ED Pills: Ingredients, Onset, Duration & Effectiveness | 2025

A common secret that approximately a third of all men share is some form of erectile dysfunction, or ED [1].

The fact that it’s a normal part of aging for 40+ men doesn’t make it any more acceptable.

The good news is that effective, affordable, science-based medications to help reignite your libido are available online at top telehealth sites like Hims.

Keep reading to learn more.

First Look – Best ED Pills

Best ED Pills Reviewed

In the following sections, we take a closer look at our top picks, exploring their prices, dosage, onset, duration, and what sets them apart.

1. Hims Daily Tadalafil – The Best ED Pills Online Using Tadalafil

Price: $32/month

Dosage: 1 pill daily

Instructions for Use:

Take 1 pill with water 30 minutes before you expect to have sex. The tablet needs to be swallowed whole and should not be split, broken, chewed, or crushed. It can be taken with or without food; however, consuming a large fatty meal before may slow down the absorption rate.

Onset: 30 minutes

Duration: 24 hours

Why Should You Buy It?

Not only is Hims one of the premier telehealth wellness sites online, but when it comes to ED pills, they offer some of the best prices.

You only have to complete the online health form (about 7-10 minutes), and one of their licensed doctors will prescribe the appropriate ED med, like tadalafil, that fits with your personal health profile. A month’s supply of tadalafil, a potent and proven ED med, starts at just $32/month [2].

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2. Motivated (Tadalafil) – Designer Quality ED Pills for Less

Price: Starting from $3.50 per use

Dosage: One 10 mg pill

Instructions for Use

For as-needed use, take it before sex to give it time to work, but no more than once a day as prescribed. For daily use, take the medication once a day, regardless of when you have sex.

Do not consume grapefruit, either in solid or juice form, as it may disrupt absorption. In addition, a large fatty meal may also slow down absorption.

Onset: 30-60 minutes

Duration: 36 hours

Why Should You Buy It?

Motivated offers generic ED pills at a much lower cost than their designer counterparts. For example, tadalafil, the generic version of the brand-name medication Cialis, can be had for as little as $3.50 per pill.

Both versions have the same effectiveness, dosage, safety, strength, and quality. In fact, according to a 2023 study, tadalafil over 3 months helped to significantly improve ED symptoms when compared to the placebo [3].

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3. Cake ED Meds – Only 2-in-1 Formula ED Pills Online

Price: Starts at $54/month (6 doses – standard strength)

Dosage: One 48 mg pill

Instructions for Use

Place the tablet under your tongue before sexual activity.

Onset: 15 to 30 minutes

Duration: Lasts up to 36 hours

Why Should You Buy It?

Cake Meds is the definition of ED pills online made easy. Simply order your meds, complete the medical intake form, and a doctor will get back to you in 24 hours. You won’t be charged until approved, and your meds will be there in 3-5 days in a discreet brown box.

Plus, Cake ED Meds combines both sildenafil, confirmed in one study as being a highly effective treatment for ED, and tadalafil for long-lasting effectiveness [4] [5].

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4. RexMD – Cheapest ED Pills Near Me

Price: Starting at $2 per dose

Dosage: 20 mg for sildenafil or 2.5 mg-5 mg available for daily tadalafil

Instructions for Use:

Generic Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) should be taken 1 hour before intercourse or as prescribed by a physician.

Onset: Within 30 minutes

Duration: Lasts up to 4 hours

Why Should I Buy It? 

RexMD brings the same feel of the neighborhood pharmacy you remember growing up to the world of telehealth medicine. By that, we mean friendly service, dependable products, quick and easy prescription approval, and cheap ED pills online. In fact, the RexMD guarantee is that if you can find a lower price online for ED pills, they’ll beat it.

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5. Maximus Sexual Enhancement Protocol – Best Pills for ED Tailor Made for You

Price: Starting at $99.99 per month

Dosage: Customized after your online doctor reviews your medical form

Instructions for Use: Determined by your online MD

Onset: 15 minutes

Duration: 24-36 hours

Why Should You Buy It?

