When it comes to erectile dysfunction treatment, medications that help men get and keep an erection by increasing blood flow to the penis. Also known as ED pills, these drugs are among the most prescribed for men over 40, but not all work the same way. You’ve probably heard of Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra—but what’s the real difference? It’s not just brand names. Each has unique timing, duration, side effects, and how food affects them. Picking the wrong one can mean wasted money, unpleasant surprises, or missed opportunities.
Take sildenafil, the original ED medication, sold as Viagra and many generics. Also known as Viagra, it kicks in about 30 to 60 minutes after taking it and lasts around 4 to 5 hours. But eat a heavy meal first? It might not work at all. Then there’s tadalafil, the long-lasting option, sold as Cialis. Also known as Cialis, it can work for up to 36 hours—hence the nickname "the weekend pill." It’s less affected by food, so you don’t need to plan meals around it. And vardenafil, sold as Levitra and Staxyn. Also known as Levitra, it’s similar to sildenafil but may work better for men with diabetes or after prostate surgery. Each has different side effect profiles too—headaches, flushing, back pain, or nasal congestion—some more common with one than another.
There’s also daily low-dose tadalafil for men who want spontaneity without timing pills around sex. Or if you’ve tried one and it didn’t work, switching to another isn’t failure—it’s smart troubleshooting. Your doctor doesn’t just hand you a script and call it a day. They look at your health, your lifestyle, your other meds, and your goals. Maybe you’re on blood pressure pills. Maybe you drink alcohol often. Maybe you hate swallowing pills. All that matters. The best ED med isn’t the most popular one. It’s the one that fits your life without fighting it.
Below, you’ll find real comparisons between these drugs and others—how they stack up against each other in effectiveness, cost, and daily use. No marketing hype. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what to watch out for. Whether you’re just starting out or switching after a bad experience, this collection gives you the facts you need to make a better choice.
Compare Vilitra (vardenafil) with Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, and Stendra to find the best ED medication for your needs. Learn about effectiveness, side effects, cost, and real-world use in Canada.
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