PDE5 Inhibitors: What They Are, How They Work, and Which Ones Work Best

When you hear PDE5 inhibitors, a class of drugs that relax blood vessels to improve flow, commonly used for erectile dysfunction and sometimes pulmonary hypertension. Also known as erectile dysfunction medications, these drugs don’t cause arousal on their own—they just make it easier for your body to respond when you’re stimulated. They work by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5, which normally breaks down a chemical that helps blood vessels stay open. When that enzyme is slowed down, blood flows more freely into the penis, leading to a firmer, longer-lasting erection. It’s not magic—it’s science, and it’s been helping millions of men for over 25 years.

Not all PDE5 inhibitors are the same. tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis and Tadarise lasts up to 36 hours, which is why some call it the "weekend pill." sildenafil, the original in Viagra and Cenforce-D kicks in faster but wears off in about 4 to 6 hours. Then there’s vardenafil (Levitra) and avanafil (Stendra), each with slightly different timing, side effect profiles, and how they react with food or alcohol. The right one for you depends on your lifestyle, health, and what you’re trying to achieve—whether it’s spontaneity, reliability, or something in between.

These drugs are also used for other conditions. Tadalafil, for example, is approved for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), helping with both urinary symptoms and erectile issues. Some men use them off-label for pulmonary hypertension because they open up lung blood vessels. But they’re not for everyone—people on nitrates for heart problems should never take them, and those with low blood pressure or certain eye conditions need to be careful. Always talk to a doctor before starting, even if you’re buying online.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real comparisons between these drugs—how Tadarise stacks up against Cialis, how generic sildenafil compares to brand names, and what side effects to watch for. You’ll see how they work with other meds, what prices look like in Australia, and which ones actually deliver on their promises. No fluff. Just clear, practical info from men who’ve tried them—and the experts who’ve studied them.