Sometimes it is hard to, well, get hard. Up to 52% of men are affected by erectile dysfunction (ED). With several medications available to the public, erectile dysfunction is a problem with a simple solution: pills (PDE5 inhibitors, more specifically.) What’s not so simple? There are dozens of options. It is great to have choices, but it is easy to get confused and overwhelmed when trying to decide which medication is the right choice for you. Three of the leading ED medications on the market are Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. While they can all provide a solution for the same issue, there are some differences that you may want to take into account before choosing.
One thing to always take into account before starting any new medication is potential side effects. All three 20mg, share common side effects, including but not limited to: headaches, flushing, back pain and nasal congestion (although it is more likely to experience facial flushing with Viagra and Levitra.) These medications all work to increase blood flow by relaxing the muscles in the walls of blood vessels. Patients who take medications for chest pain (nitrates) should avoid PDE5 inhibitors (they can cause complications with blood pressure. Also, do not take them with grapefruit juice.) It is best to tell your doctor about any medications you are currently taking before making a decision.
Some other things to consider: When do I have to take the pill? How long does it take for the medication to kick in? How long will those effects last? By answering these questions, we can make the selection process easier.
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Viagra |
Levitra |
Cialis |
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What does it treat? Who is it for? |
Men with ED |
Men with ED |
Men with ED |
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Common Side Effects |
headache, flushing, dyspepsia, abnormal vision, nasal congestion, back pain, myalgia, nausea, dizziness and rash |
headache, flushing, nasal congestion, dyspepsia, sinusitis, flu syndrome, dizziness, increased creatine kinase, nausea, back pain |
headache, dyspepsia, back pain, myalgia, nasal congestion, flushing, and pain in limbs |
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Safety |
Do not combine with alcohol, blood pressure medication, poppers, CYP3A4 inhibitors |
Do not combine with alcohol, blood pressure medication, poppers, CYP3A4 inhibitors |
Do not combine with alcohol, blood pressure medication, poppers, CYP3A4 inhibitors |
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Coupons |
Viagra (sildenafil, Pfizer)
Viagra was the first ED drug to be approved by the FDA back in 1998. You may have heard references in movies or songs to “the little blue pill.” If you are apprehensive about taking a new medication, you might find Viagra comforting — it has been on the market the longest, which means it is a safer bet in terms of getting what you expect versus “gambling “on a newer drug. This does not mean it is a better option or a superior product, it just means people have been taking it for a longer period of time, and that may make a difference for you. On the other hand, you might be more interested in products that have been manufactured and approved by the FDA more recently. They are all approved and federally regulated, so at this point, it is more of a personal preference.
Viagra comes in three different dosages: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. It can be taken with or without food, anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before sex. So, consumption is dependent on when you are planning to have sex, which may or may not be an inconvenience to you. The effects can last up to 5 hours (for best results, you should not eat too much before you take it.)
Levitra (Vardenafil)
Levitra was put on the market in 2003. Levitra is much more potent compared to Viagra and Cialis, meaning you do not have to take as much to achieve the same results. Dosages come in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg (though most patients are started at 10 mg.) Similar to Viagra, its effects can last 4 to 5 hours. It can take up to an hour to kick in, but it is not uncommon for it to take effect faster. Patients who are unaffected by Viagra or Cialis often find success with Levitra. Similarly, patients who suffer side effects from medications like Viagra or Cialis find Levitra to be a more suitable option.
Cialis (Tadalafil)
Cialis made a big splash on the market during its 2003 release. Right off the bat, the thing that really set Cialis apart from its competitors was its half-life: Cialis can last up to 40 hours (and it only takes a half hour to kick in!) This is really big for a couple of different reasons: Because of the higher half-life, the medication stays in your bloodstream longer. It not only eliminates the need to take as many pills, but it can be taken without regard to the timing of sexual activity (throw out your planner!) Cialis is a great option if you and your partner value spontaneity in your sex life. Dosages come in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg. This pill definitely gives you what the other two lack: OPTIONS! You can take Cialis on an as needed basis or regularly. When taken every day (Cialis Daily Therapy) it can actually improve erectile dysfunction over time. Obviously, it comes down to what you and your doctor think will be the most effective choice, but Cialis offers flexibility and the chance at permanent improvement. Cialis is also prescribed to treat the signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis should be avoided or closely monitored if you have renal or hepatic impairment. If you experience the loss or impairment of vision or hearing, stop taking the medication and see a doctor. If a medical professional has advised you to avoid sex because of your cardiac status, ED medication should not be taken. If your erection lasts longer than 4 hours, talk to your doctor.
For more information on Viagra, Levitra, Cialis or other erectile dysfunction medications, visit our Erectile Dysfunction Conditions Page.
