Levitra and Cialis are two highly effective medications that have been in vogue to combat erectile dysfunction. Both of the medications work very well in creating and sustaining erections, so which is better? In this article, we will take a closer look into Levitra’s similarities and differences with Cialis to determine which might work better for ED.
Levitra, or generically vardenafil, was first granted approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003. It is part of a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which function by boosting blood supply to the penis while you are having sex. This creates a stable and durable erection. Cialis, by contrast, was patented by the FDA in 2003 and has the drug ingredient tadalafil. It also falls into the PDE5 inhibitor group, along with Levitra, and acts in a similar way to support men suffering from ED in getting and keeping erections.
Duration
One of the primary differences between Levitra and Cialis is how long they last. Levitra, as we already know, has a shorter action time (5 hours) while Cialis, on the other hand, has a longer action time (36 hours). That means Cialis might be a better choice for guys who need more time for sex because it can happen more spontaneously. Yet the shorter act of Levitra might be preferable to men for a number of reasons.
Dosage
Another difference between the two medications is the dose prescribed. Levitra comes in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg pills, the minimum recommended dose is 10 mg, while Cialis comes in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets, the minimum recommended dose is 10 mg. This is to emphasize that both Levitra and Cialis are taken by the hour, about 30 minutes before sex. But Cialis comes with a 2.5 mg or 5 mg dose that you can take once a day whether you are having sex or not. This might be more convenient for some men who don’t want to administer medication on a frequent basis.
Depending on the side effects Levitra or Cialis may both have the same possible side effects, such as headache, flushing, stuffy or runny nose, dizziness.
Headache:
Headache is a common adverse effect of both Levitra and Cialis, occurring in about 16% and 11% of patients, respectively. We don’t know precisely how PDE5 inhibitors cause headaches, but we think it’s because the brain inhibits PDE5, which makes the blood vessels open and increases blood flow to the brain. Anyone suffering from headaches associated with these drugs is encouraged to take over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and to refrain from drinking and using caffeine which aggravate headaches.
Flushing:
Flushing (a warm red sensation on the face, neck or chest) is another common side effect of Levitra and Cialis, which affect approximately 10% and 9% of patients, respectively. Flushing is believed to occur because the PDE5 inhibitors dilate blood vessels, thus expanding circulation to the skin. Experimenters who experience flushing should stay away from a steamy shower, spicy foods and alcohol, which may aggravate the condition. Cooling creams on the skin, like aloe vera or menthol, might help too.
Stuffy or Runny Nose:
Levitra and Cialis also irritate your nose; about 4% and 3% of patients, respectively, experience the problem. We don’t know how exactly PDE5 inhibitors can lead to nasal congestion, but we do believe that the blocked PDE5 in the nose dilates the blood vessels and increases blood supply. Patients who develop nasal congestion during these treatments should use nasal decongestants (eg, pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine) or intranasal corticosteroids (eg, fluticasone or mometasone).
Dizziness:
Dizziness is a rather uncommon side effect on both Levitra and Cialis, affecting approximately 2% and 1% of patients respectively. Dizziness is believed to be the result of PDE5 inhibitors’ vasodilators, which decrease blood pressure and change the flow of blood to the inner ear. Patients with dizziness should refrain from abrupt changes of stance, like standing quickly, and should stay away from alcohol and sedatives, which tend to exacerbate symptoms.
Additional Cialis Side Effects
Though Levitra and Cialis have similar potential side effects, Cialis is assumed to have a longer list of potential side effects. They might include muscle aches, backaches or stomachaches; all of which are typically mild and short-lived. If they are severe or continue to erupt, the patients should consult with their healthcare provider to learn more about their symptoms and possible treatments.
Another thing to look at when you’re comparing Levitra and Cialis is that they interact with other drugs. It’s important to avoid taking either medication with nitrates, which can cause blood pressure to drop dangerously low. Levitra may interact less with other medications than Cialis, and it is therefore safer for men who are on other drugs.
In terms of price, Levitra and Cialis come in brand-name and generic forms. Yet Levitra is typically more costly than Cialis. It’s perhaps a key factor for some men when deciding between the two drugs.
Conclusion:
Overall, Levitra and Cialis treat ED very similarly, but differ enough that either is best for a specific person than the other. Levitra has a short action time and Cialis has a longer window of sexual activity. Levitra is potentially more common and less expensive, but Cialis has a once-daily dosing schedule and more serious side effects. In short, deciding between Levitra and Cialis is something that should be decided with the assistance of a medical professional, based on individual preference and medical history.
