Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, and Stendra are all medications designed to treat erectile dysfunction. The generic names they also go by are sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil respectively.
While various lifestyle changes can help improve the condition, the good news is that these ED medications are safe and effective treatments to try. These drugs work by improving blood flow to the penis.
Quick FAQs
Depending on which ED medication is chosen, they can last as little as 4 hours, or as much as 36 hours.
The most common side effects are headaches, muscle aches, and congestion.
Generic versions of ED meds are the most affordable treatment option.
It's estimated that up to 30 million men are impacted by erectile dysfunction, or ED, making it the most common sexual problem for men.
We’ll discuss whether Viagra, Cialis, Levitra or Stendra is the best option for treatment.
Viagra vs Cialis
Let's start by breaking down the key differences between Viagra and Cialis, starting with some similarities:
Viagra and Cialis are both PDE5 inhibitors used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Both are FDA-approved oral medications to help treat erectile dysfunction.
Both can cause common side effects such as flushing, back pain, headache, muscle pain and nausea.
Now that we've gone over some of the key similarities between Viagra and Cialis, let's take a look at some of their differences.
Viagra:
Is the brand name for sildenafil.
Is taken on an as-needed basis and doctors recommend taking it at least 1 hour before anticipated sex.
The effects can last up to 8 hours after it's taken.
Food can decrease its effectiveness.
Is proven to be modestly more effective than Cialis, with a reported effective rate of about 84 percent.
Cialis:
Is the brand name for tadalafil.
Can be taken daily at smaller dosage limits or taken as needed.
Works within a range of 1 to 2 hours.
Works for about 36 hours, which is comparatively much longer than many other ED products on the market.
Food does not decrease its effectiveness.
Is proven to be slightly less effective than Viagra, with a success rate of about 81 percent.
Since Cialis lasts for up to 36 hours, dosage may need to be reduced over time - especially in men with liver or kidney disease.
Now that we've gone over two of the more well-known ED brands in Viagra and Cialis, let's take a look at two more: Stendra and Levitra. Both are prescription medications available orally to treat erectile dysfunction issues.
Key differences between Stendra and Levitra include the following:
Levitra is a medication that can be taken without food.
Stendra tends to last for up to six hours, while Levitra can last for up to 12 hours.
Levitra and Cialis were both approved by the FDA in 2003, right at about the same time. While this was five years after Viagra received FDA approval, it made the ED medication market more competitive based on competition.
Here's a look at some of the key differences between Levitra and Cialis:
Cialis:
The brand name for tadalafil, Cialis can be taken daily in smaller dosages or in one larger dose 30 to 60 minutes before sex. After it's consumed, it works for at least 12 hours or in some cases up to 36 hours. This is longer than Levitra and most other ED medications.
Levitra:
Levitra is best taken prior to sexual intercourse and not on a low-dose daily basis like other ED medications. It lasts for about 4 hours after consumption.
Viagra vs Levitra
Viagra, the brand name for sildenafil, was the first ED drug that was FDA-approved. For this reason, it's the ED drug with arguably the best name and brand recognition.
Viagra is intended to be taken 30 minutes to 4 hours before sex. It's designed to begin working after an hour, and works for about 4 to 8 hours after it is consumed.
Levitra was FDA-approved in 2003. It works a little differently compared to Viagra in that it's a dissolving tablet. The effects of the tablet last for 4 to 6 hours.
One similarity between Levitra and Viagra is that there are generic versions of both products available, which can help decrease costs.
Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Stendra Generic Versions
Because it's the newest ED medication to hit the market, there is no generic version of Stendra currently available.
For this reason, it's often a bit more expensive than Viagra, Cialis and Levitra, which have generic versions of the medication that are priced at a fraction of the cost of the name-brand version.
It is expected that a generic version of Stendra will become available in the near future.
Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Stendra Dosage
Dosages for Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Stendra depend largely on the medication and the individual man.
Men should consult with their doctor about their erectile dysfunction issues to help decide on an appropriate dose to take prior to engaging in sexual intercourse.
