What should I do if erectile dysfunction (ED) medicine does not work?

One attempt without the expected effect does not always show whether an ED medicine is a good fit. Results vary. Timing, a heavy meal with sildenafil, lack of sexual stimulation, alcohol use, and anxiety can all affect the experience. Check the instructions for your exact prescription before using it again.

Do not take an extra dose, combine sildenafil with tadalafil, or add an over-the-counter sexual enhancement product. These steps may cause harmful interactions or side effects. Some products marketed as natural sexual aids contain hidden drug ingredients. Share any supplements you use with your prescriber.

Tell your physician how you took the medicine, when you ate, whether you had side effects, and what happened. They may review the dose, consider another option, or recommend testing for an underlying cause. Some people need an in-person visit or referral to a specialist. A licensed physician in your state decides whether changing or stopping treatment is appropriate. No medication works for everyone.