ED Medication Comparison Tool
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Quick Takeaways
- Erectafil is a 20mg tadalafil tablet marketed for erectile dysfunction.
- It offers a long‑lasting effect (up to 36hours) but costs more than generic tadalafil.
- Key alternatives include Cialis, Viagra, Levitra, Stendra, and over‑the‑counter supplements like L‑arginine.
- Onset and duration vary: sildenafil (Viagra) works in 30‑60minutes for about 4‑6hours, while avanafil (Stendra) can act in 15minutes.
- Choosing the right option depends on budget, timing preferences, side‑effect tolerance, and any health conditions.
What Is Erectafil?
When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction, Erectafil is a tablet containing 20mg of tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase‑5 (PDE5) inhibitor that helps relax blood vessels in the penis and improve blood flow. The brand is sold mainly in Australia and NewZealand, marketed as a once‑daily or as‑needed option. It is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for men aged 18 and older.
The typical dosing schedule for as‑needed use is one tablet taken at least 30minutes before sexual activity, with a maximum of one tablet per day. Because tadalafil stays in the system for up to 36hours, many call it “the weekend pill.”
How Tadalafil Works
Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Erectafil and several other ED drugs. It blocks the enzyme PDE5, which normally breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Higher cGMP levels keep smooth muscle relaxed, allowing more blood to fill the corpora cavernosa during sexual stimulation.
This mechanism is shared across most modern oral ED treatments, but the chemical’s long half‑life sets it apart from sildenafil or vardenafil.
Top Alternatives to Erectafil
The market offers a range of PDE5 inhibitors and a few non‑prescription options. Below are the most common alternatives, each introduced with a brief definition.
- Cialis is a branded version of tadalafil, available in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg strengths. It can be taken daily or as needed.
- Levitra contains vardenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor with a slightly faster onset than sildenafil. Typical dose is 10mg.
- Viagra uses sildenafil as its active component, the first oral ED drug approved worldwide. Standard dose is 50mg.
- Stendra features avanafil, a newer PDE5 inhibitor noted for a rapid 15‑minute onset. Available in 100mg tablets.
- Generic Tadalafil offers the same active ingredient as Erectafil at a lower price point, usually in 10mg or 20mg tablets.
- L‑Arginine Supplement is an over‑the‑counter amino acid that may improve nitric oxide production and modestly aid erectile function. Doses range from 500mg to 3g daily.
Comparison Table
| Brand | Active Ingredient | Typical Dose | Onset | Duration | Approx. Price (AU$) | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erectafil | Tadalafil | 20mg | 30‑60min | Up to 36hr | ~$85 | Headache, flushing, back pain |
| Cialis (brand) | Tadalafil | 10‑20mg | 30‑60min | Up to 36hr | ~$120 | Indigestion, muscle aches |
| Viagra | Sildenafil | 50mg | 30‑60min | 4‑6hr | ~$70 | Vision changes, nasal congestion |
| Levitra | Vardenafil | 10mg | 25‑60min | 4‑5hr | ~$80 | Rash, dizziness |
| Stendra | Avanafil | 100mg | 15‑30min | 6‑12hr | ~$110 | Headache, mild flushing |
| Generic Tadalafil | Tadalafil | 10‑20mg | 30‑60min | Up to 36hr | ~$45 | Similar to Erectafil |
| L‑Arginine | Amino Acid | 500mg‑3g | Varies (weeks of regular use) | Variable | ~$25 | Gastro‑intestinal upset |
Pros and Cons of Erectafil vs Each Alternative
Erectafil offers a convenient single‑dose strength and reliable long‑lasting effect, but its brand price sits near the top of the market. Below is a quick rundown:
- Erectafil: Long window (up to 36hr), well‑studied safety profile, higher cost than generics.
- Cialis: Same active ingredient, broader dosage options (including daily low‑dose), but pricier and sometimes harder to find in smaller pharmacies.
- Viagra: Faster onset for some men, widely recognized name, but shorter duration and more visual side‑effects.
- Levitra: Slightly quicker than Viagra for some users, yet similar cost and comparable side‑effect profile.
- Stendra: The quickest onset (15min) and good tolerability, but limited dosage flexibility and the highest price per tablet.
- Generic Tadalafil: Mirrors Erectafil’s effectiveness at a fraction of the cost, though some men notice subtle differences in tablet coating and perceived potency.
- L‑Arginine: Non‑prescription, low‑risk, but evidence for strong erectile improvement is modest and requires consistent daily intake.
Choosing the Right ED Medication for You
Consider these decision points before you pick a pill:
- Timing Needs: If you want spontaneity, a fast‑acting drug like Stendra or Viagra may be better. If you prefer a relaxed window, tadalafil‑based options win.
- Budget: Generic tadalafil or a daily low‑dose Cialis can slash costs dramatically. Brand‑named Erectafil is best for those who value brand consistency over price.
- Health Conditions: Men on nitrates, uncontrolled hypertension, or with certain heart conditions should avoid PDE5 inhibitors altogether. Always consult a GP.
- Side‑Effect Tolerance: If you’re sensitive to headaches or facial flushing, try a lower dose or switch to avanafil, which has a milder side‑effect profile.
- Frequency of Use: Daily low‑dose tadalafil (2.5mg) is ideal for men who anticipate frequent sexual activity, whereas as‑needed dosing works for occasional occasions.
Speaking with a pharmacist can clarify dosing schedules and help you navigate private prescription pathways, especially for brand‑only products like Erectafil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Erectafil the same as Cialis?
Both contain tadalafil, but Erectafil is sold under a different brand name and usually comes in a single 20mg strength, whereas Cialis offers multiple doses and a daily low‑dose version.
Can I take Erectafil with alcohol?
Moderate alcohol (one‑two drinks) typically doesn’t interfere with tadalafil’s effectiveness, but heavy drinking can dampen the response and increase side‑effects like low blood pressure.
How does the price of Erectafil compare to generic tadalafil?
Erectafil usually costs around AU$85 for a 30‑tablet pack, while generic tadalafil of the same strength can be found for AU$40‑45, representing a 45‑50% savings.
Is there a risk of dependency on PDE5 inhibitors?
Physical dependence is rare; most men use the medication only when needed. Psychological reliance can develop if the drug becomes the sole confidence source, so counseling or lifestyle changes are advisable.
Can L‑Arginine replace prescription ED drugs?
L‑Arginine may help mild cases, but it lacks the robust, fast‑acting results of PDE5 inhibitors. It’s best used as a supplement alongside healthy diet and exercise, not as a primary treatment for moderate‑to‑severe ED.
