Cialis, Viagra, Levitra, and Stendra features Viagra Cialis What strengths does it come in? 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg What's the typical dosage? 50 mg 10 mg as needed or 2.5 mg daily When do I take it? 30–60 minutes before sex 30 minutes before sex How long does it work? 4 hours up to 36 hours 4 more rows
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Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Read more about our vetting process. Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, and Stendra are oral medications used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). You may also know them by their generic names: sildenafil (Viagra)
tadalafil (Cialis)
vardenafil (Levitra)
avanafil (Stendra) About 30 million American men occasionally have a problem with getting or keeping an erection, according to the Urology Care Foundation. When ED becomes a problem, many turn to these oral ED medications. They often help address the issue. The medications work in similar ways. However, they also have some key differences, such as when you take them, how long they work, and what their side effects are.
How these medications work Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, and Stendra are all in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These drugs work by blocking the PDE5 enzyme. They also boost a chemical in your body called nitric oxide. This action encourages the muscles in your penis to relax. Relaxed muscles allow blood to flow freely, so you can get an erection when you’re aroused. It also helps you maintain the erection long enough to have sex.
Cialis vs. Viagra Unlike Viagra and the other PDE5 inhibitors, Cialis is also approved to treat enlarged prostate. Both Viagra and Cialis can be taken 30 minutes before sexual activity. However, Cialis lasts much longer and is noteworthy for the amount of time it remains in your body. You may feel the effects of the drug up to 36 hours after you take it. The fact that it comes in a low dose of 2.5 milligrams (mg) also means that you can take Cialis every day. A daily dose will ensure that the drug’s always in your system. If you take Cialis, there’s a chance of limb pain. This side effect is not associated with any other oral ED drugs. Similarities Differences They’re both PDE5 inhibitors. Cialis lasts up to 36 hours in the body, while Viagra lasts 4–6 hours in the body. Both are taken 30 minutes before sex. Cialis can cause limb pain, while Viagra can cause vision change, rash, and dizziness. Side effects include flushing, back pain, headaches, muscle pain, and upset stomach. Pros of Cialis lasts longer than Viagra
unaffected by food intake Cons of Cialis may cause limb pain Pros of Viagra leaves the body faster than Cialis, which may be helpful if you’re concerned about side effects Cons of Viagra may cause vision changes, rash, nausea, and dizziness
Levitra vs. Viagra Viagra can take 30 to 60 minutes to work in the body, while Levitra takes 60 minutes. The effects of both drugs last for about 4 hours. Levitra does have fewer common side effects than Viagra, and it’s not associated with rash or muscle aches. Vision color changes are considered side effects of both Viagra and Levitra. Similarities Differences They’re both PDE5 inhibitors. Viagra can be taken 30 minutes before sex, while Levitra should be taken 1 hour before. Side effects include stuffy or runny nose, headaches, vision changes, dizziness, flushing, and back pain. Levitra may increase creatine kinase levels, a sign of possible muscle injury, but is not associated with rash or muscle aches that may occur with Viagra. Pros of Levitra not known to cause rash or muscle aches, which is a side effect of Viagra Cons of Levitra takes longer to kick in than Viagra Pros of Viagra works faster than Levitra Cons of Viagra may cause rash and muscle aches
Stendra vs. Viagra Stendra is the newest drug on the market. No generic version is available for sale yet. A hallmark of Stendra is its fast-acting nature. You can take the 100-mg and 200-mg doses as shortly as 15 minutes before sexual activity. As a second-generation medication, Stendra also seems to have milder side effects than Viagra and the other PDE5 inhibitors that came before it. Side effects commonly caused by Viagra — but not Stendra — include vision changes, nausea, and muscle aches. The only common side effect caused by Stendra — but not Viagra — is a sore throat. Similarities Differences They’re both PDE5 inhibitors. Stendra can be taken 15 minutes before sex, while Viagra should be taken at least 30 minutes beforehand. Side effects include stuffy or runny nose, headaches, flushing, and back pain. Viagra can cause side effects including nausea, muscle aches, vision changes, and rashes. Pros of Stendra works within 15 minutes
lasts slightly longer than Viagra Cons of Stendra fewer side effects than Viagra Pros of Viagra leaves the body faster than Stendra, which may be helpful if you’re concerned about side effects Cons of Viagra takes longer to work than Stendra
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Levitra vs. Cialis As mentioned earlier, Cialis can be used as a daily medication to treat enlarged prostate, unlike Levitra, which is strictly used as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. Cialis is also faster acting than Levitra. You can take it 30 minutes before sexual activity, while you should take Levitra at least 1 hour in advance. Cialis and Levitra both have similar side effects, but some side effects unique to Cialis include muscle aches and pain in the limbs. Similarities Differences They’re both PDE5 inhibitors. Cialis can be taken 30 minutes before sex, while Levitra should be taken at least 60 minutes beforehand. Side effects include stuffy or runny nose, headaches, flushing, upset stomach, indigestion, and back pain. Cialis can cause muscle aches and pain in the limbs, while Levitra does not. Pros of Levitra leaves the body faster than Cialis, which may be helpful if you’re concerned about side effects Cons of Levitra takes longer to kick in than Cialis Pros of Cialis works more quickly than Levitra
effects last longer than Levitra Cons of Cialis may cause muscle aches and limb pain
Cialis, Viagra, Levitra, and Stendra features Here are the basic features of each of these drugs: Viagra Cialis Levitra Stendra What’s the generic name? sildenafil tadalafil vardenafil avanafil Is a generic version available? yes yes yes no What form does it come in? oral tablet oral tablet oral tablet oral tablet What strengths does it come in? 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg What’s the typical dosage? 50 mg 10 mg as needed or 2.5 mg daily 10 mg (5 mg if you’re 65 years or older) 100 mg When do I take it? 30–60 minutes before sex 30 minutes before sex 60 minutes before sex 15 minutes before sex for 100 mg and 200 mg, 30 minutes before sex for 50 mg How long does it work? 4 hours up to 36 hours 4–5 hours 6 hours How do I store it? around room temperature, between 68–77°F (20–25°C) at 77°F (25°C) at 77°F (25°C) around room temperature, between 68–77°F (20–25°C) These medications are available in a variety of doses, ranging from 2.5 mg to 200 mg. You can take all of them with or without food. However, taking Viagra, Levitra, or Stendra after eating a high fat meal does slow the rate of absorption. Most of them stay in your bloodstream for about 4 to 5 hours. Cialis is the exception, as it remains in your bloodstream for up to 36 hours. The length of time a drug stays in your system may be important if you’re taking other medications. Do not take any of these medications more than once in a 24-hour period.
