When it comes to overcoming the symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction (ED), millions of men or Assigned Males at Birth (AMAB) worldwide turn to prescription medications for help, but choosing the right pill isn’t always easy. Cialis, Viagra, and Levitra are the most popular alternatives, all promising to restore confidence and intimacy.
While these medications function similarly to increase blood flow and enhance erections, they differ in their active ingredients, how long their effects last, and the potential side effects they bring.
Knowing these differences is essential for identifying the treatment that best suits your lifestyle and requirements. This article will provide detailed insight into Cialis vs Viagra vs Levitra and help you and your doctor choose the best treatment.
Cialis vs Viagra vs Levitra: Major differences
Cialis, Viagra, and Levitra are the most popular ED pills; however, they differ in certain aspects, including active salts, dosages and dosing options, duration of action, other uses, and side effects.
The comparison table below provides a basic overview of the key differences between these pills.
| Feature | Cialis | Viagra | Levitra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active salt | Tadalafil | Sildenafil | Vardenafil |
| Dosing option | Can be used as needed or daily | Used as needed | Used as needed |
| Dosage | 2.5mg, 5mg (for daily use), 10mg, 20mg (as needed) | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg | 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg |
| Duration of action | Up to 36 hours | 4-5 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Other uses | Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), ED + BPH symptoms | Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (under the brand name Revatio) | Not approved by the FDA for health issues other than ED |
| Unique side effects | Muscle/back pain | Vision changes | Flu-like symptoms |
Active salt
Levitra, Cialis, and Viagra all belong to the same class of medications, Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, although they contain different active ingredients. Levitra includes Vardenafil, Cialis has Tadalafil, and Viagra contains Sildenafil.
While they all function by increasing blood flow to the penis to aid in the creation and maintenance of an erection, the chemical differences affect duration, dose, and additional uses. Your doctor will determine the most effective medication for you based on these factors.
Dosage and dosing options
Levitra dosage includes 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets, taken about 30-60 minutes before sexual activity, with a maximum daily dose of one pill. Cialis offers the most flexibility, as a daily low dose (2.5 mg or 5 mg) for continuous readiness or a higher dose (10 mg or 20 mg) for use as needed.
Viagra dosage ranges from 25 mg to 100 mg, which are typically taken 30 minutes before sexual activity. The suggested beginning dose is 50 mg, with a maximum of once daily. Choosing the correct prescription generally comes down to whether you want a “take it when you need it” approach or the freedom of everyday readiness, and here, Cialis stands out for offering both options.
Duration of action
The duration of the effect differs greatly between Levitra, Cialis, and Viagra. Levitra and Viagra both have a similar period of action, lasting approximately 4 to 6 hours. Conversely, Cialis is recognized for its long-lasting effects, which can last up to 36 hours, giving it the nickname “the weekend pill.”
This prolonged duration provides for far more freedom and spontaneity than the more time-sensitive Levitra and Viagra. Finally, if you want longer-lasting benefits and less pressure to time things exactly, Cialis provides a wider window of opportunity than the shorter-acting Levitra and Viagra. According to a review published in the journal Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy in 2005, many men with ED prefer Tadalafil over Sildenafil.
Other uses
While mainly known for treating Erectile Dysfunction, Cialis has an additional FDA-approved use for managing the symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a disease characterized by an enlarged prostate gland. In rare circumstances, it may also be prescribed to treat both ED and BPH simultaneously.
Viagra, marketed as Revatio, is also licensed to treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), a medical condition recognized by High Blood Pressure in the arteries of the lungs; however, the formulation and dose for PAH differ from those used for ED. An article published by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) in 2023 mentions that the FDA-approved dose of Sildenafil for PAH is 20 mg three times a day.
Levitra, on the other hand, is primarily prescribed and used to treat ED; it has no other officially approved applications. Hence, Cialis stands out for its dual utility in treating ED and BPH, while Viagra has an additional application for PAH, leaving Levitra focused primarily on ED.
Also read: Curious about other uses of Viagra? Read What is Viagra used for?
Specific side effects
Due to their similar mechanisms of action, Cialis, Viagra, and Levitra all have common side effects such as headache, flushing, and nasal congestion. Still, they can also lead to some unique side effects. Cialis is more likely to cause muscular pains and back discomfort, possibly due to its prolonged presence in the body.
Viagra is more commonly associated with vision problems, such as blurred or blue-tinted vision. According to an article published in the Biomedicines journal in 2021, Sildenafil had higher reported cases of visual problems. While Levitra has several common side effects, it is more likely to induce dizziness and flu-like symptoms in some individuals.
Finally, the particular side effect profile varies from person to person, emphasizing the significance of addressing potential adverse responses with a healthcare professional before using these medications.
Conclusion
When choosing between Cialis vs Viagra vs Levitra, it is evident that each medication has distinct benefits and considerations in the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction. While all three efficiently manage ED, they differ in terms of duration, side effects, and daily dosage options.
Cialis is distinguished by its extended duration and daily dose option. At the same time, Viagra is recognized for its fast start and proven track record, and Levitra provides a balance of effectiveness and tolerability.
Ultimately, the best choice among the three pills depends on your lifestyle, health needs, and how your body responds to each medication, making consultation with a healthcare provider essential for finding the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 20 mg of Cialis equal to 100 mg of Viagra?
No, 20 mg of Cialis is not equal to 100 mg of Viagra. They contain different active components, durations, and effects. Cialis can last up to 36 hours, but Viagra only lasts 4-6 hours despite the greater milligram dose. Consulting a doctor is vital to decide the best-suited medicine.
Can I drink alcohol with Cialis, Viagra, or Levitra?
Yes, moderate alcohol intake is generally safe while taking Cialis, Viagra, or Levitra. Still, excessive drinking might limit their efficacy and worsen side effects such as dizziness, Low Blood Pressure, and headaches. However, alcohol intake is not advisable, as it is not suitable for general health.
Does Levitra affect kidney function?
No. Levitra has no significant effect on kidney function in most healthy people. However, in patients with kidney problems, dose modifications may be required since compromised kidneys might affect how the medicine is metabolized, increasing the risk of side effects.
Does Viagra’s effectiveness decline with age?
Yes. Viagra’s effectiveness may fall gradually with age due to underlying health concerns such as decreased blood flow, Diabetes, or hormonal abnormalities. Older men may require higher dosages or different therapies, but many still get satisfactory outcomes with appropriate guidance.
Does Cialis’s 36-hour window mean erections last that long?
No, Cialis’s 36-hour window does not indicate that an erection will continue that long. It means that the medicine remains active in the body for a specific time, allowing for erections with sexual stimulation rather than a continuous one.
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