Difference of Blue Pills: Viagra, Cialis & Levitra Compared
When it comes to erectile dysfunction medications, understanding the difference of blue pills is crucial for choosing the right treatment. While Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra all treat ED, each has unique characteristics that make it better suited for different situations and preferences.
The "Blue Pills": Overview
All major ED medications belong to a class called PDE5 inhibitors. While popularly called "blue pills" (after Viagra's iconic color), they come in various colors and have important differences:
The Main Players
- Viagra (sildenafil): The original blue diamond pill
- Cialis (tadalafil): Yellow, almond-shaped ("the weekend pill")
- Levitra (vardenafil): Orange, round pill
- Spedra (avanafil): Pale yellow, oval (newest option)
Detailed Comparison of Blue Pills
Viagra (Sildenafil)
Key Features
- Onset: 30-60 minutes
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Doses: 25mg, 50mg, 100mg
- Standard dose: 50mg, adjusted as needed
- Success rate: 60-70%
Best For
- First-time users (most studied, predictable)
- Planned sexual activity
- Men who want proven, reliable option
- Cost-conscious users (generic available)
Considerations
- Take on empty stomach for best results
- High-fat meals delay absorption
- Relatively short window of effectiveness
- Most common side effects: headache, flushing
Cost
Generic: £15-25 for 4 tablets | Branded: £40-50 for 4 tablets
Cialis (Tadalafil)
Key Features
- Onset: 30 minutes
- Duration: Up to 36 hours
- Doses: 2.5mg, 5mg (daily), 10mg, 20mg (on-demand)
- Standard dose: 10mg on-demand or 5mg daily
- Success rate: 65-75%
Best For
- Spontaneous sexual activity
- Multiple encounters over weekend
- Men who want daily option
- Those who find planning stressful
- Men who also have enlarged prostate (bonus benefit)
Considerations
- Can be taken with food
- Daily option allows for spontaneity
- Long duration means side effects last longer if they occur
- Daily use requires consistent adherence
Cost
Generic: £20-30 for 4 tablets | Branded: £45-60 for 4 tablets | Daily (30 tablets): £40-60
Levitra (Vardenafil)
Key Features
- Onset: 25-60 minutes
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Doses: 5mg, 10mg, 20mg
- Standard dose: 10mg
- Success rate: 60-70%
Best For
- Men with diabetes (evidence suggests slightly better effectiveness)
- Those who had side effects with Viagra
- Men who need predictable timing
Considerations
- Very similar to Viagra in action
- May work slightly faster than Viagra
- Less affected by food than Viagra (but still avoid heavy meals)
- Less commonly prescribed than Viagra or Cialis
Cost
Generic: £25-35 for 4 tablets | Branded: £40-50 for 4 tablets
Spedra (Avanafil)
Key Features
- Onset: 15-30 minutes (fastest)
- Duration: Up to 6 hours
- Doses: 50mg, 100mg, 200mg
- Standard dose: 100mg
- Success rate: 60-70%
Best For
- Last-minute encounters
- Men who want fastest action
- Those prone to side effects (most selective PDE5 inhibitor)
- Men who don't plan ahead
Considerations
- Newest option, less long-term data
- Can be taken with moderate amounts of food
- Lower side effect profile
- More expensive, no generic yet
Cost
Branded only: £45-55 for 4 tablets
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Viagra | Cialis | Levitra | Spedra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How fast | 30-60 min | 30 min | 25-60 min | 15-30 min |
| How long | 4-6 hours | Up to 36 hours | 4-5 hours | Up to 6 hours |
| Food effect | Yes (delayed) | No | Minimal | No |
| Daily option | No | Yes | No | No |
| Generic | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Side effects | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Lower |
Common Side Effects Across All Blue Pills
All PDE5 inhibitors share similar potential side effects:
Most Common (affect 10-20% of users)
- Headache
- Facial flushing
- Nasal congestion
- Indigestion
Less Common
- Back pain (more common with Cialis)
- Muscle aches
- Dizziness
- Visual changes (blue tinge with Viagra)
Note: Side effects usually mild and decrease with continued use
Which Blue Pill Is Right for You?
Choose Viagra if:
- You want the most established, proven option
- You plan sexual activity in advance
- Cost is a priority (generic available)
- You're a first-time user
Choose Cialis if:
- You want spontaneity
- You're sexually active multiple times per week
- You prefer not to time medication precisely
- You have enlarged prostate symptoms
Choose Levitra if:
- You have diabetes
- You experienced side effects with Viagra
- You want similar duration to Viagra with potentially faster action
Choose Spedra if:
- You need fastest possible action
- You're prone to medication side effects
- Other options haven't worked well
- Cost isn't your primary concern
Can You Switch Between Blue Pills?
Yes, absolutely. It's common to try different options:
- Trial and error is normal: What works best varies by individual
- No waiting period needed: Can switch immediately
- Try at least 4-6 times: Before judging effectiveness
- Different occasions, different pills: Some men use Cialis for weekends, Viagra for weeknights
Frequently Asked Questions
Is one blue pill more effective than another?
All have similar overall effectiveness (60-75% success rates). Individual response varies - some men respond better to one than another, but there's no way to predict which will work best without trying.
Can I take a higher dose for better results?
Only under medical supervision. Higher doses increase effectiveness for some men but also increase side effects. Never exceed prescribed dose or take multiple pills together.
Why are generic versions cheaper?
Generic medications contain identical active ingredients but don't bear brand development costs. They're equally effective and safe. Savings can be substantial - generic sildenafil costs 70% less than branded Viagra.
Do blue pills increase size?
No. These medications help achieve erections but don't permanently increase penis size. During erection, you may notice fuller, firmer erections compared to when experiencing ED, but this isn't growth - it's proper function restoration.
Find Your Perfect Match
Our pharmacists can help you understand the differences between ED medications and recommend the best option for your lifestyle and needs.
Book ConsultationMedical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals before starting ED medication. Individual results may vary.