Cialis vs. Stendra
See how Cialis and Stendra compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Cialis can be taken daily at a low dose or as needed at a higher dose, while Stendra is only taken as needed before sex.
Stendra tends to work faster, in as little as 15 minutes, but Cialis lasts far longer, up to 36 hours.
Cialis is also FDA-approved for BPH symptoms and comes as a generic, while Stendra is brand-only and treats ED alone.
Cialis vs. Stendra Drug Summary
Cialis
Cialis (tadalafil) is a PDE5 inhibitor tablet used to treat erectile dysfunction and the urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate (BPH). It can be taken as a low daily dose or as a larger dose only when needed, and its effects can last up to 36 hours.
Stendra
Stendra (avanafil) is a PDE5 inhibitor tablet used only to treat erectile dysfunction. It's taken as needed before sexual activity and can start working in as little as 15 minutes.
Cialis vs. Stendra Side Effects
Cialis
Stendra
Cialis vs. Stendra Dosage
Cialis
Stendra
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 50 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 200 mg as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Cialis
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Stendra
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 50 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 200 mg as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Cialis vs. Stendra Indications
Cialis
Cialis is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction, the urinary symptoms of BPH, or both conditions at once. It's also used off-label, under the brand name Adcirca, for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Erectile dysfunction in adult men
Signs and symptoms of BPH
Combined ED and BPH symptoms
Stendra
Stendra is FDA-approved for one purpose: treating erectile dysfunction in adult men. It has no approved use for prostate symptoms or any other condition.
Erectile dysfunction in adult men
Not approved for BPH or other urologic conditions
Not approved for use in women or pediatric patients
Cialis vs. Stendra Pros and Cons
Cialis
Cialis offers flexible dosing, from a low daily pill to an as-needed higher dose, and it's the only PDE5 inhibitor also approved for BPH. It's available as a generic, which usually lowers the out-of-pocket cost compared to brand-only options.
Pros
Can be taken daily, removing the need to plan around sex
Longest duration of any PDE5 inhibitor, up to 36 hours
Also FDA-approved for BPH symptoms
Cons
Slower onset than Stendra, needs more advance planning
Higher reported rates of dyspepsia and headache in trials
Not recommended with most alpha-blockers except tamsulosin
Stendra
Stendra works faster than other PDE5 inhibitors, with some doses effective in as little as 15 minutes. It's brand-only, so it tends to cost more and isn't approved for any use beyond ED.
Pros
Fastest onset of any PDE5 inhibitor, as early as 15 minutes
Lower reported rates of headache and flushing in trials
No dose adjustment noted for use with tamsulosin
Cons
No generic available, typically $660 to $1,900 per month, often not covered by insurance
Not recommended within 6 months of heart attack, stroke, or serious arrhythmia
Only approved for ED, with no additional approved uses
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