Choose Your Weapon: Viagra, Cialis or Levitra

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If you are a man of a certain age (or are anyone of any age who listens to AM radio in any major market) you have heard about Viagara, Cialis and Levitra. These are the big brand names of the most popular erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs (sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil, respectively), and ED drugs are doing gangbusters business. But have you ever wondered whether these drugs are differentiated by anything other than their brand names?

All three of the big names belong to the class of drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors. These meds are meant to relax muscles and increase blood flow. Obviously, both of these effects are key in an erectile dysfunction drug.

PDE5 inhibitors differentiate themselves primarily by how quick they act, and how long they last. Viagra wants to be consumed between 30 and 60 minutes before sexual activity begins, and will last for 3 to 5 hours. Levitra lasts about the same amount of time, but will kick in slightly earlier. Cialis will start working about the same time as Viagra, but will remain in effect for up to 36 hours. Obviously, if you choose Cialis, you're going to need to clear your calendar a bit...

Side effects associated with Viagra include:

  • headaches
  • stomach pain
  • facial flushing
  • congestion
  • nausea or diarrhea
  • color blindness
  • blurred vision

Viagra can interact with other drugs, and you should avoid its use before checking with your doctor. If you are taking meds for pulmonary hypertension it's best to steer clear of Viagra as the combo can cause your blood pressure to drop to dangerous levels. Also of concern for Viagra users should be a study linking it to a 3.7 percent increased risk of skin cancer.

Cialis' known side effects include:

  • headaches
  • facial flushing
  • low blood pressure
  • congestion
  • dizziness
  • chest pain

Cialis, too, can cause a dangerous dip in blood pressure when combined with blood pressure meds or guanylate cyclase stimulators. Since Cialis also has alpha-blocker properties, it should be avoided by prostate problem patients who have been prescribed these as treatment. Certain antibiotics and anti-fungal meds are also verboten when you are taking Cialis – check first with your doctor.

The more common side effects of Levitra include:

  • headache
  • congestion
  • facial flushing
  • indigestion
  • upset stomach
  • dizziness
  • back pain
  • color blindness

Levitra packs the same warnings about blood pressure meds, guanylate cyclase stimulators, anti-biotics, anti-fungal meds and alpha blockers as does Cialis, but it adds one more. As Levitra can place additional strain on your heart, you should avoid taking it if your doctor has already warned you away from sexual activity due to health problems.

 

Sources: Medical News Today