What Is Eroxon Gel? Answers to 8 FAQs About This OTC Erectile Dysfunction Gel

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition, affecting millions of men in the U.S. ED causes trouble getting or maintaining an erection to have satisfying intercourse. There are several popular ED medications available, including Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil). But they don’t work for everyone. And some people shouldn’t take them because of certain health risks.

Eroxon gel (glyceryl trinitrate) is an over-the-counter (OTC) gel used to treat ED. It was cleared by the FDA in June 2023 and can be found online or at pharmacies. Unlike many ED medications, it’s used topically — applied directly to the penis. And it doesn’t contain any medication. Below, we’ll answer eight common questions about Eroxon gel, including how it works and possible side effects.

Good to know: “FDA cleared” is a term used to describe medical devices that the FDA has reviewed for safety and effectiveness. Many people use the terms “FDA cleared” and “FDA approved” interchangeably. But FDA approval is a different process, and it’s typically used only to review medications and vaccines.

1. What is Eroxon gel, and how does it work?

Eroxon gel is a nonmedicated hydroalcoholic gel. It’s FDA cleared to treat ED in adult men age 22 and older.

Eroxon gel is the first OTC gel that’s FDA cleared for this use. Many other creams claim to help with ED, but most haven’t been well tested in clinical studies. Prescription topical treatments, such as nitroglycerin ointment or cream, have been studied for treating ED. But none of them are FDA approved for this use. Some healthcare professionals prescribe them off-label for ED.

Eroxon (formerly called MED3000) causes an erection by physically stimulating nerves in the penis. After applying Eroxon to the tip of the penis, it creates a rapid cooling effect. This is followed by a slower, warming effect, which increases blood flow. These sensations and increased blood flow stimulate nerve endings, leading to an erection.

What are the ingredients in Eroxon gel?

As mentioned above, Eroxon doesn’t contain any medication. In fact, the FDA considers it a medical device, not a medication.

Eroxon gel contains the following ingredients:

• Alcohol

• Purified water

• Glycerin

• Propylene glycol

• Carbomer (Carbopol Ultrez 10)

• Potassium hydroxide

None of these ingredients are considered medications. And they aren’t absorbed by the body in significant amounts.

2. How do you use Eroxon gel?

Eroxon gel is applied directly to the penis. It starts working within 10 minutes, so you should apply it right before you have sex. Each package comes with four single-dose tubes that contain enough medication for one use.

Follow these steps to apply Eroxon:

• Unscrew the cap, and puncture the tube seal with the top of the cap.

• Squeeze all contents of the tube onto your finger.

• Massage the gel onto the head of the penis for about 15 seconds. If you’re uncircumcised, gently pull back the foreskin as far as is comfortable before applying the gel. The gel should evaporate within 10 minutes.

• Eroxon doesn’t work without sexual stimulation. So make sure you use it right before sexual activity or during foreplay.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Why does erectile dysfunction (ED) happen? Experts review the most common causes for ED and how the condition is treated.

• Oral ED medications: There are a few different oral treatments available. Learn about how these ED pills compare.

• A holistic approach: Your diet can play a role in the severity of ED symptoms. Learn about what foods you should avoid if you have ED.

Eroxon is compatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms and with lubricants. But it’s not compatible with polyurethane condoms. Eroxon hasn’t been tested with contraceptive foams or gels. It also hasn’t been tested as a replacement for personal lubricants.

3. How long does Eroxon gel last?

Based on clinical studies, Eroxon gel lasts long enough to maintain an erection for penetrative sex. In the studies, 63% of participants experienced an erection within 10 minutes. And 71% were able to have penetrative sex within 15 minutes. But the studies and the manufacturer of Eroxon don’t report a specific time frame of how long Eroxon gel lasts.

4. What are the side effects of Eroxon?

Eroxon seems to be well tolerated. Headache and burning or irritation to the penis were the most commonly reported side effects of Eroxon. In clinical trials, none of the side effects reported caused participants to stop using the product. Your partner may also experience headaches after you’ve used Eroxon.

5. Is Eroxon safe?

Eroxon gel is likely safe for most people because it’s not well absorbed into the body. But some people shouldn’t use Eroxon gel, based on the product label.

You shouldn’t use Eroxon if you:

• Are allergic to any of the ingredients

• Are younger than 22 years old

• Have a condition or deformity that causes your penis to be bent or curved, such as Peyronie’s disease

• Have red, sore, or damaged skin on the penis

• Have been advised by a healthcare professional to avoid sexual activity

It’s best to check with your prescriber or pharmacist before using a product like Eroxon gel to make sure it is safe for you to use.

Is Eroxon gel safe if you have a heart condition?

Eroxon may be safe for people with heart conditions since it’s not well absorbed by the body. But it hasn’t been studied in people with heart issues. So it’s best to ask a healthcare professional before trying Eroxon if you have a history of high blood pressure or heart conditions. They can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your health history.

6. Can you use Eroxon gel with other ED medications, like Viagra?

Eroxon gel hasn’t been studied in combination with other ED medications like Viagra or other PDE5 (phosphodiesterase 5) inhibitors. But Eroxon has no known drug interactions in general because it’s nonmedicated.

So it may be safe to use both Eroxon gel and another ED medication. But because of the lack of research on this combination, you should check with a healthcare professional first.

7. Can women use Eroxon gel?

Eroxon gel was studied in men only, so we don’t know if it’s effective for treating sexual difficulties in women. But we do know that Eroxon is safe for female partners of men using it. It’s safe for women to apply Eroxon to a male partner and engage in sexual activity afterward. This includes penetrative and oral sex.

8. Where can you buy Eroxon gel?

You can buy Eroxon gel online or at pharmacies and other retailers. Remember that Eroxon gel is available OTC, so you don’t need a prescription to get it. It also doesn’t need to be purchased by the person who will be using it. Anyone of any age or gender can buy Eroxon gel.

There doesn’t appear to be an Eroxon gel free sample available. But you can request coupons through the manufacturer’s website to help you save on the product.

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Written by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh, has 10 years of experience as a pharmacist. She has worked in a variety of settings, including retail, hospital, and ambulatory care.

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