Choosing the right drug for erectile dysfunction often becomes a matter of confusion. With availability of number of options for the treatment, it is important to know benefits and harms of each of these erection promoting agents. Cialis and Levitra are commonly used medicines for combating erectile dysfunction.
How do Cialis and Levitra work?
Both of these medications represent same group and hence the working mechanism is pretty much the same, they work by inhibiting the enzyme Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5). This action results in increased concentration in a chemical known as nitric acid. This chemical is a natural muscle relaxant which relaxes the muscles present in penis. Because of it, there will be increased blood flow and erection of penis.
How do they differ?
Cialis contains tadalafil and Levitra contains vardenafil, as active ingredients.
Levitra is comparatively more selective on PDE 5 enzyme. Selectivity means the ability of a drug to bind to the PDE 5 enzyme. Therefore, you require lesser doses of Levitra to produce desired effect. With lesser doses, it also causes lesser side effects.
If you are using Cialis, you need to take it about 15 to 60 minutes before sex. Its effect lasts for longer period (as long as 36 hours).
Similarly, Levitra is also consumed as once a day pill, almost 30 to 60 minutes before sex. However they differs significantly in their duration of action, compared to Cialis. Its effect lasts for about four to six hours.
Both of them are very effective drugs when taken as per instructions.
They differ in side effects too!
As the effect of Cialis lasts for longer period, its side effects are bound to be more, compared to Levitra.
Cialis can cause backache, muscle pain, headache, stomach disturbances, blocked nose etc. Levitra can cause visual disturbances, flushing, headache, stomach disturbances and blocked nose.
Both these drugs can cause “priapism” (painful sustained erection) in rare cases.
How to make the right choice on Cialis or levitra
The choice between Cialis and Levitra is a subjective matter depending upon the individuals. The perfect drug for one person may not be the right choice for other! Because of different pharmacological properties, both drugs have some advantages and disadvantages associated with them. For choosing the right drug between the two, you need to keep your age and associated health conditions in mind.
The draw back with Cialis is its longer duration of action. If you are on antihypertensive medicines like nitrate, Cialis can cause serious adverse effects to you. This is commonly seen amongst old age persons. Therefore it is better to choose Levitra, if your age is high and you are on antihypertensive meds.
For people who are not good planners, the longer action of Cialis is a blessing! It will allow them freedom from planning and timing the dose of medicine. They can take it in morning or afternoon and it will work for almost whole day!
Researchers have shown that Levitra is a better choice for curing erectile dysfunction among patients of diabetes.
Majority of us take decision by peer pressure or following advice of a friend or relative. But it is advisable to keep above discussed points in mind and make the right decision.