Unlike other ED pills online that use just one protocol, Maximus Sexual Enhancement offers two top ED pills, tadalafil and vardenafil, in tandem. Tadalafil enhances blood flow to the penis for longer, better erections, and vardenafil is a potent PDE5 inhibitor that brings quicker results, so you can be more spontaneous [6].

Plus, Maximus customizes each dose to your unique needs, and your doctor will check in after one month to fine-tune your treatment and ensure you’re on the right path.

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6. MangoRX Tadalafil Mangos – The Fastest Working ED Pills Online

Price: A 6-pack costs $67.50

Dosage: Mango Tadalafil tablets come in 10 and 20-mg doses

Instructions for Use

For best results, place one Mango Tadalafil tablet under your tongue and let it dissolve completely. Do not drink water or swallow the tablet because it may affect absorption. To get the best results, take Mango Tadalafil approximately 15 minutes before sexual activity.

Onset: 10 minutes

Duration: 36 hours

Why Should I Buy It?

Besides tadalafil, which is a successful and proven ED medication, Mango Tadalafil also gives you the bonus of two other sexually enhancing substances. There is oxytocin, dubbed the love hormone, that has been shown in tests to impact social situations and intimate bonding [7].

Mango Tadalafil also includes 50 mg of L-arginine, an amino acid known to increase blood circulation and the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream [8]. Arginine is a common ingredient in the best over-the-counter ED pills that work fast or OTC viagra.

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Best ED Pills Compared

Who Can Benefit From ED Pills?

According to an article in Harvard Health Publishing, ED pills can produce an erection appropriate for intercourse in about 70% of the men who use these meds [9].

Yet besides being able to help men who suffer from ED, a 2024 study also found that popular medications like tadalafil and sildenafil, commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction, also have other positive health implications.

The paper in the American Journal of Medicine found these popular ED pills, also known as PDE-5 inhibitors, are sometimes prescribed for lower urinary tract symptoms resulting in an enlarged prostate.

Medications like tadalafil and sildenafil also offer cardiovascular benefits through improved blood flow, reduced blood pressure, and more. As a result, the FDA has approved these medications not only for ED, but also for pulmonary hypertension and lower urinary tract symptoms relating to an enlarged prostate.

ED pills can even benefit more than just those with erectile dysfunction. A study on men with ED and metabolic syndrome found that a daily dose of tadalafil helped significantly improve testosterone levels and other ED symptoms [10].

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What Are the Most Common Side Effects of ED Pills?

According to a study published in the NIH National Library of Medicine Center for Biotechnology Information, these are the adverse reactions most commonly experienced as a result of taking the ED med sildenafil [11].

• Flushing
• Headache
• Nasal congestion
• Heartburn

Overall, 31.6% of participants experienced one or more of these symptoms, plus there was a higher incidence of side effects that occurred with increased doses.

In another study on the side effects of tadalafil ED pills that included 493 adult males, the following were the most common side effects reported [12].

• Headache
• Dyspepsia
• Nasopharyngitis
• Back pain

The rate of people dropping from the study due to these events was 6.3% and no consistent pattern of adverse events associated with tadalafil use was detected.

Some rare, yet serious side effects associated with both medications include an erection lasting longer than 4 hours, blurred vision, dizziness, and chest pains. If any of these symptoms occur, contact your doctor immediately [13].

What Should You Watch Out for When Taking ED Pills?

One major contraindication associated with ED pills is mixing them with nitrates (like nitroglycerin for chest pain) or nitric oxide donors (like amyl nitrate poppers).

The combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure and set the stage for a possible heart attack or stroke. The risks of mixing these drugs are even more pronounced among those with underlying heart conditions [14].

Another major drug contraindication involving ED pills is with the drug riociguat for pulmonary hypertension, which can result in a dangerous drop in blood pressure [15].

