If you take natural supplements for erectile dysfunction (ED), there is something you should know. It is important to keep in mind when considering taking any natural supplement that many 'natural' ingredients sold over-the-counter are structurally and chemically similar to some very potent pharmaceutical drugs and vise versa. For example, digoxin, a potent prescription drug used for arrhythmias is nothing more than a formulation of the common garden plant 'digitalis', a beautiful plant characterized by bell-shaped flowers found in many of our gardens. Asprin, is nothing more than a formulation derived from willow bark.

The problem with many natural supplements on the market today for ED is this; some of them contain natural' ingredients that are structurally similar to the active ingredients in Viagra and Levitra. The FDA has recognized that several over-the-counter natural' supplements for erectile supplements like Zimaxx, Libidos, Neophase, Nasutra, Vigor-25, Actra-Rx, 4Evron, contain compounds dangerously similar to prescription drugs. Worse yet, these supplement companies do not disclose these ingredients on the label. These supplements have been declared to be illegal by the FDA for their failure to disclose ingredients that are strikingly similar to prescription medications. Why is this dangerous? Because when taken with certain other medications, life-threatening drug interactions can occur. For example, men who are taking nitrate products like nitroglycerin, Nitro-bid, or Nitro-dur, with one of these natural supplements, may experience serious side effects such as severely low blood pressure, rapid heart beat and death. You see, this combination of ingredients can cause your blood vessels to open up or dilate excessively. This can cause a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.

It is important for men taking nitrate products to avoid such natural supplements for this reason. Even those men not taking nitrates should keep in mind that the FDA does not require supplement companies to prove that the amount of active ingredient they say is in their formulation is really in there.

The FDA advises anyone who is currently taking these particular natural supplements for ED to stop taking them and consult with their health care provider.