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Cialis vs Levitra
Introduction
For patients dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED), specific medications that increase the blood flow to the penis can be beneficial for managing symptoms and improving sexual performance. Cialis and Levitra are two such drugs commonly prescribed for ED. Both work by relaxing muscles in the walls of blood vessels, which increases blood flow to particular areas of the body, including the penis. Cialis contains tadalafil as an active ingredient, while Levitra contains vardenafil. While both medications function similarly, there are subtle differences between them: Cialis may last longer in the system (up to 36 hours) compared to Levitra (about 4-5 hours), making it a more flexible option for individuals who value spontaneity or require long-lasting effects.
What is Cialis?
Tadalafil (the generic name for Cialis) was a significant development in the class of drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors, which are used to treat erectile dysfunction and symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy. Tadalafil was first approved by the FDA in 2003. Cialis works by increasing blood flow to certain areas of the body, specifically the penis, by relaxing smooth muscle cells lining blood vessels. It is prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia but can also be used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. Cialis has a selective inhibition on phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5), with minor effects on other phosphodiesterases, resulting in it having fewer side effects than other drugs that have stronger inhibitory effects on these other enzymes.
Vardenafil (Levitra) offers similar benefits; however, its effect starts slightly faster and doesn't last as long as Tadalafil's does. Both medications function similarly in terms of effectiveness and safety profile but may vary based on individual response.
What conditions is Cialis approved to treat?
Cialis is approved for the treatment of different conditions that include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is a condition where the prostate gland enlarges causing problems with urination.
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension, a type of high blood pressure affecting the arteries in the lungs and the right side of your heart.
How does Cialis help with these illnesses?
Cialis helps to manage erectile dysfunction by increasing the amount of nitric oxide available in the penile tissue. It does this by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP is a substance that relaxes and widens blood vessels and smooth muscle cells, which allows more blood to flow into the penis leading to an erection. Nitric oxide released during sexual stimulation leads to the creation of cGMP. By blocking PDE5, Cialis ensures that levels of cGMP remain high for longer periods of time enabling sustained erections. Levitra works on similar lines but there are slight differences in how long they take effect or how long they last, making one preferable over another depending on individual health conditions and lifestyle choices.
What is Levitra?
Levitra, the brand name for vardenafil, is a type of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5 inhibitor), meaning it works by relaxing muscles and increasing blood flow to certain areas of the body. It was first approved by the FDA in 2003 as an oral medication for erectile dysfunction. Unlike Cialis (tadalafil), which can last up to 36 hours, Levitra's effects are typically shorter-lived at around four to five hours per dose. However, this does not mean that it's less effective; instead, some patients prefer Levitra because they find its shorter duration more manageable and predictable compared to Cialis. As with other drugs in its class, common side effects include headaches, flushing and indigestion but these are usually mild and temporary. The ability of Levitra to boost blood flow can be beneficial especially for men who do not respond well or have contraindications with other ED medications like Cialis.
What conditions is Levitra approved to treat?
Levitra, known generically as vardenafil, is authorized for the treatment of:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition where men struggle to attain or maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity.
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which is high blood pressure in the arteries leading to the lungs. This can decrease the exercise capacity in both men and women.
How does Levitra help with these illnesses?
Levitra, like Cialis, is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, and it plays a crucial role in the process of achieving an erection by promoting blood flow to the penis. It does this by relaxing smooth muscle cells lining blood vessels that supply corpus cavernosum of the penis thereby enhancing erectile response when stimulated. Levitra's action on PDE5 may also play roles in its effectiveness as a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). Since it has a faster onset than Cialis, Levitra is often preferred when sexual activity is expected within a few hours after taking the pill. However, while both medications have similar efficacy levels, specific characteristics such as duration of effect or individual tolerance can guide whether Cialis or Levitra would be best for each patient's situation.
How effective are both Cialis and Levitra?
Both tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra) are well-established in their effectiveness for treating erectile dysfunction, with their approval by the FDA occurring within a year of each other. They work through similar mechanisms, primarily involving the inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme which results in enhanced blood flow to the penis thereby aiding erections. A double-blind clinical trial conducted in 2003 compared these two drugs and found them to exhibit comparable efficacy in managing symptoms of erectile dysfunction as well as promising safety profiles.
A review conducted in 2012 on tadalafil highlighted that it starts showing its therapeutic effect from the first dose itself, has fewer side effects compared to many other ED medications, and is generally well-tolerated across various age groups including elder populations. The same study mentions that due to its prolonged half-life enabling less frequent dosing schedule and consistent efficacy, tadalafil has become one of the most widely prescribed drugs for erectile dysfunction worldwide. Typically administered at an optimal dose of 20 mg before sexual activity but can also be taken daily at lower doses for more spontaneous sexual activity.
A meta-analysis carried out in 2014 indicated that vardenafil tends to be more effective than placebo when treating ED and shows equivalent efficacy compared to other common PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil or tadalafil. However, while very effective, it's typically considered after or alongside first-line treatments because its shorter duration action requires precise timing relative to sexual activity unlike Cialis which offers a longer window opportunity due its extended duration action up-to-36 hours known as "weekend pill". Despite this limitation data regarding vardenafil's standalone treatment success remains robust demonstrating significant improvement amongst patients suffering from all degrees of ED severity including those unresponsive towards sildenafil therapy.
