Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra comparison
Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are all prescription medications used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. They work by inhibiting the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) enzyme, which relaxes blood vessels in the penis and increases blood flow, leading to an erection. (SOURCE)
Characteristics of Viagra pills
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Drug name | Sildenafil citrate |
| Brand name | Viagra |
| Dosage strengths | 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg |
| Appearance | Blue, diamond-shaped tablet |
| Indication | Treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) |
| Mechanism of action | Inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) enzyme, which relaxes blood vessels in the penis and increases blood flow, leading to an erection |
| Onset of action | 30-60 minutes after ingestion |
| Duration of action | 4-6 hours |
| Contraindications | Use of nitrates or nitric oxide donors, severe liver or kidney disease, unstable angina, recent stroke or heart attack, hereditary degenerative retinal disorders |
| Adverse effects | Headache, facial flushing, nasal congestion, upset stomach, back pain, dizziness, vision changes (rare) |
| Interactions | Nitrates, alpha-blockers, certain antifungal and antibiotic medications, grapefruit juice, and protease inhibitors used to treat HIV infection |
Characteristics of Cialis pills
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Drug name | Tadalafil |
| Brand name | Cialis |
| Dosage strengths | 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg |
| Appearance | Yellow, almond-shaped tablet |
| Indication | Treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) |
| Mechanism of action | It inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) enzyme, which relaxes blood vessels in the penis and increases blood flow, leading to an erection. It also relaxes the smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder, improving symptoms of BPH. |
| Onset of action | 30-60 minutes after ingestion |
| Duration of action | 36 hours |
| Contraindications | Use of nitrates or nitric oxide donors, severe liver or kidney disease, unstable angina, recent stroke or heart attack, hereditary degenerative retinal disorders |
| Adverse effects | Headache, facial flushing, nasal congestion, upset stomach, back pain, muscle aches, dizziness, vision changes (rare) |
| Interactions | Nitrates, alpha-blockers, certain antifungal and antibiotic medications, grapefruit juice, and protease inhibitors used to treat HIV infection |
Characteristics of Levitra pills
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Drug name | Vardenafil |
| Brand name | Levitra |
| Dosage strengths | 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg |
| Appearance | Orange, round tablet |
| Indication | Treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) |
| Mechanism of action | Inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) enzyme, which relaxes blood vessels in the penis and increases blood flow, leading to an erection |
| Onset of action | 30-60 minutes after ingestion |
| Duration of action | 4-5 hours |
| Contraindications | Use of nitrates or nitric oxide donors, severe liver or kidney disease, unstable angina, recent stroke or heart attack, hereditary degenerative retinal disorders |
| Adverse effects | Headache, facial flushing, nasal congestion, upset stomach, back pain, dizziness, vision changes (rare) |
| Interactions | Nitrates, alpha-blockers, certain antifungal and antibiotic medications, grapefruit juice, and protease inhibitors used to treat HIV infection |
SUMMARY
You may check the tablets above for the characteristics of Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. Viagra (Sildenafil citrate) is available in dosages of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg and lasts for 4-6 hours. Cialis (Tadalafil) is available in dosages are 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg and lasts for 36 hours. Levitra (Vardenafil) is available in dosages of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg and can last for about 4-5 hours.
All three medications have similar adverse effects, including headache, facial flushing, nasal congestion, upset stomach, back pain, dizziness, and rare vision changes. They also interact with nitrates, alpha-blockers, certain antifungal and antibiotic medications, grapefruit juice, and protease inhibitors used to treat HIV infection.
