.
Alternatives to sildenafil are limited to drugs that work like sildenafil (Cialis, Stendra, and vardenafil) or prostaglandin penile injections like Caverject.
Natural alternatives and psychological counseling are an option, but caution is advised with untested supplements, and professional consultation is recommended for a tailored treatment approach.
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a commonly prescribed drug for erectile dysfunction (ED). It’s better known by its higher-priced brand-name version, Viagra. While it works well for many, sildenafil can be ineffective for others. Adverse effects of the drug can be another reason for wanting to switch to a sildenafil substitute. However, there aren’t many alternatives to choose from. Most of them are drugs that work just like sildenafil, so they have many of the same drawbacks.
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What can I take instead of Viagra?
Sildenafil citrate belongs to the highly popular and widely marketed class of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Viagra, the brand-name version of sildenafil, is famously known as the ‘little blue pill.’ Besides Viagra, Cialis (tadalafil) is another highly publicized brand name within the category. Stendra (avanafil) and generic vardenafil (formerly branded as Levitra and Staxyn) are other Viagra alternatives within the group.
Here’s how drugs like Viagra work. When sexual stimulation results in nitric oxide release, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is activated, dilating blood vessels and allowing an influx of blood to create an erection. More cGMP is good, and PDE5 inhibitors help stop phosphodiesterase-5 from breaking down cGMP.
Trying a different PDE5 inhibitor may be worth it if sildenafil fails. However, if other medications within this drug class are a letdown, other treatment options exist. Alprostadil, a prostaglandin E1, presents another way to increase penile blood to improve erectile function. It can only be administered as an injection into the tissues of the penis. These details and others might be the deciding factors in helping to choose alternatives to Viagra for erectile dysfunction.
Viagra alternatives cost comparison |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Sildenafil citrate | $1,370 for 30, 100 mg tablets | $12 for 30, 100 mg tablets of generic sildenafil at Food Lion | See latest prices |
| Viagra (sildenafil) | $1,075 for 10, 100 mg tablets | $857 for 10, 100 mg tablets of brand-name Viagra at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Cialis (tadalafil) | $434 for 30, 5 mg tablets | $11 for 30, 5 mg tablets of generic Cialis at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Vardenafil | $470 for 10, 20 mg tablets | $41 for 10, 20 mg tablets of generic vardenafil at CVS Pharmacy | See latest prices |
| Stendra (avanafil) | $816 for 10, 200 mg tablets | $333 for 10, 200 mg tablets of generic Stendra at CVS Pharmacy | See latest prices |
| Caverject (alprostadil) | $814 for 6, 20 mcg solution reconstituted | $649 for 6, 20 mcg solution reconstituted of brand-name Caverject at Kroger | See latest prices |
Top 4 Viagra alternatives
The following are some of the most common alternatives to sildenafil citrate.
1. Cialis (tadalafil)
There are several reasons why Cialis, or its generic version, tadalafil, may be chosen over sildenafil. The drug can assist with attaining an adequate erection for up to 36 hours after a dose, compared to only four hours with sildenafil. Knowing that its effect on sexual function lasts for 36 hours might be an appealing feature. Unlike sildenafil, tadalafil’s absorption is not affected by when it’s taken, so that is one less thing to worry about.
Tadalafil is also available as a once-a-day pill for ED treatment, which some men find to be more effective or to have fewer side effects. The regular daily dosing permits more sexual spontaneity, which might be of value. As a generic PDE5 inhibitor like sildenafil, tadalafil also offers lower prices than brand-name options. In fact, coupons and the SingleCare discount card offer massive savings on tadalafil. SingleCare is free to use and available to everyone. Registered members can save even more, and it’s fast and free to join.
2. Stendra
In the brand-name-only category of erectile dysfunction medications, Stendra may cost more than generic sildenafil. However, it has a unique attribute that could make it worth the expense for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Stendra boasts the quickest onset of action among PDE5 inhibitors. Results can be seen in as little as 15 minutes. Once again, the opportunity for spontaneity could be a valued aspect of sexual performance.