Side effects The side effects of these medications are mostly similar, and they’re usually mild. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects that linger and do not go away on their own. Below are the most common side effects, according to their manufacturers: Side effect Viagra Cialis Levitra Stendra stuffy or runny nose x x x x headache x x x x dizziness x x upset stomach x x x nausea x indigestion x x x vision changes x x rash x flushing x x x x back pain x x x x pain in the limbs x muscle aches x x sore throat x Priapism warning If you have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, contact your doctor right away. This condition, known as priapism, is a risk associated with all of these ED drugs.
Cost of ED medication with insurance To get any ED medication, you’ll need a prescription. You can get a prescription through your primary care doctor or online through telehealth companies. Unless prescribed by a doctor, online ED medications are not FDA-approved. They may contain ineffective or harmful ingredients. Usually, you’ll go to the pharmacy to pick up your Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, or Stendra prescription. If you have health insurance, keep in mind that most insurance companies will not cover the cost of your prescription. But if you have certain medical conditions, your insurance plan may pay for the drug with prior authorization. The exact price you pay for any drug will depend on your insurance plan, if you have one, and your pharmacy. If you’re on a tighter budget, it’s also worth considering generic versions of ED medications like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. They can be just as effective at treating ED and are available at a fraction of the cost. If your insurance company covers brand-name ED medications, they’re very likely to cover generics, too, which will bring down the price even further.
Cost of ED medication without insurance If your insurance plan doesn’t cover ED medication or you don’t have insurance, you can still get FDA-approved medication through a reputable source — but the price will be higher. Online ED treatment companies, like Roman, Hims, and Lemonaid, all offer ED medication (brand name and generic) even without insurance. Because these medications require a doctor’s prescription, you’ll need to meet with a doctor first. Most of these online providers allow you to meet with a licensed doctor in your state virtually. These prices can vary based on your state, subscription package discounts, and whether you have the prescription mailed to you or filled through a pharmacy. Here’s a quick look at what you can generally expect to pay, as of September 2022, through these services: Viagra Generic Viagra (sildenafil) Daily Cialis Generic daily Cialis (tadalafil) Roman $70 per dose $2 per dose $13 per dose $8 per dose Hims $139 per dose $3 per dose $958 per month $82 per month Lemonaid — $2 per dose — $8 per dose
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When to contact a doctor It’s normal to lose your erection sometimes. Several factors can cause short-term erection issues, from anxiety and stress to just simply not being aroused or interested in a sexual encounter. But if you’re having difficulties becoming erect or maintaining an erection throughout sex several times a week for longer than 4 weeks, it may be worth talking with a doctor to see whether you may be experiencing ED. While ED can be more common as someone ages, it can affect males at almost any age. Talk with your doctor about what you have been experiencing. Ask them about what treatments they recommend. Sometimes, just making lifestyle changes, like to your nutrition, work routine, or home life, can improve ED symptoms. If your doctor believes you could benefit from ED medication, they can discuss your treatment options and prescribe the best ED medication for you. Additionally, your doctor can check in with you if you start to experience any side effects from using Viagra or a similar ED medication.
Frequently asked questions about Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, and Stendra Are Cialis and Viagra the same? No. Although Cialis and Viagra are both PDE5 inhibitors that boost nitric oxide in your body to help with ED, they’re different medications. Cialis comes in a lower dose than Viagra and can be taken daily. Also, the effects of Cialis last longer than the effects of Viagra. How long does it take for Cialis to peak? It depends on the individual and the level of arousal. It’s recommended that you take Cialis 30 minutes before engaging in sexual activity, but it may take as long as 2 hours to take effect. Cialis also requires sexual stimulation in order to work, so arousal also factors into this equation. Do ED medications make you last longer? These medications are meant to help you have an erection long enough to have sex. However, medications like Viagra aren’t approved to treat premature ejaculation. Can Viagra and Cialis be taken together? It’s unnecessary to take Viagra and Cialis together. They’re both PDE5 inhibitors that help achieve the same goal. Your doctor can help you decide which would be best for you, but there’s no need to take both. Is there a generic of Stendra? No, there is currently no generic of Stendra available in the United States. Which ED medication is best? It depends on the individual. While all ED medications help achieve the same goal, they differ in dosage, length of effects, and potential side effects. Consider all of these factors when determining which ED medication might work best for you. Which ED medication causes the fewest side effects? Stendra has the fewest side effects. Viagra, although the most well-known, has the most side effects.
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