Individuals with hypertension or hypotension (high or low blood pressure) should avoid using ED pills. Because ED meds are metabolized in the liver and excreted through the kidneys, anyone diagnosed with a liver or kidney condition should also avoid these meds. Also, those with hearing problems, seizure disorders, and sickle cell disease should avoid ED pills [16].

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How To Choose the Best ED Pills for You?

Navigating the options for ED medication can feel overwhelming, but finding the right pill for you is a personal process that should be handled with care. The best choice depends on the following factors, from your health to your lifestyle.

Consult Your Doctor

Most ED pills that have legitimate science backing them up are available by prescription only, which requires a consultation with a doctor. Unlike with over-the-counter medications, conferring with an M.D. enables you to find out what types of ED pills would best support your unique health profile and give you the most satisfying results.

Consider Your Medication Options

There are different types of ED pills available with various efficacy profiles that are taken under different conditions. Take the time to study your options, and be open to any suggestions from your examining doctor as to what would work best for you. There are also what are known as compound formulas that can be customized to your specific needs and health concerns.

What Are the Side Effects & Contraindications?

One of the reasons ED pills by prescription require a medical interview beforehand is to determine the condition of your overall health and if you have any pre-existing conditions.

Different ED meds have different side effects and contraindications with other medications, so it’s important to know in advance if your current health and medical status would be vulnerable to either.

What Fits Your Lifestyle?

As the saying goes, “different strokes for different folks.” There are several effective ED pills by prescription on the market, and they all affect you a little bit differently. Are you younger or older? Do you schedule sex regularly with your partner, or is the relationship more spontaneous?

Your lifestyle and personal preferences will directly affect your best choice. As a result, you may even want to consider non-prescription supplements like DHEA or natural erection pills. Some may also prefer alternatives to pills, such as gels or other forms of treatment.

Onset & Duration of Action

Onset refers to the amount of time it takes for an ED pill to take effect, and duration refers to the total amount of time the medication will affect you. If you prefer to schedule intimate time with a partner in advance, a longer onset and duration would be preferable.

However, if you’d prefer more spontaneity, then a short onset time would be more advantageous than going with the flow.

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Best OTC ED Pills

You can get some ED pills over the counter. They are known as OTC ED pills but are not the same as prescription drugs. Instead of a direct drug, they are a mix of natural ingredients like herbs, vitamins, and amino acids. The best ED pills non-prescription are sold as dietary supplements and are meant to support your body’s natural functions.

Here are the common ingredients you can find in top non-prescription ED pills

• L-Arginine: This amino acid helps your body create nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes blood vessels. This can increase blood flow to the penis to help you get and keep an erection [17].
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): A hormone produced by your body’s adrenal glands. It can be converted into other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Taking a DHEA supplement may help boost testosterone levels and improve your sex drive [18].
• Ginkgo Biloba: This popular herb is known to help with circulation by improving blood flow throughout the body, including to the penis [19].
• Ginseng: Often called “herbal Viagra,” ginseng is an ancient root used to boost energy and overall vitality. Some studies suggest it can help improve erectile performance by relaxing muscles and increasing nitric oxide. It is a key ingredient in top ED pills OTC [20].
• Yohimbine: This compound comes from the bark of an African tree. It is thought to work by blocking certain receptors in the body that can stop erections from happening. It may also help increase blood flow to the penis [21].
• Horny Goat Weed: As a natural PDE5 inhibitor, horny goat weed works similarly to prescription ED drugs. It contains icariin, a compound that helps increase circulation and improve erections [22].
• Propionyl-L-carnitine: An amino acid that plays a role in energy metabolism. It has been studied for its ability to improve erectile function, especially when combined with prescription ED medications like sildenafil [23].

FAQs on ED Pills

These are some common questions that readers and potential customers have been asking about how to find the best male ED Pills for their needs.

What Pills Help You Stay Harder Longer?

