These medications have made historic appearances in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. And while they’ve changed how we communicate about sexual health, they’ve also raised many questions in users’ minds. Namely, which of these three drugs is best suited for you? How does their effect compare? Do they pose any safety concerns?
Let’s dive in and find out more about what these drugs are, how they operate, and which one might be right for you.
Viagra
First off, let’s take a quick trip back in history. In the ‘70s, Viagra was originally approved for the treatment of angina in men. The original drug was known as Sildenafil, and it operated by blocking the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5). This enzyme breaks down the natural chemical that stimulates the growth of blood vessels in the penis, resulting in an erection. As a result, Sildenafil increased the efficiency of blood flow throughout the penis, allowing more sustained erections.
Since then, Viagra (Sildenafil) has become one of the most popular erectile dysfunction drugs. Indeed, it’s been approved to treat both ED and pulmonary hypertension. In the latter case, Viagra is often prescribed in combination with other medications. However, the medication has also been known to interact with a variety of other drugs, limiting its potential for safe coadministration.
Cialis
Cialis (Tadalafil) was approved by the FDA in 2004, and it too operates via PDE5 inhibition to increase blood flow throughout the body and, as a result, improve erectile function. However, unlike Viagra, Cialis was designed for enhanced coadministerability. That is, it was developed to be taken with food, so that the medication’s effectiveness is maximized.
This combination of food and medication is often referred to as “concomitant therapy.” Interestingly, Cialis has also been shown to be more effective in treating pulmonary hypertension when compared to Viagra. In many cases, Cialis has replaced Viagra as the standard treatment for this condition. This is likely because Viagra has a fairly narrow therapeutic index, while Cialis has a much larger target population.
Levitra
Lastly, we have Levitra (Vardenafil). This medication, which was approved by the FDA in 2003, similarly inhibits PDE5 and, as a result, promotes sustained penile erections. Like Cialis, Levitra is also taken with food, and like its predecessors, it has been proven more effective than placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. (1)
Levitra is generally well-tolerated, with a relatively benign side effect profile. Nevertheless, as with any drug, there are caveats. Namely, since it inhibits PDE5, this medication can interfere with the body’s natural hormone regulation. This interference has been known to cause severe birth defects in animal studies. (2)
For these reasons, Levitra is only recommended for men who are free of birth defects. Moreover, since it is an inhibitor of PDE5, coadministration with other medications that are metabolized through this enzyme is discouraged. (3)
In summary, these three medications are generally safe and effective for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, since they inhibit PDE5, caution should be exercised when combining them with other medications or supplements. For this reason, some doctors may limit the use of these drugs in men with certain cardiovascular or renal disease states.
Which One Is the Best for You?
So, which of these drugs is the best fit for you? That is a broad question, and it depends on your needs and what you want out of a medication. First off, let’s look at the positives of each one.
All of these medications have been shown to increase blood flow throughout the body, resulting in larger and more sustained erections. This, in turn, makes them ideal for treating erectile dysfunction. Moreover, since they are orally administered and, as a result, do not require intravenous delivery, they are simpler to administer for patients who are concerned about needle anxiety or pain. (4)
Additionally, each one of these medications has been proven safe and effective in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. This makes them a good choice for patients who need a drug to help with their erectile dysfunction, but are also concerned about the side effects that come with taking a medication for this condition. Lastly, because they are relatively new on the market, there is little to no published data on the long-term effects of these drugs. However, given their spot on pharmacy shelves, it is likely that all of these medications will continue to be prescribed for the treatment of ED in the years to come.
A Closer Look At The Negatives
Each one of these medications is also prone to certain side effects. Namely, Viagra can cause blurry vision, headache, and dizziness. Cialis has an unpleasant smell that many people find difficult to tolerate, while Levitra causes stinging or burning when it is administered. (5)
Additionally, since these drugs inhibit PDE5, they can also cause rare but severe side effects. Namely, men who are administered these medications are prone to developing blood vessel damage in the retina of the eye. This is called, “Retinopathy.” Some evidence suggests that this condition may be more common in men who are prone to developing renal disease. (6)
The Conclusion
Overall, these three medications are safe and effective for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Moreover, since they are relatively new on the market, there is little to no long-term data available regarding their safety or effectiveness. Nonetheless, given their popularity and positive outlook, it is likely that these drugs will continue to be prescribed for the treatment of ED in the years to come. In this case, it really depends on your needs and what you want out of a medication. That is, if safety and effectiveness are a concern for you, then definitely go for the generic equivalent of Viagra. Moreover, if you are looking for a quick, easy fix for your erectile dysfunction, then consider trying Cialis or Levitra.