Levitra, Viagra, and Cialis are oral medications that are used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction or impotence. It is a problem by which men are unable to achieve or maintain an erection. Majority of men over the age of forty, occasionally incur erectile problems. When this turns into a persistent problem, you may seek the help of oral drugs. The results are generally very effective.
These are are similar types of drugs that work in a similar way. However, there are some differences.
How Do ED Drugs Work?
Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra belong to a group of drugs that are known as PDE-5 inhibitors. It works by blocking the enzyme that is known as phosphodiesterase type 5 and stimulating nitric oxide, the naturally occurring enzyme. This action helps the penis muscle to relax. Relax muscles help in the proper flow of blood to the penis so that you can have an erection when you are aroused.
Viagra and Levitra are known to stay in the bloodstream for about six hours in maximum. While on the other hand, Cialis stays in the bloodstream for as long as 18 hours. The duration for which the medication stays in the system might be important if you are having prolonged side effects or taking other drugs.
Another version of vardenafil or Levitra is known as Staxyn. It comes in the form of a tablet and dissolves when kept under the tongue.
All these three drugs have god results. However, at times it requires a bit of patience to get everything right. If one drug leads to unpleasant side effects or does not work properly then it might take some adjustments to get the dosage right.
Comparison of ED Drugs
Cialis, Viagra, and Levitra are available in different strengths and have to be obtained with the help of a doctor’s prescription. Thus, you can start off by taking the lowest dose and then adjust accordingly.
Cialis
This oral drug can be taken either with or without food. The pill has to be taken at least half an hour before indulging in sexual activity. It can keep your body active for about eight hours. It is also available in a 24-hour dosage. This can be taken once every day with or without food.
Levitra
Levitra too has to be taken once in a day but on an empty stomach. It is known to work the best when taken before half an hour of having sex. It can stay active for eight hours during which time you can indulge in sex.
Viagra
Viagra is known to work the best when you take it on an empty stomach. However, remember that high-fat food might hinder the working of Viagra. This drug also has to be taken half an hour before having sex. It generally stays active for about five hours but can last for eight hours or more, sometimes.
Side Effects of ED Drugs
The side effects of the oral drugs are pretty similar. Majority of men suffer from mild side effects. However, if the problems persist, you should immediately report it to the doctor.
Side effects of Cialis:
- Muscle ache;
- Back pain;
- A headache;
- Runny and stuffy nose;
- Stomach upset
Side effects of Viagra and Levitra:
- Flushing;
- Visional changes;
- A headache;
- Runny and stuffy nose;
- Upset stomach
Very rarely does this medication cause dizziness and fainting. Another very serious but rare problem of this medication is priapism or prolonged erection. This requires immediate medical intervention.
Drug Interactions
Each and every drug comes with a probability of negative drug interaction. PDE-5 inhibitors are known to work on the body in a similar manner. However, it also has some differences. Here are some erectile dysfunction drug comparison regarding its interactions:
All three drugs react with nitrate to cause a sudden drop in the blood pressure. Mixing the tow might lead to a detrimental effect on the body. It reacts to cause a sudden drop in the blood pressure.
All three drugs have a similar effect when they react with alpha-blockers. They may cause a drop in the blood pressure
Viagra causes a drop in the blood pressure when used along with amlodipine. Again, Cialis can further lower blood pressure when used with:
- Angiotensin II
- Amlodipine
- Enalapril
- Metoprolol
- Bendrofluazide