Viagra Alternatives: Over The Counter & Prescription Substitutes

*Based on Chemist Click average prices

Sildenafil

• Time to work: Around 30 to 60 minutes
• How it works: Increases blood flow to the penis by relaxing blood vessels, helping achieve and maintain an erection.
• Why choose it: Contains the same active ingredient, Sildenafil, but at a much lower cost, offering the same effectiveness and safety.
  Prices start from 90p per tablet.

Further reading: Sildenafil vs Viagra

Viagra usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes to start working. If you are looking for something faster, these options may be more suitable:

Spedra (Avanafil)

• Time to work: Around 15 minutes
• How it works: Increases blood flow to the penis by relaxing blood vessels, similar to Viagra.
• Why choose it: Spedra acts faster than any other oral ED tablet, making it ideal for spontaneous use.

Tadalafil 10mg & 20mg (Generic Cialis)

• Time to work: Around 30 minutes
• Duration: Up to 36 hours
• Why choose it: It takes effect more quickly than Viagra and lasts much longer, giving more flexibility.

Viagra typically lasts for about 4 to 5 hours. For men who prefer longer-lasting results, Tadalafil is the most effective alternative.

Tadalafil 10mg & 20mg

• How long it lasts: Up to 36 hours
• Why choose it: Known as the “weekend pill,” it allows for a more natural, unplanned sexual experience.

Tadalafil 2.5mg and 5mg (Daily)

• How long it lasts: Continuous effect with once-daily use
• Why choose it: Maintains steady levels in the body, allowing spontaneity without timing doses

Further reading: Tadalafil vs Sildenafil

Viagra requires a prescription from a licensed doctor or prescribing pharmacist.

However, lower-dose versions of erectile dysfunction medicines are now available over the counter, because they have been shown to be safe and effective for most men.

Over-the-counter options include:

• Viagra Connect – contains 50mg of Sildenafil
• Cialis Together – contains 10mg of Tadalafil

Although no prescription is needed, you must still complete an online health questionnaire or have a brief consultation with a pharmacist to ensure the medicine is suitable for you.

Alprostadil Cream (Vitaros)

• How it works: Increases blood flow to the penis by directly widening blood vessels.
• How it is used: Applied to the tip of the penis about 5–30 minutes before sexual activity.
• Pros: Works locally, no tablets needed, effective for men who cannot take PDE5 inhibitors.
• Cons: May cause mild burning or irritation; less discreet than oral medication, not as effective as tablets.

Eroxon Gel (available over the counter)

• How it works: Creates a cooling and warming effect that increases blood flow.
• How it is used: Applied to the head of the penis immediately before sex.
• Pros: Fast-acting, non-prescription option.
• Cons: Shorter duration of effect; less effective than tablets.

Caverject (Alprostadil injection)

• How it works: Direct injection into the base or side of the penis to stimulate blood flow.
• Pros: Very effective, even in severe ED.
• Cons: Requires injection; possible pain or bruising at the site, inconvenient.

Penile Implants

• How they work: Surgically inserted devices that allow an erection to be created manually or hydraulically.
• Pros: Long-term solution; effective when other treatments fail.
• Cons: Requires surgery; risk of infection or mechanical failure.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

• How it works: Used when ED is caused by low testosterone.
• Pros: Can improve libido, mood, and energy in men with deficiency.
• Cons: Only suitable for confirmed low testosterone; regular monitoring required.

Non-medical alternatives can often serve as a substitute for Viagra and other ED medication, when a person is unable to take medical treatments orally.

Penis pumps

• How they work: Create a vacuum that draws blood into the penis to trigger an erection.
• Pros: Drug-free, reusable, effective for occasional use.
• Cons: Can be uncomfortable; erections may not last long.

Further reading: Do penis pumps work?

Penis rings

• How they work: Placed at the base of the penis to maintain blood flow and sustain an erection.
• Pros: Simple, inexpensive.
• Cons: Must be used carefully and not worn for long periods.

Further reading: What cock rings do and how to use them

Lifestyle changes

• Regular exercise, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight can improve blood flow and ED symptoms naturally.

Pelvic floor exercises

• Strengthening pelvic muscles can enhance erectile function and control.

Therapy and counselling

• Addressing stress, anxiety, or relationship issues can improve psychological causes of ED.

Further reading: Is ED psychological?

Horny goat weed (Epimedium)

Often called “natural Viagra”, it may help improve blood flow.

• Pros: May enhance libido.
• Cons: Herbal product with limited evidence; may cause headaches or low blood pressure.

L-Arginine

An amino acid that helps blood vessels relax and improves circulation.

• Pros: May support mild ED.
• Cons: Can cause stomach upset or low blood pressure in high doses.

DHEA

A hormone that helps produce testosterone.

• Pros: May help men with low hormone levels.
• Cons: Not suitable for everyone; limited long-term data.

Ginkgo biloba

Improves blood circulation and may help with mild ED.

• Pros: Rich in antioxidants, may help to reduce inflammation and benefit heart health
• Cons: Can interact with blood-thinning medication, scientific research is limited.

Ginseng

Known to support energy and libido.

• Pros: Some studies suggest mild improvement in erections.
• Cons: May cause insomnia or digestive upset.

• Viagra remains the best-known ED treatment, but many alternatives now offer faster action, longer duration, or non-prescription access.
• Spedra works quickest, while Tadalafil offers the longest-lasting results.
• Viagra Connect and Cialis Together are convenient over-the-counter choices.
• Other options include creams, injections, implants, and natural remedies, depending on individual needs.
• Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any ED treatment.