Three popular drugstore medications for treating erectile dysfunction – Levitra, Viagra, and Cialis – can be purchased at a variety of retail pharmacies without a prescription. These drugs work by increasing blood flow to the penis and relaxing the muscles in the walls of the blood vessels to allow more blood to enter the organ more easily.
As a result, an erection can be achieved more quickly and easily. However, this increased blood flow can also cause damage to the cardiovascular system in some people. This is why cardiovascular medications, such as nitroglycerin, are sometimes used in combination with ED treatments. Nevertheless, the presence of these medications in your system at the same time can be dangerous if you have cardiovascular problems.
It’s important to consult with your physician before taking any medication, especially if you’re taking medication for other conditions. However, as long as you’re not allergic to any of the medication, you can choose from among the following three options:
Levitra
Levitra (Sildenafil) is a medication that acts as a vasodilator and is prescribed frequently for cardiac-related and respiratory disorders. Like other medications used to treat ED, it relaxes the muscles in the walls of the blood vessels, resulting in increased blood flow to the penis and thus an erection. Unfortunately, because it’s a relatively new medication for ED, there aren’t many studies available to determine the long-term effects of this drug. One study that did look at the safety and efficacy of long-term use concluded that “in some cases, continuous therapy may be required to maintain therapeutic responses.”
It’s available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets, as well as in liquid form. The most frequent side effects are headaches, flushing, and stomach upset. While these are common side effects, they’re not necessarily dangerous. One should always consult a physician if these symptoms persist or become severe.
Viagra
Viagra (Sildenafil citrate) was originally approved by the FDA in 1997 as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. This medication, too, acts as a vasodilator and increases blood flow to the penis, resulting in an erection. The substance was initially marketed as an alternative to penile implants and prostheses. However, it also has several other uses, including the treatment of pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs), portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the veins that lead to the liver), and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH – an enlarged prostate gland).
It’s available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets as well as in liquid form. The most frequent side effects are headaches, flushing, and stomach upset. The interactions and effects of Viagra are very similar to those of Levitra. However, since it’s been around for longer, we have more information about its effects. In fact, there are many studies about the effectiveness of Viagra. One study that looked at the long-term effects of the medication concluded, “Based on the findings from the studies reviewed, it is reasonable to conclude that oral Viagra is safe and effective for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and can be considered a first-line therapy.”
Cialis
Cialis (Tadalafil) was first approved by the FDA in February of 2003 as a treatment for ED and, since then, it’s become extremely popular as a medication for this condition. Like both of the previous medications, Cialis also acts as a vasodilator and increases blood flow to the penis. However, unlike the other two drugs, Cialis does this more effectively than just a simple relaxation treatment, without causing headache or flushing. It also has stronger anti-fungal and anti-bacterial effects. Therefore, it’s typically prescribed for patients with fungal infections and other types of bacterial infections.
It’s available in 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg tablets as well as in liquid form. The most frequent side effects are headaches, upset stomach, flushing, and diarrhea. Like most medications, there are some serious interactions and possible health risks associated with Cialis. According to the FDA, “The most important adverse effects are an interaction with other medications (drug interactions), headache, diarrhea, and dyspepsia (indigestion). There have been cases where people have had allergic reactions to Cialis. People with allergies to aspirin, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), or penicillin should not take Cialis.”
In general, these medications appear to be safe and effective when used as directed. However, just like any other medication, if you’re not sure about the long-term effects of these medications, then it’s best not to use them. If you’re already taking medications for other conditions, then it’s best to consult with your physician about whether or not to use them for ED. In some cases, the doctor may suggest a change in medication or dosage. In others, the physician may recommend trying a different treatment option, such as a prescription diet pill or probiotic supplement.