Erectile Dysfunction: Medication Guidelines
Your doctor may prescribe medicine you can take to treat ED. Medication
needs vary for each person. Whatever the treatment protocol prescribed to you,
it is a good idea to keep the following guidelines in mind when you’re taking
medication for ED:
- Know the name of your medication and how it works. Know the generic and
brand name, dosage, and side effects of your medication. Always keep a list of
your medications with you. - Take your medication as directed. Do not exceed the dosage recommended by
your doctor. Follow doctor guidelines in terms of taking the medication in
relation to meals or other medications you may already be using. - Oral ED medications should never be taken if you are on nitroglycerin or a
medication containing nitrates. Serious and even lethal interactions may occur
if they are combined. Make sure your doctor has a complete list of your current
medications when he or she is prescribing medication for ED. - Keep a medicine calendar and note every time you take a dose. Your
prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose, but your doctor may
change your dosage periodically, depending on your response to the medication.
On your medication calendar, you can list any changes in your medication dosage
as prescribed by your doctor. - Do not take any over-the-counter drugs or herbal therapies unless you ask
your doctor first. - Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your
prescription. Do not wait until you are completely out of medication before
filling your prescriptions. - When traveling, keep your medications with you so you can take them if
needed. - Before having surgery with a general anesthetic, including dental surgery,
tell the doctor or dentist in charge what medications you are taking. This
applies to emergency care, as well. Always tell the attending doctor what
medications you are taking before they administer care.
Reviewed by the doctors at the Glickman
Urological Institute at The Cleveland Clinic. (more̷ 