Viagra has monopolized the erectile dysfunction market since 1998, but with the release of Cialis and Levitra, you might be wondering which one is really the best drug for you. While all three have been proven extremely effective, they do have their differences. All three drugs are a type of PDE-5 inhibitors. Their success rate is said to be around 70% with men suffering from all types of erectile dysfunction. The drugs do not activate without sexual stimulation.
Viagra: Pros and Cons
The first of the three drugs to be introduced into the market, Viagra is said to act the fastest, requiring only 14 minutes to be absorbed into the body if taken on an empty stomach. However, the acting time and absorption rate are considerably slowed by food intake. To reach its maximum effect, Viagra takes about 30 minutes and every 4 hours thereafter it looses 50% of its maximum effect. Side effects may include upset stomach, unusually bright vision, facial flushing, and mild headaches.
Levitra: Pros and Cons
Levitra, the second drug to be released on the market, has a slightly different chemical compound makeup that has been found to be more effective in hard-to-treat groups. Levitra takes about 45 minutes to activate. However, unlike Viagra, neither food intake nor drinking affects the effectiveness of the drug except for substances high in fat. Levita is considered to have more efficacy, longevity, and potency than Viagra. Side effects may include flushing, stuffy/runny nose, and headaches.
Cialis: Pros and Cons
Cialis, the drug approved by the FDA, is known to last between 36 and 100 hours, which is why its called the “weekender.” Cialis’ effectiveness peaks after two hours, but unlike Viagra, its absorption is not affected by any type of food. The half-life of Cialis is somewhere between 16 and 22 hours partly depending on the patient’s age. Side effects include upset stomach, back aches, muscle aches, and head aches.
| Drug | Absorption Speed | Slowed by Food Intake | Peak Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra | 14 minutes | Yes | 30 minutes | 4 hours |
| Levitra | 45 minutes | No | N/A | N/A |
| Cialis | N/A | No | 2 hours | 100 hours |
Conclusion
Overall, Cialis is probably the best choice considering duration and absorption rate, especially since the price of all three drugs are about the same.