ED medications and their characteristics

ED medications and their characteristics

ED medications and their characteristics

Among the available ED (Erectile Dysfunction) medications today, there are 3 kinds: Viagra, Levitra (Main ingredient: Vardenafil hydrochloride hydrate), and Cialis (Main ingredient: Tadalafil). Although you might have heard of these names, not so many of you may know the differences of each medicine’s efficacy and side effects. We will explain the characteristics of each ED medications in this article.

Viagra (main ingredient: sildenafil citrate)

Viagra is the first and the most widely sold ED medicine in the market with its name value. The invention was discovered in the process of inventing angina treatment originally, but the ED improvement effect was found in the course of research and development. The characteristics of Viagra are as follows:

  • Most effectively keeps erection at strong stiffness compared with other 2 kinds of medicines

Many middle-aged users reported that they have regained the hardness as when they were in 20s and confirmed the reliable efficacy.

  • Effect appears in 30 to 60 minutes

The effect of Viagra starts appearing approximately 1 hour after intake with a natural sexual arouse, not just happening without any stimulation unnaturally. The effect lasts for 4 to 6 hours.

  • Sensitive to food influences

Compared with the empty stomach, the absorption of effective nutrients becomes dull when taking Viagra after meal. The appearance of effects may be delayed or disappeared. The best timing of taking Viagra is when your stomach is empty such as before (30 mins.) or after (2 hrs.) each meal.

*There is no food influence when you leave more than 30 minutes after taking Viagra.

*Heavy drinking of alcohol may make Viagra ineffective.

    • Light side effects tend to be appeared

    Over 90% users reported the side effects after taking Viagra. These side effects listed below occur when the active ingredients of Viagra expand blood vessels and intensifies the sudden blood steam.

    • Facial flushing
    • Palpitation
    • Headache
    • Stuffy nose

    The symptoms above tend to appear when Viagra starts working and are perceived as a sign of efficacy.

    Levitra (main ingredient: vardenafil hydrochloride hydrate)

    Levitra is the second ED medicine invented and called the improved version of Viagra because its effect is fast and longer than Viagra. The characteristics of Levitra are as follows:

    • Immediate effect

    Levitra has the fastest effect among all ED medicines, and the effect starts appearing in 10 to 20 minutes. The speedy effect is due to its high water-solubility.

    • Effective longer than Viagra

    Since the effect appears faster, some might think it decreases faster as well. Levitra’s effect lasts for 5 to 10 hours, and it is longer than the Viagra’s 4 to 6 hours. This is the best for those who seeks the comfort with extra hours without rushing.

    • Not sensitive to food influences as Viagra

    Levitra was developed in order to solve the problems how Viagra is easily influenced by the timing of having meals. The research had proven that the normal food does not affect the efficacy of Levitra even on empty stomach, but greasy meal or excess amount of alcohols may weaken the effect.

    • Light side effects tend to be appeared

    The side effects listed below tend to be occurring with Levitra.

    • Facial flushing
    • Palpitation
    • Headache
    • Stuffy nose

    As same as Viagra, these symptoms can be perceived as a sign of efficacy to start appearing.

    Cialis (main ingredient: tadalafil)

    Cialis the newest ED medicine and was in the global news with the revolutionary effect time duration of 36 hours. The characteristics of Levitra are as follows:

    • Longest effect time among all ED medicines

    Cialis attracts people with its long effective time to keep the condition up to 36 hours. Many use this during their holidays and call “weekend pill.” Erectility is not as strong as Viagra or Levitra, but you get the space in time and mind as being “ready” anytime and will enjoy the holidays with your partner.

    • Takes a bit longer to be effective
    The only drawback of Cialis is its lack of immediate effectivity, and the effect starts appearing in 1 to 3 hours. Viagra and Levitra immediately start working with higher erectility, Cialis, other the other hand, differs in its gradual effectivity and natural erectility for longer period of time. It is recommended to take Cialis several hours in advance.
    • Almost NO influence with food

    Cialis rarely gets food influence just like Levitra. As long as you do not take too greasy food or excess amount of alcohol, you can enjoy your meals with your partner.

    • Least occurrence of side effects

    Unlike Viagra or Levitra, Cialis is reported that it is unlikely to have side effects because it gets absorbed into body very slowly. Yet the cases of occurrence are not zero, relatively over 30 % of users may experience some light side effects listed below when taking Cialis.

    • Headache
    • Facial flushing
    • Upset stomach

    Incompatible food with ED medicines

    Grapefruit, not only the pulp but includes squeezed juice or other processed foods, is not compatible with most of ED medicines available now. Grapefruit interferes the metabolic enzyme. CYP3A4 and the effect last for 3 to 4 days. Generally, it is better to stay away from grapefruit while you are taking ED medicines. As a reference, other citrus fruits, such as lemon, orange, or tangerine, do not react with ED medicines and safe. *Refer the article, “Beverages you need to be careful with Drug Interaction (1).”

    Who is not recommended?

    ED medicines are not the supplements that anyone can take. Anyone who fall any of below should consult his doctor or pharmacist.

    • Having any heart diseases like angina or heart failure, or who takes any medicines for those diseases
    • Hypotension or hypertension
    • Having any clinical history of cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, myocardial infarction
    • Retinal pigmentary degeneration
    • Having severe liver disorder/damage

    Misunderstood myth about ED medicines

    Because of its strong erectile effect, many people think of ED medicines as stimulants to intensify men’s potency. However, the active ingredients of ED medicines do not work as stimulants or sexual libido promoter either, and sexual arousal and stimulation needed externally.

    Summary

    In this article, we explained the kinds of ED medicines and how they differ from each other. It would be nice if there were some new discoveries for you.

    Each medicines differs in efficacy, effective time, and trends of side effect occurrence. Please choose your best ED medicine whose traits match with your needs. From the viewpoint of safety, those who try ED medicines for the first time want to start from the product with fewer dosage of active ingredients (e.g. For Viagra, choose 25 mg over 50 mg.). 

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