Cialis, Viagra and Levitra in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
There are only three oral ED medicines approved by the Food and Drug Administration: Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra. All of them are aimed at increasing the flow of blood to the penis, as a result, when a man receives sexual stimulation, he can achieve an erection.
What is the difference between Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra?
Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra help achieve erection on the same principle. There is a slight difference in the duration of the effect and the speed of action. Generic Levitra acts a bit longer than Generic Viagra. Both drugs start acting about 30 minutes after administration. Levitra lasts for 5 hours. Viagra is active for about 4 hours.
Generic Cialis starts acting a little faster (already 15 minutes after administration), and its effect persists much longer – in some cases, up to 36 hours.
If these ED drugs do not cure erectile dysfunction, can I try another?
Yes, but since these drugs work on the same principle, most likely, if taking one of the ED medications from XL Pharmacy was ineffective, another drug will unlikely help you, but you can try.
What precautions should I take before taking Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra?
In some situations, taking generic Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra may be insecure. Before you take them, let your doctor know:
- If you have an allergy to PDE5 inhibitors, including Viagra or other drugs for erectile dysfunction;
- Any OTC or prescription drugs that you are currently taking, including herbal supplements;
- If you had surgical intervention, including dental surgery;
- If you are taking nitroglycerine or organic nitrates for back pain. A combination of Cialis, Levitra, or Viagra with these medications can decrease blood pressure;
- If you are taking alpha-blockers for blood pressure or prostate problems. The combination of Cialis or Levitra with these medications can also lower blood pressure to a fatal level.
In addition, always follow the instructions for taking ED medications, and ask your healthcare provider, pharmacist or the representative of XL Pharmacy to explain things unclear to you. Comply with all instructions. Do not take exceed the dose prescribed by the doctor, do not take the medicine more often than it is prescribed. Do not take ED tablets more than once a day.
Contraindications
If you have had a heart attack, an attack on stenocardia or a life-threatening arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) in the last 6 months, you should discuss alternative ED treatments with your attending physician. It is also necessary to refrain from taking medicines from impotence if you have high or low blood pressure, or if you experience chest pain during sex.
Side effects
ED medication side effects are fairly rare but are sometimes manifested. They may include:
- headache;
- upset stomach or heartburn;
- red face (feeling of heat);
- nasal congestion;
- visual disturbances (color perception);
- back pain (from generic Cialis).
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms in severe form or do not disappear for 4-8 hours.
Attention! Call your doctor or call an ambulance as soon as you feel one of the following symptoms:
- heat;
- painful erection;
- a prolonged erection (more than four hours);
- weakness;
- chest pain;
- itching or burning during urination.
Stop taking these medications and contact your doctor immediately if you experience a sudden or progressive loss of vision on one eye or both. A periodic vision problem is called non-arthritis ischemic optic neuropathy. It occurs in a small percentage of men who use generic drugs for erectile dysfunction. Non-arterial ischemic optic neuropathy causes a sharp loss of vision due to the blockage of blood flow to the optic nerve. Men who are more likely to experience non-arterial ischemic optic neuropathy include:
- men over 50;
- smokers;
- men with heart failure;
- men with high blood pressure;
- men with high blood cholesterol levels;
- men with certain vision problems.
How do I store these ED medications?
Cialis, Viagra, and Levitra should be stored in their original packaging in a place not accessible to children. Store them in a cool, dry place (not in the bathroom). Get rid of expired medicines or medicines that are no longer needed.