According to numerous scientific studies, prescription medications known as PDE5 inhibitors are the best pills for helping a man gain and maintain an erection. Some common PDE5 inhibitors are tadalafil, sildenafil, and vardenafil. These meds have effective onset times of 30-60 minutes and will last for 4-5 hours (sildenafil and vardenafil), or 24-36 hours (tadalafil).

What Is the Most Effective ED Pill?

The most effective ED pill is based on what they are looking for. Something like tadalafil lasts the longest at 24-36 hours, yet avanafil is the fastest at 15 minutes. There are also other factors like cost, potential side effects, and convenience to consider.

How Long Do ED Pills Take To Kick In?

The activation time for ED pills differs with the medication used. Avanafil is considered the fastest-acting pill with an activation time of between 15-30 minutes. Other ED pills like sildenafil and tadalafil take anywhere from 30-60 minutes to kick in. Pick an activation time that matches your sexual habits, whether you prefer planned encounters or spontaneity.

How Much Do ED Pills Typically Cost?

The list price for designer ED pills can range from $60 to over $100 per pill, while the generic versions can be had for as little as $4 to $10 per pill. Some insurance plans will cover the cost of ED pills, and there are various telehealth websites that offer affordable deals on generic versions.

Where Can I Get ED Pills Online?

Some of the better-known and most dependable online telehealth sites where you can get discounted ED pills are Hims and RexMD. These telehealth sites have doctors available who will review your online application and provide you with a prescription for ED pills in as little as 24 hours.

Where Can I Buy Hims ED Pills?

Some of the non-prescription products, like hair care, skin care, and sexual wellness products, can be purchased over the counter at stores like Target and CVS. However, any of their prescription medications, like ED pills, can only be purchased on their official website after undergoing a review with a doctor.

Best ED Pills Conclusion

It was said at one time that heart disease was the great silent killer of men over 40. Nowadays, there is also a great silent humiliator in the form of erectile dysfunction or ED.

Yet just like there are newer and more effective meds combating cardiovascular disease, there are also some miracle drugs on the front lines against ED.

We’ve just reviewed more than a half-dozen online sites that offer not only the top ED medications for less, but also easy telehealth doctor interviews and prescriptions in 24 hours.

If you suffer from ED, don’t keep it on the down-low or wait to see if it goes away. Schedule an appointment at one of the reviewed sites, like Hims, and get that mojo back in the groove.

