If you experience sexual dysfunction such as Erectile Dysfunction (ED), your physician likely will prescribe one of the following medicines. For example Levitra (Vardenafil), Cialis (Tadalafil), or Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate). When a male is not able to obtain and maintain an erection, it is called ED. These drugs work similarly but contain different active ingredients. Usually, to get the best ED medicine for you, it is recommended to see a doctor. Your healthcare professional will analyze your situation (such as the severity of the ED) and prescribe a suitable drug. In this document, we will talk about the differences between these medications.
Erectile Dysfunction Medicines Comparison
All these drugs belong to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. It works by relaxing the muscles in the genital area and improving blood flow through penis tissues, causing a hard erection. Check below some criteria on how we compare these medicines:
- Side Effects
- Price
- Dosage
- The duration of the effect
- How long it takes to begin working
- Administration
Administration
These three medications are tablets and should be swallowed. Check below some differences between administrations:
- Levitra – This medication can be used when needed but, you should avoid heavy and fatty meals.
- Cialis – The absorption of this medicine is not affected by food. However, you can use it in low doses when needed or daily.
- Viagra – It is advised to avoid fatty meals while you intend to administer the pill. Use a glass full of water to take the tablet and avoid other drinks such as alcohol because you may experience delayed effects. Administer the tablet on an empty stomach. In case, nausea or an upset stomach occurs, you can take the pill with milk or low-fat food.
This class of medications can interact with grapefruit products (such as grapefruit juice). Avoid this product while using PDE-5 inhibitors. Otherwise, you may notice certain adverse reactions.
How long it takes to begin working?
All these ED medicines are effective and begin working within 1 hour. This effect is different among patients because it depends on their metabolism. People with slow metabolism may notice an increased time to start working because it needs time to break down and absorb in the blood.
- Levitra – This drug takes approximately 1 hour to start effective results. In addition, you can find this medicine as a dissolving pill, which usually works faster.
- Cialis – Tadalafil usually starts working within 30 minutes. In some circumstances, it may take up to 2 hours for effective results.
- Viagra – Sildenafil Citrate commonly works within 30-60 minutes. You may experience peak effects between 45-60 minutes.
Which Medicine Lasts Longer?
There is a significant difference between the duration of action of these medicines. Check below some examples:
- Levitra: Commonly, the effect of this medicine lasts approximately 4-5 hours.
- Cialis: Tadalafil lasts the longest and may stay effective in the body for up to 36 hours. For example, if you administer the tablet on Friday, the effect of the tablet remains active till Sunday. This medicine is also known as “The Weekend Pill”.
- Viagra: The duration of this drug usually is different among people. Generally, it works roughly for 4 hours.
Dosages
The dosages of these drugs have different levels of potency. Therefore, their dosages are considerably different. However, no matter the medicine you are using such as Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra, it is not advised to take more than one pill daily.
- Levitra – Vardenafil’s starting dose is 10 mg. However, you may need to decrease it to 5 mg or increase it to 20 mg as prescribed by the doctor.
- Cialis – The starting dose of this drug is commonly 10 mg. The dosage may be decreased to 5m or increased to 20 as per doctor’s prescription. However, this medicine may be used daily and the typical dose is 2.5 mg or 5 mg.
- Viagra – The starting dose of Sildenafil Citrate is 50 mg. In case, you notice adverse effects, your physician may decrease the dosage to 25 mg. But, if you do not notice the desired results, the dosage may be increased to 100 mg.
Which Erectile Dysfunction Medicine is More Affordable?
The price of these medicines depends on several factors. For example, where you purchase them, the dosage, and whether your insurance plan covers these pills. In any case, these medicines have generic versions, which are cheaper than brand-name drugs. Examples include Abhirise, Apcalis, Cenforce, Tadarise, Filagra, and others. Generic versions are medicines with the same active ingredients, effectiveness, and safety. These generic drugs are produced by different pharmaceutical companies after the patent on the brand-name drug.
Adverse Effects
Usually, the side effects of these medicines are similar. Check below for some examples of common side effects. Examples include:
- Indigestion
- Nasal congestion
- Flushing
- Sore muscles
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
In any case, Viagra may also cause vision problems and Cialis is more likely to provoke muscle soreness. Any of the side effects listed above usually are temporary and disappear when the medicine is removed from your body. In case, the side effects do not go away, tell your physician promptly.
Which Erectile Dysfunction Medicine is More Effective?
These three ED medications are equally effective but have different benefits to each ED treatment. For example:
- Levitra – This medication may be used if Cialis or Viagra do not work. Furthermore, diabetic patients prefer this medicine because it works better for them.
- Cialis – Tadalafil lasts longer and it is the best option for those who want to receive daily treatment for erectile dysfunction or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
- Viagra – Sildenafil Citrate is the first FDA-approved medicine to treat erectile dysfunction and it works for most people who try it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cialis Stronger than Levitra?
No, it is not stronger, they are both potent medicines to treat erectile dysfunction. However, Cialis lasts longer than Levitra.
Which one is safer Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra?
Usually, Levitra provokes fewer adverse reactions than Viagra. Vardenafil does not cause muscle aches and rashes. However, Viagra may provoke some vision problems (such as temporary blurred vision).
Does Cialis Make You Harder than Viagra?
No, all ED medicine gives you a stronger erection. However, Cialis can give you a stronger erection for a longer time. Tadalafil remains effective for up to 36 hours.
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