ED Medication Comparison Tool
Select a medication and priority to see detailed comparison
| Medication | Dosage | Onset (min) | Duration (hrs) | Avg Cost ($) | Prescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caverta | 100 mg | 30-45 | 4-6 | 45-55 | Yes |
| Viagra | 100 mg | 30-60 | 4-5 | 50-60 | Yes |
| Levitra | 20 mg | 25-45 | 4-5 | 55-65 | Yes |
| Cialis | 10 mg | 30-60 | 12-36 | 70-80 | Yes |
| Stendra | 40 mg | 15-30 | 4-6 | 80-90 | Yes |
| Generic Sildenafil | 100 mg | 30-45 | 4-6 | 25-35 | Yes |
| L-Arginine | 3 g daily | - | - | 10-20 | No |
Caverta comparison helps you see if this branded sildenafil tablet is right for you or if another ED drug might serve you better.
- Quick look: Caverta = 100mg sildenafil, 30‑45min onset, 4‑6hr effect.
- Top alternatives: Viagra, Levitra, Cialis, Stendra, generic sildenafil.
- Key decision factors - speed, duration, cost, side‑effects, and prescription needs.
- Best for fast action? Caverta or Stendra.
- Best for long‑lasting use? Cialis.
What Is Caverta?
When it comes to ED treatments, Caverta is a branded oral tablet that contains 100mg of sildenafil citrate, a phosphodiesterase‑5 (PDE5) inhibitor designed to improve blood flow to the penis. It was launched in 2023 and is marketed mainly across European pharmacies. Sildenafil is the active ingredient shared with many other well‑known pills.
Caverta’s appeal lies in its precise dosing, rapid onset (typically 30‑45minutes), and a duration of around four to six hours. It requires a prescription in most countries, but some online pharmacies in regions with relaxed regulations may offer it after a tele‑consult.
How PDE5 Inhibitors Work
All the drugs we’ll compare belong to the PDE5 inhibitor class. They block the enzyme phosphodiesterase‑5, which normally degrades cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Elevated cGMP relaxes smooth muscle in the penile arteries, allowing more blood to fill the corpora cavernosa, producing an erection when sexual stimulation occurs.
Because the mechanism is the same, differences among brands come from pharmacokinetics (how fast they act, how long they last) and formulation nuances.
Major Commercial Alternatives
The most common alternatives to Caverta are:
- Viagra - the original 1998 FDA‑approved sildenafil tablet, available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg strengths.
- Levitra - contains 10mg, 20mg, or 40mg of vardenafil, another PDE5 inhibitor with a slightly quicker onset for some users.
- Cialis - uses 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, or 20mg of tadalafil, known for its long 24‑hour window.
- Stendra - marketed as the fastest‑acting PDE5 inhibitor (10mg, 20mg, 40mg avanafil).
- Generic Sildenafil - unbranded 20mg‑100mg tablets that match Caverta’s active ingredient but often cost less.
- L‑Arginine - a natural amino‑acid supplement that can modestly improve nitric‑oxide production, but offers far weaker results than prescription PDE5 drugs.
Side‑Effect Profile Across Options
Because the active mechanisms are similar, most side effects overlap:
- Headache - reported in 10‑20% of users for sildenafil‑based pills.
- Flushing - more common with vardenafil (Levitra) and avanafil (Stendra).
- Indigestion or dyspepsia - a frequent complaint with 100mg sildenafil doses.
- Vision changes - rare but possible with higher sildenafil doses.
- Back‑pain or muscle aches - characteristic of tadalafil (Cialis) due to its longer half‑life.
Natural supplements like L‑Arginine usually cause minimal side effects, mainly mild gastrointestinal upset when taken in high amounts.
Cost Overview (2025 US$)
Pricing varies by brand, dosage, and whether you have insurance coverage. Below is an average retail cost per typical prescription pack.
| Medication | Typical Dose | Onset (min) | Duration (hrs) | Average Pack Cost | Prescription Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caverta | 100mg | 30‑45 | 4‑6 | $45‑$55 | Yes |
| Viagra | 100mg | 30‑60 | 4‑5 | $50‑$60 | Yes |
| Levitra | 20mg | 25‑45 | 4‑5 | $55‑$65 | Yes |
| Cialis | 10mg | 30‑60 | 12‑36 | $70‑$80 | Yes |
| Stendra | 40mg | 15‑30 | 4‑6 | $80‑$90 | Yes |
| Generic Sildenafil | 100mg | 30‑45 | 4‑6 | $25‑$35 | Yes |
| L‑Arginine | 3g daily | - | - | $10‑$20 (30‑day supply) | No |
Choosing the Right Option for You
Use the following quick‑decision guide:
- Need fast action? Stendra or Caverta (both 15‑45min onset) are top picks.
- Prefer a single‑dose “weekend” effect? Cialis’s 24‑hour window lets you be ready any time.
- Budget‑conscious? Generic sildenafil delivers the same efficacy as Caverta at roughly half the price.
- Worried about side effects? If you’ve experienced headaches with sildenafil, try vardenafil (Levitra) which may cause less head pain for some users.
- Avoid prescriptions? Natural supplements like L‑Arginine are OTC, but they won’t match prescription potency.
Always discuss these choices with a healthcare professional, especially if you have cardiovascular issues, are on nitrates, or have a history of priapism.
Safety Tips & Common Pitfalls
- Never combine any PDE5 inhibitor with recreational nitrates (e.g., certain heart meds or “poppers”) - the combo can cause a dangerous blood‑pressure drop.
- Take the pill on an empty or lightly‑fed stomach for faster absorption; heavy, fatty meals can delay onset by up to an hour.
- Start with the lowest effective dose. Many men find 50mg of sildenafil sufficient and experience fewer side effects.
- Don’t use more than one dose within 24hours. Over‑dosing won’t improve performance and raises risk of adverse events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caverta the same as generic sildenafil?
Caverta contains the exact same active ingredient-sildenafil citrate-as generic versions. The difference lies in branding, tablet coating, and price. Clinically, they work the same way.
Can I take Caverta with alcohol?
Moderate alcohol (one‑two drinks) usually doesn’t interfere, but heavy drinking can dampen the drug’s effectiveness and increase side‑effects like dizziness.
How does Stendra beat Caverta on onset time?
Stendra (avanafil) is more lipophilic, allowing it to cross cell membranes faster. Most users report an effect within 15minutes, compared to Caverta’s 30‑45minutes.
Is it safe to use Cialis daily?
Yes, a low daily dose (2.5mg or 5mg) is FDA‑approved for daily use and can provide spontaneous erections without timing a pill.
Do natural supplements replace prescription ED pills?
For most men, supplements like L‑Arginine offer modest benefits at best and cannot substitute the reliable vasodilation that PDE5 inhibitors provide.
Bottom line: Caverta is a solid, fast‑acting option if you prefer a branded product, but cheaper generics, faster‑onset avanafil, or long‑lasting tadalafil may align better with your lifestyle and budget. Choose wisely, stay informed, and keep the conversation open with your doctor.
Write a comment