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References

1. Gerbild, Helle, et al. “Physical Activity to Improve Erectile Function: A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies.” Sexual Medicine, vol. 6, no. 2, 2018, pp. 75–89, doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2018.02.001.
2. Guo, Ying-Lu, et al. “Efficacy and Safety of Tadalafil Taken as Needed for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Asian Men: Results of an Integrated Analysis.” Asian Journal of Andrology, vol. 11, no. 4, 2009, pp. 423–433, doi:10.1038/aja.2009.11.
3. Nourian Kafshgari, Hamedreza, et al. “Effects of Continuous Use of Tadalafil on Male Sexual Function after Posterior Urethroplasty: A Clinical Trial.” Urologia, vol. 90, no. 4, 2023, pp. 735–740, doi:10.1177/03915603231179533.
4. Hatzimouratidis, Konstantinos. “Sildenafil in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: An Overview of the Clinical Evidence.” Clinical Interventions in Aging, vol. 1, no. 4, 2006, pp. 403–414, doi:10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.403.
5. Tadalafil, Fahmy, George, Hess, Jaclyn NIH National Library of Medicine Bookshelf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603743/#:~:text=The%20recommended%20adult%20doses%20differ,after%204%20weeks.%5B22%5D
6. Keating, Gillian M., and Lesley J. Scott. “Spotlight on Vardenafil in Erectile Dysfunction1.” Drugs & Aging, vol. 21, no. 2, 2004, pp. 135–140, doi:10.2165/00002512-200421020-00005.
7. Ito, Etsuro, et al. “A Novel Role of Oxytocin: Oxytocin-Induced Well-Being in Humans.” Biophysics and Physicobiology, vol. 16, no. 0, 2019, pp. 132–139, doi:10.2142/biophysico.16.0_132.
8. Meirelles, Claudia Mello, et al. “Acute Effects of L-Arginine Supplementation on Oxygen Consumption Kinetics and Muscle Oxyhemoglobin and Deoxyhemoglobin during Treadmill Running in Male Adults.” International Journal of Exercise Science, vol. 12, no. 2, 2019, pp. 444–455, doi:10.70252/ZUEN4596.
9. “Which Drug for Erectile Dysfunction?” Harvard Health, 9 Aug. 2022, https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/which-drug-for-erectile-dysfunction.
10. Ozcan, L., et al. “Effects of Taking Tadalafil 5 Mg Once Daily on Erectile Function and Total Testosterone Levels in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome.” Andrologia, vol. 49, no. 9, 2017, doi:10.1111/and.12751.
11. Moreira, S. G., Jr, et al. “Side-Effect Profile of Sildenafil Citrate (Viagra) in Clinical Practice.” Urology, vol. 56, no. 3, 2000, pp. 474–476, doi:10.1016/s0090-4295(00)00649-x.
12. Montorsi, F., et al. “Long-Term Safety and Tolerability of Tadalafil in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction.” European Urology, vol. 45, no. 3, 2004, pp. 339–44; discussion 344-5, doi:10.1016/j.eururo.2003.11.010.
13. Burch, Kelly. “Here’s How to Choose the Right ED Drug You.” Verywell Health, https://www.verywellhealth.com/cialis-vs-viagra-effectiveness-dosage-and-safety-7091128. Accessed 1 Sept. 2025.
14. Choi, Se Young. “Emergence of Novel Mechanisms in Erectile Dysfunction Treatment.” The World Journal of Men’s Health, vol. 42, no. 4, 2024, pp. 900–901, doi:10.5534/wjmh.240057.
15. “Sildenafil Interactions & Warnings: When Not to Take Viagra.” Treated, 21 Oct. 2022, https://www.treated.com/erectile-dysfunction/sildenafil/interactions.
16. “Sildenafil Disease Interactions.” Drugs.Com, https://www.drugs.com/disease-interactions/sildenafil.html. Accessed 1 Sept. 2025.
17. Menafra, D., et al. “Long-Term High-Dose L-Arginine Supplementation in Patients with Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction: A Multicentre, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.” Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, vol. 45, no. 5, 2022, pp. 941–961, doi:10.1007/s40618-021-01704-3.
18. El-Sakka, Ahmed I. “Dehydroepiandrosterone and Erectile Function: A Review.” The World Journal of Men’s Health, vol. 36, no. 3, 2018, pp. 183–191, doi:10.5534/wjmh.180005.
19. Cohen, A. J., and B. Bartlik. “Ginkgo Biloba for Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction.” Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, vol. 24, no. 2, 1998, pp. 139–143, doi:10.1080/00926239808404927.
20. Leung, Kar Wah, and Alice St Wong. “Ginseng and Male Reproductive Function.” Spermatogenesis, vol. 3, no. 3, 2013, p. e26391, doi:10.4161/spmg.26391.
21. Ernst, E., and M. H. Pittler. “Yohimbine for Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.” The Journal of Urology, vol. 159, no. 2, 1998, pp. 433–436, doi:10.1016/s0022-5347(01)63942-9.
22. Shindel, Alan W., et al. “Erectogenic and Neurotrophic Effects of Icariin, a Purified Extract of Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium Spp.) in Vitro and in Vivo.” The Journal of Sexual Medicine, vol. 7, no. 4 Pt 1, 2010, pp. 1518–1528, doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01699.x.
23. Gentile, V., et al. “Preliminary Observations on the Use of Propionyl-L-Carnitine in Combination with Sildenafil in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes.” Current Medical Research and Opinion, vol. 20, no. 9, 2004, pp. 1377–1384, doi:10.1185/030079904X2394.