Three Most Common Erectile Dysfunction Drugs in Canada
Viagra, Cialis and Levitra in Brief
Between one and three million Canadian men over the age of 18 experience moderate to severe erectile dysfunction. The Canadian Study of Erectile Dysfunction found that by the time men reach the age of 40, nearly one-in-two (49.4%) will experience ED. This common condition — usually defined as an inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse for more than three months — can cause serious distress for both himself and his partner.
In some cases, ED can be reversed or remedied by simple changes to lifestyle choices. Nicotine use, a diet high in sugars and fats, and lack of exercise can all contribute to erectile function issues. But when changes to lifestyle and overall health don’t get the job done, Candians have a range of prescription medical options to turn to.
*Important* None of the drugs listed below should be taken without professional medical consultation. While this article touches on some of the side effects, best practices and doses, your doctor is the best resource to help you understand if prescription options are right for you. Serious drug interactions can occur with these medicines, therefore it is imperative that your doctor is made aware of any medications currently being taken.
Viagra / Sildenafil
Sildenafil (sold under the brand name Viagra) has been used to treat ED in Canada since 2003. The blue diamond-shaped tablet is taken orally and available by prescription only. It is part of a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Viagra relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow to the penis. When combined with sexual stimulation, the drug results in an increased ability to achieve and maintain an erection. Viagra is commonly available in 50mg and 100mg doses, depending on patients’ needs and previous experience with PDE5 inhibitors.
The active ingredient in Viagra begins to take effect within 30–60 minutes and lasts between 4–6 hours. It can be taken once per 24-hour period. Common side effects of sildenafil/Viagra are headache, flushing, dry mouth and upset stomach. Rare or serious side effects include sudden decrease in vision, sudden decrease or loss of hearing, ringing in the ears and dizziness. It can also rarely result in an erection lasting more than 4 hours. Anyone experiencing these serious side effects should seek medical attention immediately.
Cialis/Tadalafil
Tadalafil (brand name Cialis) is another commonly used drug in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in Canada. Like Viagra, it is a PDE5 inhibitor, available by prescription only and taken orally. Unlike Viagra, Cialis is sold in the form of an oval-shaped orange pill. It too has a mechanism of action similar to that of Viagra, in that it relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow to the penis resulting in increased erectile function.
Tadalafil is available in a variety of doses. The 20mg and up doses are to be taken as needed (no more than once per 24 hours), approximately 1–2 hours prior to sexual activity. Cialis remains in the bloodstream much longer than Viagra — up to 36 hours. It is also available in a smaller, once-daily dose of 5mg. Though it may take 2–3 days for the daily dose to produce noticeable effects, it allows men to be primed for sexual activity at all times. Its common and rare side effects are similar to those of Viagra.
Levitra/Vardenafil
Another option for men in Canada who experience erectile dysfunction is vardenafil, commonly sold under the brand name Levitra. It also belongs to the PDE5 inhibitor class of drugs. Levitra is taken orally and comes in an orange-coloured circular pill. It usually takes 60 minutes before effects are noticeable and remains active for up to 4–6 hours. It works via a similar mechanism to Viagra and Cialis and shares many of the same side effects. It’s available in a variety of doses, including 10mg.
Availability
Advances in online pharmacies and tele-health have allowed for virtual appointments with doctors who can assess symptoms and decide if prescription medicine for ED is right for you. If medicine is prescribed, the appropriate medicine and dosage can be shipped directly to your door in discreet packaging.
Erectile dysfunction should not go ignored. And thanks to improvements in our understanding of underlying causes and how to treat it, men have several options for reversing ED.