At what dose is Cialis typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Cialis range from 2.5–20 mg/day, but research has shown that a dose of 10 mg prior to anticipated sexual activity is efficient for most individuals. The dosage can be increased to 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg, based on individual efficacy and tolerability. For daily use in treatment of erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the recommended dose is 2.5-5mg taken at approximately the same time every day without regard to timing of sexual activity. In contrast, Levitra dosages typically start at 10 mg, taken orally about one hour before sexual activity; this dosage can be increased after several weeks if there's no response up to a maximum dose of 20mg per day.
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At what dose is Levitra typically prescribed?
Levitra treatment is typically initiated at a dosage of 10 mg/day, taken orally about 60 minutes prior to sexual activity. This dose can then be increased to a maximum of 20 mg or reduced to 5 mg, based on individual efficacy and tolerability. The recommended dosing frequency for Levitra is once per day. Note that sexual stimulation is required for a response to treatment with Levitra. If there's no improvement in erectile function after taking the initial dosage for several attempts, it may be advisable to adjust your dosage following consultation with your healthcare provider.
What are the most common side effects for Cialis?
Common side effects of Cialis and Levitra include:
- Headache
- Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
- Dyspepsia (upset stomach, indigestion)
- Back pain or muscle aches
- Nasal congestion
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Abnormal ejaculation
- Changes in vision (such as increased sensitivity to light)
With both medications there is also an increased risk for prolonged erections lasting more than 4 hours which requires immediate medical attention. Always consult your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual symptoms while taking these medicines.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Cialis?
Using Cialis or Levitra comes with the potential for some serious side effects, including:
- Allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
- Symptoms of a heart attack: chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder; irregular heartbeat
- Vision changes or sudden vision loss
- Ringing in your ears (tinnitus) or sudden hearing loss
- Erection that is painful and lasts 4 hours or longer (priapism)
- Severe dizziness and fainting
Also be aware of signs indicating a stroke - such as sudden numbness/weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, severe headache. If you experience any of these symptoms while using either Cialis or Levitra consult your doctor immediately.
What are the most common side effects for Levitra?
When taking Levitra, some may experience the following side effects:
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Upset stomach
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Back pain
- A sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears and dizziness (rare)
- Changes in vision such as sudden decreased vision or color changes (rare)
- Headache
- Flushing (feeling of warmth)
Are there any potential serious side effects for Levitra?
While Levitra is generally well-tolerated, it can cause certain side effects in some individuals. Situations in which you should seek medical attention immediately include:
- Signs of an allergic reaction like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Changes in vision such as sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden decrease or loss of hearing often accompanied by ringing ears and dizziness
- An erection that lasts more than 4 hours (prolonged erections can damage the penis)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness
If you notice any unusual health changes while taking Levitra - whether they're listed here or not - consult your healthcare provider promptly.
Contraindications for Cialis and Levitra?
Both Cialis and Levitra, along with other medications for erectile dysfunction (ED), may lower blood pressure significantly in some individuals. If you notice symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or even heart attack or stroke symptoms while using these medications, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Cialis nor Levitra should be taken if you are taking nitrate drugs commonly prescribed for chest pain or angina. Always inform your physician about any medications you are currently on; nitrates can interact dangerously with ED medications leading to a serious drop in blood pressure.
Also, take caution when consuming alcohol while on either of these drugs as it may increase the risk of side effects such as headache, dizziness and changes in blood pressure. It's always best to consult your doctor before mixing medication with alcohol consumption.
How much do Cialis and Levitra cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 10 tablets of Cialis (20 mg) averages around $500, which works out to about $50 per use.
- The price for 10 tablets of Levitra (20 mg) is slightly higher at approximately $520 or about $52 per use.
Thus, if you are using either drug as needed and not every day, Levitra will be slightly more expensive on a per-use basis. However, it's important to remember that cost should not be the primary factor in choosing between these two medications.
As for generic versions known as Tadalafil (Cialis) and Vardenafil (Levitra), costs are significantly lower:
- Tadalafil can range from around $2 to $5 per pill depending on dose strength and quantity bought.
- Vardenafil prices vary but tend to be slightly pricier than its counterpart, averaging around $3-$6 per tablet.
However, actual prices can depend upon your pharmacy and any insurance coverage you may have.
Popularity of Cialis and Levitra
Tadalafil, in generic form as well as brand names such as Cialis, was estimated to have been prescribed to about 7.9 million men in the US during 2020. Tadalafil accounted for almost 30% of erectile dysfunction prescriptions in the United States. Its popularity has been gradually increasing since its approval by FDA due to its longer duration of action.
Vardenafil, including brand versions such as Levitra, was prescribed to approximately 2.5 million people across America in 2020. In the US, vardenafil accounts for just over 10% of erectile dysfunction prescriptions; despite having a similar efficacy and side effect profile with tadalafil (Cialis), it is less popular due to its shorter duration of action relative to Cialis. The prevalence of vardenafil use has remained relatively steady over the past decade.
Conclusion
Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil) are both well-established treatments for erectile dysfunction, with a wealth of clinical data demonstrating their notable efficacy compared to placebo. In some cases, the two drugs can be used interchangeably; however, this should always be under the guidance of a physician due to potential interactions. Cialis and Levitra have distinct pharmacological profiles: Cialis works up to 36 hours while Levitra typically lasts for about 4-5 hours. This time difference often informs prescribing decisions.
Both medications are available in generic form which provides significant savings for patients paying out-of-pocket. An adjustment period may also apply when starting either drug as it might take some men a few attempts using each medication before they experience the full effect.
The side effects between these two drugs are comparable, with common ones including headaches, flushing and nasal congestion being generally tolerable. However, Cialis is less likely than Levitra to cause visual disturbances as a side effect. As with any medication therapy, individuals should monitor their response closely when initiating treatment and consult healthcare professionals promptly if adverse symptoms occur or worsen.