Two New Erectile Dysfunction Drugs: How They Measure Up Against Viagra

PSA Rising Dec 20, 2003 /Newswise/ — Since Viagra was approved by the FDA in 1998, the number of men diagnosed with erectile dysfunction in the United States has increased by 250 percent. So there is no wonder why two new drugs for the condition have recently hit the market. The January issue of Harvard Health Letter examines Levitra and Cialis and assesses how these drugs measure up against the "first comer," Viagra.

Levitra offers a much smaller dose, 10 milligrams (mg), compared with the usual starting dose of 50 mg for Viagra. Levitra may also work faster— 25–30 minutes compared with an hour for Viagra. Cialis, on the other hand, stays active in the body much longer than the other two drugs 24–36 hours—compared to 4–5 hours for Viagra and Levitra.

The January Harvard Health Letter also examines the three drugs' similarities:

* They all work by relaxing smooth muscle cells, thereby widening blood vessels.
* None of the drugs automatically produce an erection. Rather, they make an erection possible with sexual arousal.
* Resulting side effects are comparable and may include headaches, heartburn, and flushing.
* The FDA advises against mixing these drugs with alpha blockers and nitrate medications.

Even with the introduction of these two new drugs, the decision to medicate erectile dysfunction should be carefully considered with a physician and will vary among male patients.

Some men achieve stronger erections by injecting drugs into the penis, causing it to become engorged with blood. Drugs such as alprostadil (marketed as Caverject) widen blood vessels. These drugs, injected with a small, fine needle, may cause scarring or, more rarely, occasionally persistent erection called Priapism ( "If your erection lasts for an unusual period of time, go directly to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. Although this can be embarrassing, waiting to long to correct priapism can result in permanent damage" Sexual Health Info Center). A muscle relaxant rubbed on the penis can enhance erection.

A mechanical vacuum device ("pump") can cause erection by creating partial vacuum, which draws blood into the penis, swelling and expanding it. "The devices have three components: a plastic cylinder, into which the penis is placed; a pump, which draws air out of the cylinder; and an elastic band, which is placed around the base of the penis to maintain the erection after the cylinder is removed and during intercourse by preventing blood from flowing back into the body (see figure 2) (Digital Urolgy Journal)"

Links and Sources

Digital Urolgy Journal: Erectile Dysfunction NIH Publication No. 03-3923 November 2002

Glickman Urological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, "Erectile Dysfunction" November 15, 2001

NON-ORAL THERAPY FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Jonathan P. Jarow, M.D.,
associate professor of urology at
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
reprinted at Phoenix5.org

 

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