When to Take
The general timing for when to take each medication are as follows:
Viagra: 1-2 hours before sex when getting started.
Cialis: 30 minutes to 2 hours before sex.
Levitra: 25 minutes to 60 minutes before sexual intercourse.
Stendra: 30 to 60 minutes before sex when getting started.
How Long Does it Last?
How long ED medication lasts depends purely on the type of ED medication men are taking. The main difference between them is how long they remain effective. Here’s how long each can last:
Viagra: The effect can last for 4 to 8 hours
Cialis: The effect can last for up to 36 hours.
Levitra: The effect can last for 4 hours.
Stendra: The effect can last for up to 6 hours after consumption.
Be sure to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any of these medications to discuss your medical history and potential interactions with other drugs you may be taking.
Side Effects
All of the ED medications have side effects. However, it's worth noting again that Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Stendra are all FDA-approved.
In order for a medication to become FDA-approved, the FDA must determine that its benefits outweigh its potential risks.
While most men who experience side effects only report minor conditions, there is a risk of more serious side effects associated with taking such medication.
Severe side effects, while rare, include vision loss, priapism and even hearing loss. Some of the side effects associated with the brand-name ED medication are as follows:
Cost will vary based on brand, dosage, and insurance coverage. For instance, for men who are paying out of pocket, name-brand versions of each drug can cost hundreds of dollars for one month.
However, generic versions typically are only a fraction of this price. Does insurance cover ED medication?
While it all depends on a man's particular health insurance plan, most medical plans cover the diagnosis of ED and any medically necessary treatments to some extent.
The best thing a man can do if he's concerned or curious about cost is to familiarize himself with his insurance plan and what it covers to see how much - if any - he'll have to pay out of pocket for ED medication.
If insurance doesn't cover it, the cost is going to be more expensive. For all ED medications except Stendra, affordable generic versions are available.
Talk about these considerations with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable option that fits both your needs and budget.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions are changes in the way a medication acts in the body if it's mixed or taken with other medications or substances.
Viagra, Cialis, Levitra or Stendra should not be taken with any nitrates, which are drugs that reduce blood pressure. It's typically used in men with heart disease. The interaction can cause a catastrophic drop in blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
For men on alpha blockers used to treat high blood pressure or benign prostate obstruction, it's important to use a stable dose of the alpha blocker first before taking ED medication. The interaction can result in low blood pressure.
It’s important for patients to discuss all the medications they’re taking to make sure they don’t interact with ED meds.
Which ED Medication is Best?
It's not necessarily a matter of what ED medication is the best, but which one works best for a man and his particular situation. There are a variety of scenarios where a doctor may recommend or prescribe one of the ED medications over the other.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer as to which medication is superior, as the choice depends on individual preferences, lifestyle factors, and any underlying health conditions.
Some individuals may find one drug more effective or better tolerated than others.” Here are a few scenarios where one durg may prescribed over another:
If there's a need for a fast-acting ED medication, Stendra may be the preferred choice, as the chemical formulation tends to work faster than other name brands.
If there's a desire for long-lasting effects, Cialis might be what's suggested by a man's doctor. Cialis works the longest of the name-brand ED medications for up to 36 hours.
If there's a concern about side effects, Viagra or Levitra may be suggested, as the effects of these meds last for a shorter period of time.
Takeaways
The best erectile dysfunction treatment will vary based on what each man's specific needs.
The four various ED medications all have their fair share of pros and cons. Consult with a doctor to come to a decision on which product to try.
Factors to consider include overall effectiveness, cost, potential side effects, drug interactions, and more.
After finding an effective ED med, men should also make sure they're able to last long in bed.
Dr Laurence Levine is a Professor of Urology and practices at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He is focused specifically on Male Sexual Health and is past President of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA). Dr. Levine graduated from the University of Colorado School of Medicine where he received his MD and completed his training in Urology at the Harvard Program in Boston.
Sources:
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