Pills Like Viagra At Gnc



Posted by admin on

Best Over-the-Counter Alternatives to Viagra in 2024

While over-the-counter (OTC) erection pills and products may imply similarity to prescription medications like Viagra (sildenafil) or Cialis (tadalafil), their effectiveness remains largely unsupported by robust scientific evidence. Additionally, most of these products are unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and lack thorough clinical testing and approval for erectile dysfunction (ED).

Despite these limitations, OTC alternatives have become increasingly popular due to their affordability, availability without prescription, and perceived natural ingredients. If considering such products, it’s crucial to evaluate their effectiveness, side effects, and potential health risks.

L-Arginine

L-arginine is an amino acid naturally found in many foods, involved in producing nitric oxide (NO), which facilitates blood vessel dilation necessary for erections.

Benefits Although theoretically beneficial, studies on L-arginine have yielded mixed results. Limited evidence suggests a daily intake of 1,500 to 5,000 mg might assist individuals with mild to moderate ED.

Side Effects Generally safe, L-arginine may still cause:

  • Gout flare-ups
  • Airway inflammation in COPD or asthma patients
  • Hypotension, particularly in conjunction with blood pressure medications

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

DHEA is a hormone precursor utilized in testosterone production, potentially influencing sexual health.

Benefits Some research suggests mild benefits in boosting testosterone levels and improving ED symptoms in middle-aged to older men with mild ED, though it remains ineffective in moderate to severe cases.

Side Effects DHEA usage can cause:

  • Acne
  • Hair loss
  • Breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
  • Testicular shrinkage
  • Increased risk of hormone-sensitive cancers

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is an herbal supplement traditionally used for various health conditions, including blood pressure regulation.

Benefits Despite theoretical improvements in blood flow, there is no conclusive evidence supporting its efficacy for ED or increased libido.

Side Effects Potential side effects include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Digestive disturbances
  • Bleeding risk, particularly with anticoagulants

Ginseng

Traditionally used for boosting vitality, ginseng might enhance nitric oxide production and improve penile blood flow.

Benefits Recent reviews indicate ginseng has minimal effects on erectile function and sexual satisfaction, making it relatively ineffective as an ED treatment.

Side Effects Possible adverse effects include:

  • Insomnia
  • Headaches
  • Blood pressure fluctuations
  • Interactions with blood thinners and immunosuppressants

Yohimbine

Yohimbine, derived from African tree bark, is reputed to enhance sexual performance.

Benefits Limited studies suggest potential improvement in erections, especially when combined with other treatments. Nonetheless, its effectiveness remains uncertain.

Side Effects Yohimbine has significant risks:

  • Anxiety
  • Cardiovascular issues, including irregular heartbeats and hypertension
  • Increased seizure and heart attack risk, leading some countries to ban its use

Horny Goat

Weed Known for its supposed aphrodisiac properties, horny goat weed contains icariin, similar in action to PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra.

Benefits Despite its popular nickname as “herbal Viagra,” horny goat weed shows weak PDE5 inhibition and limited effectiveness in treating ED.

Side Effects Common side effects include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Cardiac arrhythmias

Propionyl L-Carnitine L-carnitine derivatives, such as propionyl

L-carnitine, are studied for improving blood flow and potentially aiding erectile function.

Benefits Initial studies suggest it might enhance responses to sildenafil (Viagra) in patients with ED, especially those with naturally low L-carnitine levels, but further research is needed.

Side Effects High doses may cause gastrointestinal disturbances:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain

MED3000 (Eroxon)

Approved by the FDA in June 2023, MED3000 is a topical gel promoting nitric oxide release for improved erections.

Benefits Clinically proven effective in facilitating erections within approximately 10 minutes. Its ease of use makes it an attractive OTC option.

Side Effects Minimal side effects, including rare occurrences of headaches or nausea. Potential minor risks include skin irritation and concerns regarding latex condom integrity, though it is generally considered safe for use.

Lifestyle Interventions for ED Many cases of mild to moderate ED respond well to lifestyle improvements, including:

  • Weight loss
  • Balanced diet
  • Regular exercise
  • Reduced alcohol intake
  • Improved sleep quality

These adjustments enhance overall cardiovascular health and erectile function. Vacuum erection devices and erection-supportive rings are other non-pharmacological options worth considering.

Summary OTC supplements claiming to treat ED often lack FDA regulation and clinical proof of efficacy or safety. While some supplements like ginseng, ginkgo biloba, or horny goat weed may provide minimal benefits, their effectiveness remains questionable. Always discuss the use of these products with a healthcare professional to ensure safety, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take prescription medications.

Final Considerations Be cautious of products promising quick ED solutions without clear evidence or FDA backing. Natural does not automatically mean safe or effective. Consulting a healthcare provider ensures the best personalized, medically supported strategy for addressing erectile dysfunction.

