ORAL MEDICATIONS (VIAGRA / CIALIS / LEVITRA) |
What are the oral medications?
Oral medications for erectile dysfunction are called Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors), which refers to the chemical mechanism by which these drugs act. There are three PDE5 inhibitors currently available in Australia:
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sildenafil known as Viagra® which has been available since late 1998 |
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tadalafil known as Cialis® which was made available in Fch 2003 |
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vardenafil known as Levitra® available in May 2003 |
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How do the drugs work?
PDE5 inhibitors promote the body's natural response to sexual stimulation. To work properly, the drugs need to be in the body's system at least 30 minutes or more before sex. Fatty meals and large amounts of alcohol can slow the body's uptake of Viagra® and makes it less effective.
How effective are these drugs?
These drugs work in about two out of three men with erectile dysfunction. They don't usually work so well in men with diabetes and those who have had some type of prostate surgery. There have not been studies directly comparing the three brands available. It is likely that there will be some individual differences in response
so that some men who fail to respond to one drug may respond to another.
How long does the effect of these drugs last?
The beneficial effects of Viagra® and Levitra® are best within four hours, and in many men these drugs continue to work for up to 12 hours. Cialis® stays in the body
for a much longer time. Many men can still experience erections 24 hours or longer after taking Cialis®.
What are the side effects of these drugs?
The most common side effects of all these drugs are facial flushing and a blocked nose. Indigestion and headaches can develop but these problems generally ease with ongoing use of the drugs. Muscle aches, like those experienced with influenza can occur. Cialis® can cause backache. Sometimes with Viagra® men notice brighter vision or a blue tinge. This is not usually troublesome and overall not many men stop taking these drugs because of side effects. Most side effects will only last an hour or two.
Erectile dysfunction tablets should never be taken by people on nitrate drugs. If you are prescribed ereetile dysfunction drugs, remember to advise the doctor of other medications you are taking.
Are there other oral medications?
A different drug called Uprima® (apomorphine) which stimulates sexual centres in the base of the brain is currently available in New Zealand and Europe. No information on its release in Australia was available at the time of producing this booklet.
Some clinics sell 'Home made' mixtures of oral medications which can be very expensive and for which there is no reliable information on their safety or how well they work. |
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