Viagra and the other ED drugs that followed in its wake all belong to a family of medications known as PDE5 inhibitors, so called because they temporarily disable an enzyme known as phosphodiesterase-5, known to interfere with optimal blood flow.
However, there are subtle — and not so subtle — differences in how quickly these drugs take effect and how long their effects last.
If the ED drug you’re now taking isn’t performing as well as you’d like or is causing side effects that you find bothersome, by all means, consider switching to another to see if that one performs more to your liking. Here, courtesy of MedShadow.org, are brief profiles of the five PDE5 inhibitors available on the U.S. market:
- Viagra (sildenafil citrate) should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity; its effects last four to five hours. It can be taken with or without food, but it may be slower to take effect if taken with a high-fat meal.
- Levitra (vardenafil hydrochloride) should be taken 60 minutes before sexual activity. Its effects last up to five hours. Avoid taking with grapefruit juice, which can increase side effects.
- Cialis (tadalafil) is available in two different formulations. Daily Cialis, lower in strength, must be taken daily to enable the user to achieve an erection whenever the need arises. Cialis as needed takes effect in as little as 30 minutes, and its effects can last up to 36 hours.
- Staxyn (vardenafil hydrochloride) is an orosoluble (quickly dissolves in the mouth) pill with the same active ingredient as Levitra. It takes effect in as little as 20 to 30 minutes, and its effects last up to eight hours.
- Stendra should be taken 30 minutes before sexual activity, but it has been known to take effect in as little as 10 or 15 minutes. Its effects generally last up to six hours.
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