3. Vardenafil
Vardenafil has one attractive characteristic that could warrant a change from sildenafil. An oral-disintegrating tablet (ODT) formulation is available. The ODT dissolves in the mouth to permit dosing after a meal, increase discretion, and have a faster onset of action. Otherwise, vardenafil shares many attributes with sildenafil, such as efficacy, duration of action, and adverse effects.
In fact, the PDE5 inhibitor family has a similar side-effect profile. Common ones include headache, flushing, upset stomach, dizziness, muscle and back pain, and a runny/congested nose. Potential serious adverse effects of PDE5 inhibitors range from chest pain, prolonged painful erection, and hearing and vision loss. Though the drugs in this class have similar adverse effects, they do differ in their duration of action. The longer duration of action of tadalafil could be problematic in this regard.
4. Caverject (alprostadil)
If adverse effects or unsatisfactory results are a concern with PDE5 inhibitors, alprostadil (injectable prostaglandin) products are an alternative option. Stepping away from sildenafil and its cousins could also help avoid drug interactions. Medications for heart disease and high blood pressure, such as nitrates, are some of the ones with potentially serious interactions with sildenafil.
Alprostadil is a prostaglandin that enhances the influx of blood to the penis to create an erection within minutes. Caverject delivers alprostadil via an injection into the penile shaft. Training in administering the injection must be provided by a healthcare provider. While Caverject avoids many of the common side effects and drug interactions of PDE5 inhibitors, it increases the risk of penile scarring and priapism, an erection lasting more than four to six hours. Priapism is a medical emergency due to the risk of permanent tissue damage.
Natural alternatives to Viagra
If the idea of alprostadil injections and the possibility of PDE5-inhibitor side effects create second thoughts, natural alternatives to Viagra might be worth a look.
Vacuum-assisted erection devices are a possibility. Known as penis pumps, they encourage blood flow into the penis and are coupled with a constricting ring placed at the base of the penis. There is a learning curve and a potential for discomfort and ejaculation disturbance with the device, though.
Another non-prescription option that steers clear of ED medication is psychological counseling. Having a professional counselor address issues like depression or anxiety and advise on lifestyle changes can be quite helpful. These mental health issues can be associated with ED, as either a cause or an effect.
Dietary supplements are another item of interest for many with ED. From the start, it should be recognized that testosterone hormone replacement is a different matter and should be addressed with a medical provider to determine if it is necessary and advisable. Herbal Viagra alternatives are a whole other entity. Caution is advised with these due to the risk of counterfeit or dangerous active ingredients in herbal aphrodisiacs. Many of these products have not been tested or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). More straightforward herbal treatments, like red ginseng and horny goat weed, have shown promise but have insufficient proof to date.
RELATED: A guide for natural cures and treatments
How to switch to a Viagra alternative
There is a lot to think about when it comes to sildenafil alternative drugs. Factors like the onset of action, duration of action, adverse effects, and drug interactions are intimidating. That is why now is the time to contact a healthcare provider for medical advice.
Get an appointment to discuss what has been learned here. Other medical conditions, the use of current prescription or over-the-counter medications, and possibilities for testing testosterone levels can all be covered in conversations with your healthcare provider. Sharing ideas will help reach an agreement on how best to move forward with sildenafil or an alternative while reducing significant adverse health effects. Even if a product is available over the counter or online, it is still best to talk with your health care provider before trying something new.
The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Jun. 24, 2026. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our coupon page for updated drug prices at pharmacies near you.
- Alternative medicine and herbal remedies in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A systematic review, Arab Journal of Urology (2021)
- Cialis tadalafil tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine) (2026)
- Designer drugs in herbal aphrodisiacs, Forensic Science International (2008)
- Oral PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction, U.S. Pharmacist (2019)
- PDE5 inhibitors, StatPearls (2023)
- Recent advances in the understanding and management of erectile dysfunction, F1000 Research (2019)
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