When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction (ED), men now have more options than ever. Eroxon® gel is the first over-the-counter ED treatment approved by the FDA, offering a topical, nonprescription alternative to traditional oral medications like PDE5 inhibitors. Here’s what to know when choosing between the two.

• Eroxon® is a topical, nonprescription option for treating erectile dysfunction. It works by stimulating nerve endings and increasing blood flow within minutes.

• PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil and others) are oral medications that treat ED by boosting nitric oxide and relaxing blood vessels.

• While both treatments can be effective, they differ in how they’re used, how quickly they work and the side effects they may cause.

What are the differences between Eroxon gel and PDE⁵ inhibitors for erectile dysfunction?

Both Eroxon gel and PDE5 inhibitors are used to treat erectile dysfunction, but they work in different ways and come with different usage instructions, response times and availability. Here’s how they compare across key categories such as how to use them, how fast they work and where to get them.

How to Use

Eroxon gel is a topical treatment, meant to be used as-needed before sexual activity. Here is how to use Eroxon gel in simple steps:¹

1. Dispense gel. Unscrew the cap and pierce the seal of the single-use tube. Squeeze all the product onto your finger.

2. Apply. Massage the gel directly onto the head of the penis for 15 seconds.

3. Wait. The gel takes around 10 minutes to fully evaporate and activate a nerve response.

PDE5 inhibitors are oral medications that can be taken as-needed or daily as a long-term treatment. It can take up to one hour after ingestion for some PDE5 inhibitors to take full effect.²

How Fast it Works

Eroxon gel starts working to treat ED in around 10 minutes. The average time to take effect varies among PDE5 inhibitors:

• Sildenafil (Viagra®) – 30 to 60 minutes³

• Tadalafil (Cialis®) – 30 to 45 minutes⁴

• Avanafil (Stendra®) – 15 to 30 minutes⁵

• Vardenafil (Levitra®) – 60 minutes⁶

Effectiveness

Both Eroxon and PDE5 inhibitors have some evidence of effectiveness for users.

PDE5 inhibitors have an approximately 60%-70% positive response rate and a long history of clinical research following the FDA first approved sildenafil (Viagra®) for ED treatment in 1998.⁷

A study from the manufacturer claims over 60% of men had success treating ED with Eroxon.⁸ However, the topical gel was only approved by the FDA in 2023 and doesn’t yet have as much research behind it as PDE5 inhibitors. In a head-to-head comparison, PDE5 inhibitors outperformed a topical gel in improving ED symptoms.⁹

Side Effects

The only reported side effect of Eroxon use is skin irritation at the application site.¹⁰ PDE5 inhibitors’ most common side effects include headaches, dizziness, blushing, nasal congestion, stomach pain and visual changes.¹¹

Where to Buy

Eroxon contains no active medications and is the only FDA-approved ED treatment available without a prescription. To buy PDE5 inhibitors, you will need a prescription from a licensed provider.

RedBox Rx offers online access to ED treatments, including PDE5 inhibitors.

How does Eroxon gel work?

Eroxon gel contains a mix of fast-drying ingredients (alcohol, aqua, glycerin, propylene glycol, carbomer and potassium hydroxide) and is applied to head of the penis before sexual activity. The gel quickly evaporates to create a cooling sensation followed by a warming effect which stimulates the nerves, triggers release of nitric oxide, and relaxes blood vessels. As a result, blood flow increases to the region.^{12, 13}

Eroxon has no active pharmaceutical ingredients¹⁴ and is the first ED treatment approved for over-the-counter use by FDA.¹⁵

How do PDE⁵ inhibitors work?

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are FDA-approved pharmaceutical treatments for ED. They boost nitric oxide, which helps relax muscles and increase blood flow to the genitals.¹⁶ Commonly prescribed PDE5 inhibitors include:

• Sildenafil (Viagra®)

• Tadalafil (Cialis®)

• Avanafil (Stendra®)

• Vardenafil (Levitra®)

Can Eroxon gel and PDE⁵ inhibitors be used together?

There is currently no documented research on the combined use of Eroxon gel and ED treatments like PDE5 inhibitors. Eroxon is nonmedicated and has no known drug interactions.¹⁷

Eroxon vs. PDE⁵ Inhibitors Comparison Chart

How RedBox Rx can help

RedBox Rx makes it easy to get safe prescriptions for FDA-approved erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra, sildenafil, Cialis, tadalafil, avanafil, and vardenafil.

Benefits of RedBox Rx include:

• Transparent, affordable, flat rates for ED medications starting at $1 per tablet.

• Free consultations with a U.S. licensed medical professional.

• No insurance required. HSA and FSA eligible.

• No office wait times or scheduling issues typical with physical medical practices.

• Free shipping directly to you.

Start your treatment today with our ED assessment and free online consultation.