When oral medications might not be safe

Not all men can safely take erectile dysfunction oral medications, such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn), tadalafil (Cialis) and avanafil (Stendra). Medications for erectile dysfunction might not work or might be dangerous if you:

• Take nitrate drugs commonly prescribed for chest pain (angina)
• Have very low blood pressure (hypotension) or uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Have severe liver disease
• Have kidney disease that requires dialysis

Some men might also choose another treatment option to avoid the side effects caused by certain oral medications.