  1. Barassi A, Corsi Romanelli MM, Pezzilli R, Damele CA, Vaccalluzzo L, Goi G, et al. Levels of l-arginine and l-citrulline in patients with erectile dysfunction of different etiology. Andrology. 2017;5(2):256-61. doi:10.1111/andr.12293
  2. Rhim HC, Kim MS, Park YJ, Choi WS, Park HK, Kim HG, et al. The potential role of arginine supplements on erectile dysfunction: a systemic review and meta-analysis [published correction appears in J Sex Med. 2020 Mar;17(3):560]. J Sex Med. 2019;16(2):223-234. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.12.002
  3. Mirmiran P, Bahadoran Z, Ghasemi A, Azizi F. The association of dietary L-arginine intake and serum nitric oxide metabolites in adults: a population based study. Nutrients. 2016 May;8(5):311. doi:10.3390/nu8050311
  4. MedlinePlus. DHEA.
  5. El-Sakka AI. Dehydroepiandrosterone and rrectile function: a review. World J Mens Health. 2018;36(3):183-191. doi:10.5534/wjmh.180005
  6. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Gingko.
  7. Lim PHC. Asian herbals and aphrodisiacs used for managing ED. Transl Androl Urol. 2017 Apr;6(2):167–75. doi:10.21037/tau.2017.04.04
  8. Asher GN, Corbett AH, Hawke RL. Common Herbal Dietary Supplement-Drug Interactions. Am Fam Physician. 2017 Jul 15;96(2):101-107. PMID: 28762712.
  9. Lee HW, Lee MS, Kim TH, Alraek T, Zaslawski C, Kim JW, et al. Ginseng for erectile dysfunction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 May;2017(5):CD012654. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012654
  10. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Asian ginseng.
  11. Wibowo ONSA, Soebadi DM, Soebadi MA. Yohimbine as a treatment for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Turk J Urol. 2021 Oct;47(6):482–8. doi:10.5152/tud.2021.21206
  12. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Yohimbine.
  13. Kuchakulla M, Narasimman M, Soni Y, Leong JY, Patel P, Ramasamy R. A systematic review and evidence-based analysis of ingredients in popular male testosterone and erectile dysfunction supplements. Int J Impot Res. 2021 Apr;33(3):311-317. doi:10.1038/s41443-020-0285-x.
  14. MedlinePlus. Horny goat weed.
  15. Mielgo-Ayuso J, Pietrantonio L, Viribay A, Calleja-González J, González-Bernal J, Fernández-Lázaro D. Effect of Acute and Chronic Oral l-Carnitine Supplementation on Exercise Performance Based on the Exercise Intensity: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2021 Dec 3;13(12):4359. doi:10.3390/nu13124359.
  16. Pennisi M, Lanza G, Cantone M, D’Amico E, Fisicaro F, Puglisi V, et al.Acetyl-l-carnitine in dementia and other cognitive disorders: a critical update. Nutrients. 2020;12(5):1389. doi:10.3390/nu12051389
  17. Lee HY, Pyun JH, Shim SR, Kim JH. Medical Treatment for Peyronie’s Disease: Systematic Review and Network Bayesian Meta-Analysis. World J Mens Health. 2023 Jun 15. doi:10.5534/wjmh.230016.
  18. Mostafa T, Rashed LA, Sabry DA, Osman I, Nabil N, Kareem F, et al. Serum L-carnitine and vitamin D levels may be low among oral sildenafil citrate non-responders. Int J Impot Res. 2019 Mar;31(2):85-91. doi:10.1038/s41443-018-0036-4.
  19. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Carnitine.
  20. Sawicka AK, Renzi G, Olek RA. The bright and the dark sides of L-carnitine supplementation: a systematic review. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2020 Sep 21;17(1):49. doi:10.1186/s12970-020-00377-2.
  21. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Roundup: June 13, 2023.
  22. Harvard Health Publishing. FDA approves new over-the-counter gel for erectile dysfunction.
  23. Eroxon. Frequently Asked Questions.
  24. Martin SA, Atlantis E, Lange K, Taylor AW, O’Loughlin P, Wittert GA, et al. Predictors of sexual dysfunction incidence and remission in men. J Sex Med. 2014 May;11(5):1136-47. doi:10.1111/jsm.12483
  25. U.S. Food and Drug Administraton. FDA warns consumers not to use unapproved erectile dyfunction products advertised on the radio.

By Shamard Charles, MD, MPH
Shamard Charles, MD, MPH is a public health physician and journalist. He has held positions with major news networks like NBC reporting on health policy, public health initiatives, diversity in medicine, and new developments in health care research and medical treatments.