The Levitra vs Cialis Debate

Today, pharmaceutical options available when treating erectile dysfunction, have become increasingly efficient and reliable, yet so abstract for choice. Rather than the effectiveness of a drug, a man’s major problem today, is selecting the best available medication from an assortment of brand names. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved over six popular oral treatments for erectile dysfunction, the most common being generic Cialis, Levitra, Viagra, and Spedra. The question then emerges, on which among these medications is the most suitable and effective. The present article will briefly address the debate on Cialis and Levitra, from a user perspective.

Basic Functionality of Cialis and Levitra

Both Cialis and Levitra have been approved as effective oral treatments of erectile dysfunction upon prescription. Cialis was approved by FDA on 21 November 2003, while Levitra was approved two months earlier, on 20 August 2003. Both drugs function by increasing a man’s blood flow into the penis, and in the process stimulating his erection and sexual drive.

Cialis is packed in doses of 5, 10, and 20-milligram tablets, while Levitra is packed in doses of 2.5, 5, 10 and 20-milligram tablets. Both drugs should be stored within room temperature of between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius. The yellow or yellow-orange almond-shaped Cialis tablets inhibit the Phosphodiesterase Type 5 enzyme, to relax muscles in the penis and thus increase blood flow. Similarly, the flame-orange round tablets of Levitra inhibit the phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme to relax penis muscles and thus trigger an erection.

Similarities and Differences of Cialis and Levitra

To begin with, Levitra works faster than Cialis, particularly for men for whom a Viagra dosage is ineffective. However, Levitra dosage is incident-based, where a man times his intake with his plans for sexual activity. In contrast, a man can regularly take a daily dosage of Cialis without having to time his intake with incidental sexual activity. This reality explains why Cialis is commonly dubbed the ‘Weekend Pill’. Upon intake, Cialis lasts for up to 36 hours, with a half-life of over 18 hours. Levitra however, only works for a shorter period with a half-life of between 4 and 5 hours.

While the appropriate dose of Cialis varies by the user, it is a standard recommendation to swallow the tablet at least half an hour prior to sexual intercourse. In contrast, it is recommended that a user should swallow the Levitra tablet at least an hour before sexual intercourse. Recent empirical research has established however established that Levitra often works faster than any comparable drug in the market. A user can take up to 10 milligrams of Levitra daily, with or without food. In contrast, a user who prefers taking Cialis should ingest 2.5 milligrams daily, with or without food, but grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and fatty foods are highly discouraged before swallowing a Cialis tablet.

Both drugs are functionally credited for treating erectile dysfunction. Cialis however, has an additional function of treating pulmonary heart disease. Upon consumption, 60% of Cialis is excreted in feces, and the remaining 30 - 40% excreted in urine. For Levitra, between 91% and 95% is excreted in feces, and between 2% and 6% is excreted in urine. Finally, regarding potential side effects, Cialis may trigger facial flushing, dizziness, chest pain, headaches, low blood pressure, and congestion. Levitra on the other hand, may cause chest pain, low blood pressure, facial flushing, blurred vision, stomach upsets, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, flu, abnormal ejaculation, and a painful erection. In comparison, both drugs have similar side effects, although Levitra portends more serious implications, than Cialis.

The Better Option between Cialis and Levitra

Based on their basic functionality therefore, it is hard to make a professional recommendation on the best option between the two oral treatments for erectile dysfunction. Such a recommendation portends significant bias against an accurate and reliable generalization. Their effectiveness can only be judged based on the unique traits of the user.

From the perspective of the user, therefore, the choice of which medication to use should be based on personal experience. It is recommended that a user should try out both of these drugs and keenly observe their experience, before making a choice. As highlighted above, the decision a user makes should be based on the resultant side effects if any, speed of response, duration of impact, reliability of blood flow and erection, as well as suitability and convenience of dosage. Only then can a user select their best and most suitable medication, between the two competing brands.