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Ready to fight with ED (erectile dysfunction) but confused about which type of PDE-5 inhibitor to take? You are not the only one. Of the 3 FDA approved PDE-5 inhibitors, Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is definitely the most popular, but popularity alone should not be a determining factor. Most recently approved Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil hydrochloride) is also very effective and very safe alternatives, although they may not be as popular yet. Problem for most people actually decide on the best alternative for them.

First, all three drugs are PDE-5 inhibitors such they help relax compromised or hardened penile arteries allowing more blood to flow into the penis, and then cause an erection. All three drugs also help to maintain a high level of cGMP in the penis. What's cGMP? It means cyclic guanosine monophosphate and it is an incredible substance which is naturally produced by tissues of penis in response to sexual stimulation and which helps to vascular muscle relaxation. At high levels of cGMP are present, the penile arteries become relaxed and natural and stiff erection will occur.

Unfortunately, the majority of men suffering from erectile dysfunction, PDE-5 enzyme neutralizes any available cGMP and without cGMP erection will become flaccid or will not happen at all. That's where PDE-5 inhibitors such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra included these drugs "inhibit" or block the unwanted PDE-5 and, therefore, very much wanted cGMP is allowed to remain in the penis after sexual stimulation occurs, thus facilitating the process of construction and maintenance of the penis erect. The question is, "Since all these drugs have the same effect, why should I choose one over the other?"

Let's compare the three PDE-5 inhibitors side by side to determine their differences:

Producer:

Viagra: Pfizer

Cialis: Eli Lilly ICOS, and

Levitra: GlaxoSmithKline and Bayer

Common name:

Viagra: Sildenafil citrate

Cialis: tadalafil

Levitra: vardenafil hydrochloride

Dosage: Available and Recommended:

Viagra: 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg tablets. Most patients start using the tablets 50 mg and increase or decrease the dosage based on drug tolerance and / or efficiency. Most healthcare practitioners recommend Viagra for 1 hour before sexual activity, but studies have shown that Viagra can actually be taken from 30 minutes to 4 hours before intercourse.

Cialis: 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg tablets. We recommend you start with 10 mg pills and increase or decrease the dose depending on the results achieved. Traditionally, Cialis tablets can be taken 30 minutes to 12 hours before sexual activity. Cialis Soft Tabs (which shall not pass through the digestive process) can be taken about 15 minutes before sexual activity.

Levitra: 2.5-mg, 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg. Most people start at the 10 mg pill and either their way up or down depending on the results achieved. Levitra should be taken anywhere from 25 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity, though some experts claim sex can be initiated in another 15 minutes.

How long does the effect last?

Viagra: approximately 4 hours

Cialis: approximately 17 to 36 hours (That's why they call Cialis the weekend pill.)

Levitra: approximately 5 hours

Approved FDA:

Viagra: March 27, 1998

Cialis: November 1, 2003

Levitra: August 20, 2003

Cost Pill

The cost for each of the 3 drugs is similar though Cialis, usually a little cheaper.

Chance

All three drugs work for approximately 70 percent of all men. Unfortunately, PDE-5 inhibitors will not work for everyone. Some people may need to use alternative treatments such as vacuum pump devices or even penile implants.

Side Effects

All three drugs share most of the same side effects. Some men may experience headaches, flushing, back pain, runny nose, abdominal pain, or even changes in vision (for example: some Viagra studies have shown that in rare cases, people may begin seeing a bluish tinge but that should go after drug was expelled from the body). All these side effects and should not be reason to worry excessively.

None of the three PDE-5 inhibitors should be taken in combination with low blood pressure medications, as this can potentially cause a person to have a heart attack. People with high blood pressure should also take PDE-5 inhibitors only after consulting your doctor. In fact you should never self-prescribe yourself any of the 3 PDE-5 inhibitors or any other prescription drug in this regard. Even if you buy your PDE-5 inhibitors online you must still open up and tell the pharmacist everything he needs to know to properly formulate the correct treatment for you.

What drug is as follows:

Viagra: Small blue tablet engraved with the words "Pfizer" in the middle.

Cialis: Yellow tablet that almond shaped and film coated.

Levitra: Orange tablet with the flame logo.

Noticeable differences

Basically only major difference between the three drugs is that Levitra begins working faster and will work no matter what food you have eaten. Viagra has a proven track record and has been trusted by over 30 million men and Cialis is long lasting. In the end, though, the real choice is up to you.