Viagra is an effective and well-working medication for erectile dysfunction treatment. Doctors often prescribe this oral drug to men who face a weak erection very often or every time they have sex. Viagra belongs to the drug class of PDE5 inhibitors. These medications work by relaxing the blood vessels in the pelvic region and help to attain the firmness of the penis during intercourse. However, you can also use other medicines belonging to the same drug class for the treatment of erection problems. Some of them are Cialis, Levitra, and Spedra, also known with their generic names tadalafil, Vardenafil, and Avanafil, respectively. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before you take any of these medications.
Do PDE5 medicines treat only erectile dysfunction?
Some medications like Viagra, Levitra, and Spedra belonging to the drug class of PDE5 inhibitors treat only ED. However, Cialis can help treat two medical conditions in men, erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). You and your doctor may sit together and select the best suitable treatment.
How long do ED pills last?
Although all ED pills work in a similar way to treat erection problems, the durability may vary from one medicine to the other. Let’s discuss when you should take these pills and how long they last.
- Viagra
Also known with its generic name sildenafil, Viagra lasts for around 5-6 hours. Doctors prescribe taking it 15-30 minutes before you have intercourse.
- Cialis
Cialis may show its effect for around 35 hours. You should take it half an hour before you have sex if you use it for erectile dysfunction treatment. However, to know the durability of Cialis in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), consult with your doctor.
- Levitra
It may show its effect quicker than Viagra and Cialis. However, it may last for 3-4 hours. You should take it at the same duration discussed for sildenafil and tadalafil.
- Spedra
It is also known by its other brand name Stendra. It may remain effective for 5-6 hours and taken half an hour before you plan to have intercourse.
What are the side effects of ED pills?
PDE5 inhibitors can effectively help in the treatment of a weak erection. However, they may sometimes result in causing some side effects. They can be minor as well as severe. Let’s learn them.
Viagra may show the following side effects-
- Facial flushing
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
In addition, avoid taking Viagra if you have conditions like heart diseases, high blood pressure, and liver and kidney diseases.
Cialis may result in causing the following aftermaths-
- Congestion
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Hypotension
If you have a history of medical conditions like stroke, stomach ulcers, sickle cell anemia, and heart diseases, avoid using Cialis.
People using Levitra can develop the following after-effects-
- Indigestion
- Color blindness
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Stomach problems
Do not use this medication if you have a medical history of hearing problems, irregular penis shape, stomach ulcers, heart diseases, and sickle cell anemia.
Spedra can help in erectile dysfunction treatment and show a low risk of side effects compared to other ED medications. However, it can sometimes lead to cause the following side effects-
- Sore throat
- Priapism, a prolonged erection
- Headache
- Vision problems
- Runny nose
- Low blood pressure
Your doctor should warn you from taking Spedra if you have a medical record of severe vision loss, kidney or liver diseases, heart diseases, penis conditions, and stomach ulcers. Above all, it is significant to know that it is not the complete list of side effects and warnings for the ED medications. Therefore, you should consult with your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of the treatment you are taking. In addition, if your side effects turn severe, seek medical help immediately.
