Comparison of PDE5 Inhibitors
Note that currently Viagra and Cialis have generic equivalents available. These have the same efficacy as the brand name if purchased from a registered US pharmacy.
Viagra
(sildenafil)
Oral Pill
- Inexpensive (off-patent)
- Most data available
- Starts working in about 1 hr (best on empty stomach)
- Lasts about 6-12 hrs
- Dosing ranges from 20-100mg
- Common side effects: headache, flushing, dyspepsia, runny nose, and visual disturbances - temporary
- Less effective when taken with fatty meal
- Higher rate of facial flushing and blue green color changes (temporary)
Levitra/Staxyn
(vardenafil)
Oral Pill or Disintegrating Tablet
- Option for oral dissolvable tablet (half dose)
- Fewer visual color changes (temporary)
- Starts working in about 45-90 minutes
- Lasts about 6-12 hrs
- Dosing ranges from 5-20mg
- Pricing more expensive than Viagra/Cialis but less than Stendra (avanafil)
- Common side effects: headache, flushing, dyspepsia, runny nose - temporary
- Distinct risk: heart rhythm issue (QT prolongation) - typically only an issue if on other medicines which also prolong the QT interval
Cialis
(tadalafil)
Oral Pill
- Inexpensive (off-patent)
- Effective for 24-36 hrs
- Fewer headaches and visual color changes (temporary)
- Options for daily vs on-demand dosing
- Dosing ranges from 5-20mg
- Starts working in 1-2 hrs
- Common side effects: headache, flushing, dyspepsia, runny nose - temporary
- Distinct risk: muscle/back pain (~10%) - temporary
Stendra
(avanafil)
Oral Pill
- Rapid onset (~30 min)
- Fewer visual color changes (temporary)
- Shorter duration of action (~3-9 hrs)
- Lasts about 6-12 hrs
- Dosing ranges from 50-200mg
- Expensive on-patent
- Common side effects: headache, flushing, dyspepsia, runny nose - temporary