Cialis vs Viagra vs Levitra

Although Viagra is usually the drug of choice for most men who suffer from erectile dysfunction, there are many pharmaceutical companies out there that are trying to give Pfizer a run for its money.

Recently developed drugs, Cialis and Levitra, are the two contenders looking to cut into the Viagra market thus far. Read on to find out what these drugs are all about and if they are, indeed, improved versions of erectile dysfunction (ED) medication.

Now before you start clicking all over the Net to feed your need for an erection breed, I strongly recommend that you consult your physician first.

Cialis

What is it?

Cialis, whose clinical name is Tadalfil , is an oral inhibitor for the treatment of ED. Eli Lilly and Icos Corporation launched it in pharmacies across Europe, New Zealand, and Australia, in February 2003.

Over 4,000 men have participated in more than 60 clinical studies that characterized the safety and efficacy profile of Cialis. In these studies, up to 88% of men experienced improvement with their erections.

The good
Cialis works in as little as 30 minutes, and lasts between 24 and 36 hours. Unlike Viagra, that only lasts about four hours.

As well, like Viagra, Cialis works with your body; if you’re excited, you will get an erection. If you’re not in the mood, your penis won’t be either.

The recommended dosage is 10 to 20 milligrams per usage. The labels indicate that the product should be taken prior to anticipated sexual activity and without regard to food (you can take it on an empty stomach). And for those of you who still aren’t sure, yes, sexual stimulation is required for Cialis to work.

The bad
The most commonly reported side effects are mild to moderate, and may include:

Headache
Upset stomach
Nasal congestion
Backache
Muscle ache
Dizziness
Rhinitis
Flushing

Its use is contraindicated in patients who are taking nitrates, or patients with certain heart diseases, for whom sexual activity itself is already not advisable.

When will it be available?
Although Lilly ICOS received an approval letter for Cialis from the FDA in April 2002, it has not yet been approved for sale in the United States; however, rumor has it that it may be approved before the end of 2003.

Now, find out if Levitra may be what the doctor prescribes…

Levitra

What is it?

Levitra, whose clinical name is Vardenafil HCI , is also an oral inhibitor for the treatment of ED. Bayer HealthCare received marketing authorization for Levitra from the European Commission in March 2003.

The results of a two-year clinical study with over 3,750 men, released in June 2003, reported an improvement in 90% of those tested.

The good
Levitra allows some men to attain an erection in as early as 15 minutes after dosing; while it takes at least 25 minutes for most other medications to take effect. As with Cialis, sexual stimulation is needed to activate the product’s effects.

The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg, taken 25-60 minutes before sexual activity commences. The effects of Levitra can last up to nearly five hours.

The bad
The most commonly reported side effects are mild to moderate, and may include:
Headache
Flushing
Nasal congestion

As with most other erectile medication, Levitra’s use is contraindicated in men taking nitrates, and in men for whom sexual activity is inadvisable.

Levitra has not been studied for the following sub-groups, and its use is therefore discouraged among them, until further information is available: those suffering from hypotension; unstable angina; severe hepatic impairment; end stage renal disease; and those with a recent history of stroke and known hereditary retinal degenerative disorders.

When will it be available?
The drug has recently been approved by regulatory authorities in several Latin American countries and has been submitted for approval to regulatory agencies in all major markets, including the United States. Look for it to go on sale in the U.S. before the end of 2003. Click here for more information.
a word to the wise
There are also many natural herbal ways reputed to remedy erectile dysfunction, such as Ginkgo Biloba, Arginine, and Yohimbe, so you may want to head down to your local pharamcy or health food store and check those out before inquiring further about the chemical variety.

An unfortunate common misconception that men (and women) have is that these ED drugs miraculously ignite sexual interest. That is not true; none of the aforementioned drugs will act as aphrodisiacs; they simply increase bloodflow to the penis — some more quickly than others. Again, it is also important to keep in mind that, although you can purchase these products on-line relatively easily, you should never do so without consulting with your doctor first.