ED medicines in the Philippines
Sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil and dapoxetine in the Philippines: how each works, which brands pharmacies stock, prices and how to get a prescription.
Short answer
Two medicines do most of the work in the Philippines: sildenafil (Viagra and its generics) and tadalafil (Cialis and its generics). Both are prescription PDE5 inhibitors that help the body's normal erection response, and generics cost a fraction of the originals. Vardenafil (Levitra) is hard to find here, and dapoxetine (Priligy) is a separate medicine for premature ejaculation.
Which ED medicines are available in the Philippines?
Sildenafil and tadalafil are the two ED medicines Philippine pharmacies stock widely. Both belong to a group called PDE5 inhibitors, and both need a prescription.
The PDE5 inhibitors work the same basic way: they block an enzyme (phosphodiesterase type 5) that ends an erection, so blood flow responds more fully when you are aroused. They do not cause an erection on their own, and they do not change desire. The European Association of Urology lists them as a first-line treatment for most men with ED.
| Medicine | Brands you will see in the Philippines | Strengths that exist | How long it can work |
|---|---|---|---|
| sildenafil | Viagra, Spiagra, Zilden, Erecto, RiteMed Sildenafil, Andros, Tigerfil | 25, 50, 100 mg | about 4 hours |
| tadalafil | Cialis, Torfil, Tadah Forte, Thafil | 2.5, 5, 10, 20 mg | up to 36 hours |
| vardenafil | Levitra (limited availability) | 5, 10, 20 mg | about 4 to 5 hours |
| dapoxetine (for PE, not ED) | Priligy | 30, 60 mg | short-acting, taken before sex as directed by a doctor |
Your doctor decides which medicine and which strength suit you. The detail for each is on its own page: sildenafil, tadalafil, and the side-by-side sildenafil vs tadalafil.
What is the difference between sildenafil and tadalafil?
The main difference is how long each lasts. Sildenafil works for about four hours; tadalafil can work for up to 36 hours and also comes in low strengths that some men use every day.
Sildenafil is the older, cheaper option and the one most Filipino doctors start with. A high-fat meal can slow it down, so a heavy dinner of lechon or fried chicken may delay the effect. Tadalafil is not affected by food in the same way, and its longer window means less planning. Some men with an enlarged prostate (BPH) are prescribed daily tadalafil because it also helps urinary symptoms.
What about vardenafil (Levitra)?
Vardenafil is a third PDE5 inhibitor with a profile close to sildenafil. In the Philippines its availability is limited, and we found no verified pharmacy listing to show a price.
If you used vardenafil abroad, tell your doctor. They can usually prescribe an equivalent, most often sildenafil, and explain how the two compare for you.
Is there a medicine for premature ejaculation?
Yes. Dapoxetine (Priligy) is a short-acting medicine made specifically for premature ejaculation, and it also needs a prescription.
It works on serotonin, not blood flow, so it is a different kind of medicine from sildenafil and tadalafil. Some men have both ED and PE, and a doctor may treat them together. See our page on dapoxetine and the wider guide to premature ejaculation.
How much do ED medicines cost in the Philippines?
Generics are far cheaper than the originals. A 50 mg sildenafil tablet starts at ₱49 (Erecto, TGP), while a 20 mg tadalafil tablet starts at ₱395 (Torfil, Watsons).
At the top of the range, originator Viagra 50 mg was listed at ₱915 a tablet and Cialis 20 mg at ₱985.25. Every figure on this site is checked against a named pharmacy and dated. See all ED medicine prices, or go straight to sildenafil prices and tadalafil prices. The brands guide explains who makes each generic.
How do you get a prescription for ED medicine?
See a licensed doctor, in person or online. They will ask about your health and medicines, check that a PDE5 inhibitor is safe for you, and write a prescription that pharmacies such as Watsons, Mercury Drug, Southstar Drug and TGP can fill.
ED is common and doctors see it every day. A good consultation also looks for causes worth treating in their own right, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or low testosterone, because ED can be an early sign of heart or blood-sugar problems. Online consultations are private and you can pay by GCash or Maya with most providers. Read is Viagra over the counter? for the rules, and online ED consultation for how it works.
How do you avoid fake ED pills?
Fill your prescription at a licensed pharmacy and check the product on the FDA Philippines verification portal. Tablets from online marketplaces, "herbal" products and unregistered imports are a known source of counterfeit and adulterated pills.
Fake pills can contain the wrong amount of the drug, a different drug, or contaminants. Our guide on fake ED pills shows what to look for. For side effects and interactions with other medicines, read ED medicine side effects and safety.
Everything in this section
- Daily tadalafil in the PhilippinesWhat daily tadalafil (Cialis daily) is, who it may suit, BPH, side effects, and the real monthly cost of tadalafil 5 mg in the Philippines vs on-demand use.
- ED medicine side effects and safetyViagra and Cialis side effects: common vs serious, nitrates and other interactions, alcohol, blood pressure medicines, priapism, vision and hearing, fake pills.
- Sildenafil: uses, side effects and cost in the PhilippinesWhat sildenafil is used for, how it works, how long it lasts, side effects, who should not take it, and what Viagra and generics cost in the Philippines.
- Sildenafil vs tadalafil: which suits you, and what each costs in pesosSildenafil vs tadalafil compared: onset, how long each lasts, food, daily use, side effects and cost per tablet in pesos, plus questions for your doctor.
- Tadalafil: uses, side effects and cost in the PhilippinesWhat tadalafil is used for, how it works, on-demand vs daily use, BPH, side effects, who should not take it, and what Cialis and generics cost here.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common ED medicine in the Philippines?
Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, is the most widely stocked. Philippine pharmacies carry the originator plus several cheaper generics such as Spiagra, Zilden, Erecto and RiteMed Sildenafil. Tadalafil (Cialis, Torfil) is the second main option.
Do you need a prescription for ED medicine in the Philippines?
Yes. Sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil and dapoxetine are all prescription medicines in the Philippines. A licensed doctor can write one after an in-person or online consultation.
Is Levitra (vardenafil) available in the Philippines?
Availability is limited. We found no verified listing at the major chains we checked, so most doctors in the Philippines prescribe sildenafil or tadalafil instead.
Are generic ED medicines as good as Viagra or Cialis?
A generic registered with the FDA Philippines contains the same active ingredient and has to show it behaves the same way in the body as the originator. The main differences are the price, the maker and how the tablet looks.
Sources
- 1.Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS.
- 2.EAU Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health. European Association of Urology.
- 3.Viagra (sildenafil citrate) prescribing information. US Food and Drug Administration.
- 4.Cialis (tadalafil) prescribing information. US Food and Drug Administration.
- 5.Levitra: EPAR. European Medicines Agency.
- 6.FDA Philippines product verification portal. Food and Drug Administration Philippines.
This site is for education only and is not medical advice: diagnosis and treatment, including whether a medicine is right for you and how much to take, are decided by a licensed doctor.