Cialis, Viagra and Levitra

Cialis, Viagra and Levitra are the only oral drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat erectile dysfunction ( impotence ). They work by increasing the blood flow into the penis so that when a man is sexually stimulated, he can get an erection.
What Are the Differences Between Cialis, Viagra and Levitra?

Drug Name Dosage Time before it starts to act How to take Fatty food/alcohol Effect lasts
Viagra 50mg, 100mg 1 hour take with a glass of water no 3-4 hours
Viagra Soft 50mg, 100mg 15 - 20 minutes put under the tongue till it dissolves yes 6 hours
Cialis 20mg 30 minutes take with a glass of water no 36 hours
Cialis Soft 20mg 15 - 20 minutes put under the tongue till it dissolves yes 24 - 36 hours
Levitra 20mg 10 minutes - 1 hour take with a glass of water no 12 hours

How Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis Work



 

Viagra
Generic Name: Sildenafil citrate (PDF Instructions For Use)
Manufacturer: Pfizer (nyse: PFE - news - people)
Approved By FDA: March 27, 1998
Sounds Like: Vigor, or Niagara
Color: Cooling blue
Cost Of Pill: $88 for ten tablets on drugstore.com
U.S. Sales (2004 Estimate): $919 million*
How Fast Does It Work: The FDA-approved package insert says it takes 30 minutes to 120 minutes, but new studies say it takes less than 15 minutes in most men.
Famous Face: Politician Bob Dole
Recent Promotional Campaign: Young-looking men were happy because they asked their doctor about Viagra.
How It Works: Inhibits an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5), making muscle in the penis more likely to relax and allowing blood to flow in, causing an erection.
Selling Point: Good track record. Has been used by 20 million men worldwide.

Cialis
Generic Name: Tadalafil (PDF Instructions For Use)
Manufacturers: Lilly ICOS LLC
Approved By FDA: November 21 2003
Sounds Like: French "ciel," or sky
Color: Yellow
Cost Of Pill: $88 for ten tablets on drugstore.com
U.S. Sales (2004 Estimate): $272 million*
How Fast Does It Work: Cialis label says to take it 30 minutes before sexual activity, but studies have shown it can work in as little as 15 minutes. May be more likely to work the first time.
Famous Face: None
Recent Promotional Campaign: an actual doctor recites the disclaimer about side effects.
How It Works: Inhibits an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5), making muscle in the penis more likely to relax and allowing blood to flow in, causing an erection.
Selling Point: Works longer. Minimum 36 hours.

Levitra
Generic Name: Vardenafil (PDF Instructions For Use)
Manufacturers: GlaxoSmithKline (nyse: GSK - news - people ), Bayer (nyse: BAY - news - people)
Approved By FDA: Aug. 20, 2003
Sounds Like: Levitate, or la vita, meaning 'life'
Color: Orange (complete with flame logo)
Cost Of Pill: $88 for ten tablets on drugstore.com
U.S. Sales (2004 Estimate): $174 million*
How Fast Does It Work: Levitra label says to take it 60 minutes before sexual activity, but studies have shown it can work in as little as 16 minutes. May be more likely to work the first time.
Famous Face: Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka
Recent Promotional Campaign: Ditka says he has suffered from erectile problems, and encourages men to "stay in the game."
How It Works: Inhibits an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5), making muscle in the penis more likely to relax and allowing blood to flow in, causing an erection.
Selling Point: May work faster, and for men in whom Viagra failed.