Comparison of ED Medications: Cialis, Viagra & Levitra

Levitra, Viagra, Cialis are drugs that belong to the group of phosphodiesterase inhibitors of type 5. The blood vessels leading to the corpus cavernosum are lined with smooth muscle cells. They constrict the arteries, preventing blood from entering the genital organ. To relax smooth muscles, cyclic guanosine monophosphate is needed. Its release launches the process of erection. However, cGMP can be destroyed by the enzyme PDE-5. To help a man maintain an erection, scientists have developed drugs that block the action of phosphodiesterase. The smooth muscle cells also line the vessels in the lungs. Therefore, PDE-5 inhibitors can be used to treat pulmonary hypertension.

Comparison

Effective treatment of erectile dysfunction has become possible with the creation of Cialis, Viagra, Levitra. A comparison of the main characteristics of these drugs is given below. To understand the essence and differenced between PDE-5 inhibitors, we decided first to review each drug separately.

Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate). So which drug is better – Cialis, Viagra or Levitra? The first drug that appeared on the shelves of pharmacies was Viagra by Pfizer. The active ingredient is Sildenafil. Initially, it was created to treat angina. However, clinical trials have shown that Sildenafil is working poorly for this purpose. But it turned out that the drug is effective in combating male impotence. In about 84% of cases, Viagra has helped achieve a steady erection;
Levitra (Vardenafil). The huge success of Sildenafil has stimulated scientists to develop new anti-impotence drugs. The next ED drug with the active ingredient vardenafil appeared in the Bayer laboratory – Levitra. These pills have a longer period of action. In addition, many men note that this medication works softer;
Cialis (Tadalafil) is the youngest of these top three ED drugs. The active ingredient Tadalafil has a very long period of action. The drug was approved for sale in the US in 2003. The active substance was developed by the pharmacological company GlaxoSmithKline. This is the only drug allowed for daily use. It is also used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Mechanism of action

These drugs have absolutely the same mechanism of action. They contribute to the release of nitric oxide and the relaxation of the smooth muscles of the penis. They also increase blood circulation. The blood begins to move faster through the arteries, improving the work of the whole organism. It is absorbed in large quantities into the cavernous bodies. This leads to their strong increase and, as a result, to a stable erection. It should be noted that the described mechanism only works in the presence of a sexual stimulus. Otherwise, a man will not observe any effect after taking the pill.

Dosage

Viagra, Cialis, Levitra have different dosing conditions. The recommended dose of sildenafil is 50 mg. If the effect is not observed, the dose of the active ingredient can be increased to 100 mg. Tablets with increased dosage must be divided into 2 or more parts. Men usually buy them to save money. The recommended dose of Levitra and Cialis is 10 mg. The maximum dose of 20 mg. Tadalafil 2.5 mg can be used for daily use. There is a common rule for all the three drugs: you can take only 1 pill within 24 hours.

Side effects

In some cases, these PDE-5 inhibitors can cause side effects. We list only the most common adverse reactions:

Viagra – stuffy nose, headache, dizziness, visual disturbances, indigestion;
Levitra – headache, nausea, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion;
Cialis – indigestion, headache, pain in the back.

As a rule, all PDE-5 inhibitors are well tolerated by the body. Visual anomalies can be observed after taking Viagra and very rarely after Levitra. These two drugs do not cause myalgia (back pain) as Cialis. Side effects of tadalafil last longer but are less pronounced than from other active substances.

Precautions and contraindications

Before you buy any of these ED drugs, we strongly recommend that you read the list of precautions and contraindications. All PDE-5 inhibitors are absolutely contraindicated for men taking organic nitrates. The simultaneous use of ED pills and alpha-blockers is currently allowed. However, the dose of the latter should be stable.

Viagra and Levitra have moderate vasodilator and hypotensive properties. Therefore, they cannot be used in certain diseases (uncontrolled hypertension, unstable angina, kidney and liver disease). Cialis is contraindicated in men for whom sexual activity is considered inappropriate. In the presence of kidney or liver disease, the dosage of the drug should be strictly limited.

Characteristics of these ED pills are quite different. This should be taken into account when changing or selecting a medicine. Sildenafil and vardenafil have a nearly identical half-life. They have the same speed and duration. Tadalafil starts to work later, but the effect lasts much longer.

All PDE-5 inhibitors are mainly excreted in the feces. A small amount is removed through the kidneys. A long period of Cialis allows you to take fewer medicines and makes it possible to make sudden acquaintances without any problems. Below you can see a table showing the main differences between the drugs.

Frequency of the most common side effects