Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors - Viagra, Cialis, And Levitra

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain firm erections throughout the sex. Among various drugs available for treating ED, Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are the most distinguished ones. Despite being used for same purpose, each is different form another and to find out which one will work best, it is important to know the differences.

Viagra (Sildenafil), Levitra (Vardenafil) and Cialis (Tadalafil) all three belong to PDE5 inhibitors. These drugs make erections easier by increasing the blood flow towards penis.

Cialis is the only drug that can be used by people with enlarged prostate or benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). It also aids in improving urine flow.

Onset And Duration Of Action

All PDE5 inhibitors have fast onset of action, how long will the effect last, makes the difference! Viagra is the kind of drug which is used when required. It is recommended to be taken 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity and its effect lasts for roughly 3 to 5 hours. Levitra also lasts for 3 to 5 hours but its onset is quicker than Viagra. Whereas, Cialis remains effective for up to 36 hours, making it a good choice for those who are engaged in sexual activity on frequent basis.

Side Effects

Being from the same class, most of the side effects are similar. However, some side effects are specific for each drug. For example:

Cialis

• Facial flushing
• Congestion
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Low blood pressure
• Pain in chest

Viagra

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomachache
• Blurred vison
• Color blindness

Levitra

• Back pain
• Indigestion/stomach upset
• Dizziness
• Color blindness
• Facial flushing

Interactions

None of these drugs should be taken with grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it affects the activity of drugs. Nitrate is another class of drug which should not be taken with PDE5 inhibitors. One of the serious side effect associated with all three drugs is priapism- an erection that won’t go away. If erection lasts for more than 4 hours, person should immediately seek medical help. Sudden loss of hearing or vision may also be experienced, in such case, medicine should be stopped immediately.

Cialis

Cialis is linked with more serious interactions! It should not be taken with blood pressure medicines or guanylate cyclase stimulators, because it will lead to severe drop down of blood pressure. If someone is taking Cialis and has prostate issue, they should avoid using alpha blockers because both serve the same purpose. Furthermore, avoid use of antibiotics and antifungals.

Viagra

People who take drugs for treating pulmonary hypertension should not select Viagra, as both drug classes have serious interaction and can cause lethal drop down of blood pressure. Moreover, Viagra has been found to be associated with high risk of skin cancer.

Levitra

Anyone who has been restricted from sexual activities due to health issues should not use Levitra. Also, it should be avoided by people who take medicines for treating abnormal heart beat.

Cost And Availability

• Cialis: This drug was launched into market in year 2003. It is cheaper than Viagra and easily available at local pharmacies. Currently there is no generic for Cialis in the United States.

• Viagra: This is one of the widest spread and well known drug, in use since 1998. Viagra also has no generic version.
• Levitra: Levitra was also launched in 2003. There is a generic available but not found widely. Choosing drug for ED is a personal choice but involving health expert will help in selecting the appropriate one based on individual’s needs.

References

• Jones, S. G., Fenkl, E. A., Patsdaughter, C. A., & Chadwell, K. (2013). Condom attitudes of heterosexual men ages 50 and older using prescribed drugs (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra) to treat erectile dysfunction. American journal of men's health, 7(6), 504-515.
• Ortiz, R. S., de Cássia Mariotti, K., Fank, B., Limberger, R. P., Anzanello, M. J., & Mayorga, P. (2013). Counterfeit Cialis and Viagra fingerprinting by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy with chemometry: Can the same pharmaceutical powder mixture be used to falsify two medicines?. Forensic science international, 226(1), 282-289.