Research proves the safety of ED medications. Different ED treatments have different safety profiles and different therapeutic indexes. For the most part, drugs in the PDE-5 class, like Viagra, are comparable in terms of safety, but individual effects may still vary.

What does the research data show about the safety and effectiveness of the three top medications for treating erectile dysfunction (ED)? What are the treatment outcome variances between Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), and Levitra (vardenafil), some of the most popular ED drugs in the United States today?

This article will review the data, including a meta-analysis of 82 efficacy trials and 72 adverse event trials that found Viagra was most effective, but Cialis was most well-tolerated. All, however, are considered good candidates for first-line treatments of ED, but some trial and error may be required for patients to determine which one offers the best trade-off between effectiveness and lack of side effects.

Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra for ED – What the Science Says

ED is a common health problem in men aged 40 and older. More than 30 million men annually are affected by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) are the most popular and scientifically proven treatments for ED.

We now have a broad body of evidence that shows the effectiveness of Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra for ED treatment. From scientific trials, FDA approval, to the day-to-day use of these medications of millions of men, these medications for ED have been proven effective and safe.

But which of the “big three” ED medications are most effective? Which ones are the safest for treating ED?

There have been a number of clinical trials examining both the effectiveness and safety record of the PDE5Is. Some of the head-to-head research on Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra determined that there were few significant differences between these medications in terms of effectiveness and safety. One research paper went back 10-years to conclude that “this class of drugs is safe when administered per the product label.”

Another study looked at 82 trials that included treatment for more than 47,600 patients to determine the efficacy of these medications along with 72 trials that included more than 20,3000 patients tracking adverse reactions to these drugs. They found that sildenafil, or Viagra, had the greatest effectiveness rate, but tadalafil, or Cialis, was more well-tolerated in adult males.

Another study determined that Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra for ED are virtually identical in their safety profiles. Some of the most common side effects included a headache, flushing, dyspepsia, dizziness, and rhinitis. The study concluded:

Although multiple reports suggest general equivalency of efficacy and safety between the four major PDE5 inhibitors, tadalafil with optimal use has been suggested to be preferable, providing increased efficacy in the ability to insert and the successful completion of intercourse.

So, which is better, Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra? Viagra is the most commonly prescribed medication for ED in the United States today. However, individual reactions may vary, with some men experiencing side effects from one ED medication but not another. In general practice, if you are a male experiencing ED, contact your doctor to talk about Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, or other treatments that may be right for you. The good news is that there are a number of choices for men that are both safe and effective. Erectile dysfunction is treatable.