These medications treat erectile dysfunction and are immensely popular. But did you know that each one is different? They contain different active ingredients, have different interactions and side effects, and more. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, here is the breakdown of the medications and how they're unique.
Cialis
Cialis is the brand name for “tadalafil.” This medication increases blood flow by relaxing your blood vessels. Another common brand that uses tadalafil is called Adcirca. This prescription is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension or high blood pressure, which affects the arteries in your lungs and heart.
Many medications interact with Cialis in a major way. For example, nitrate (nitroglycerin) can cause a sudden and dangerous drop in blood pressure, possibly causing fainting and even depression, fatigue, and other serious issues. You can find a full list of medications that interact with Cialis at Drugs.com.
Cialis must also be avoided if you’ve ever had heart disease, heart rhythm problems, heart attacks, a recent history of stroke or congestive heart failure, chest pain, high or low blood pressure, liver and kidney disease, blood cell disorders, stomach ulcers, or hemophilia.
Some side effects of Cialis include:
- Sour stomach
- Belching
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Bloody nose
- Body aches or pains
- Congestion
- Burning, itchy, or dry eyes
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fainting
- Nervousness
Mores serious side effects such as hives; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat; or difficulty breathing could indicate an allergic reaction and require emergency medical care. There are other serious side effects that can occur while taking Cialis that require a doctor's attention. See a complete list here at Drugs.com.
Viagra
Viagra is the brand name for “sildenafil.” It also relaxes blood vessels to allow better blood flow. Another medication that contains sildenafil is Revatio, which is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. You cannot take Revatio and Viagra together. Several other drugs interact with Viagra, and you can find a full list here on Drugs.com.
You also should not take Viagra if you have or have had issues with heart disease, high or low blood pressure, stomach ulcers, hemophilia, a recent history of stroke or congestive heart failure, or if you have had a heart attack in the last six months.
Some of the most common side effects of Viagra include:
- Headache
- Flushing in the face, neck, or chest
- Upset stomach or indigestion
- Abnormal vision
- Nasal congestion
- Back and muscular pain
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Diarrhea
Serious side effects include change or loss of vision, ringing in ears or loss of hearing, chest pain or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and swelling of the hands, ankles, and feet. If you experience any one of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Levitra
Levitra’s active ingredient is called “vardenafil.” Like the others, it relaxes the blood vessels and allows blood to flow through them more easily. Like Cialis and Viagra, there are some medications you should avoid if you choose to take this drug. One of the most dangerous is nitrate (nitroglycerin). Taking this drug together with Levitra will cause a sudden and dangerous drop in blood pressure. You can find a full list of drug interactions here at Drugs.com.
The side effects of Levitra are similar to Cialis and Viagra. The most common effects you may experience include:
- Headache
- Flushing or warmth in your face, neck, or chest
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Stomach upset
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
- Back pain
- Nausea
There are some serious side effects you could experience while taking Levitra such as sudden loss of vision or hearing, heavy feeling in the chest that spreads to the arm or shoulder, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, fainting, and seizures. If you experience any of these symptoms, go to an emergency room immediately.
The Differences
The way you take these medications differs quite a bit. Cialis is a pill you take about 30 to 60 minutes before intercourse. It can stay active in your body for up to eight hours. Viagra works best on an empty stomach, and you should avoid foods high in fat to ensure maximum efficiency. This medication is also taken 30 to 60 minutes prior. Finally, Levitra is similar to Cialis because you need to take it 30 to 60 minutes before intercourse, and it can stay active for up to eight hours. Cialis is the only one that has a 24-hour formula.
Some people say Levitra lasts longer than Viagra, but Cialis works much longer than either of its competitors. It’s important to keep in mind that everyone is different, so the active ingredients work differently for everyone. While Levitra and Cialis may not work for someone, Viagra may function correctly. Most doctors agree that it takes up to eight doses for the medications to work properly. The only way to tell which one is the best for you is by thoroughly reading the side effects and drug interactions and speaking to your doctor.
