Levitra vs. Stendra

See how Levitra and Stendra compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Levitra and Stendra are both PDE5 inhibitors that treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow, but they differ in onset time and generic availability.

  • Levitra is now sold only as generic vardenafil, which can make it more affordable than brand-only Stendra.

  • Stendra's avanafil formulation can start working in as little as 15 minutes, faster than Levitra's typical 25 to 60 minute window.

Levitra vs. Stendra Drug Summary

Levitra

Levitra (vardenafil) is a PDE5 inhibitor prescribed for erectile dysfunction in adult men. It comes as an oral tablet taken as needed before sexual activity, usually 25 to 60 minutes ahead, at doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg once daily at most. Only generic vardenafil is currently sold in the US, since the brand-name product was discontinued.

Stendra

Stendra (avanafil) is also a PDE5 inhibitor, approved for erectile dysfunction in adult men. It is an oral tablet taken as needed, with doses of 50 mg, 100 mg, or 200 mg, and it can work in as little as 15 minutes for some men. No generic version is currently available in the US.

Levitra vs. Stendra Side Effects

Levitra

Most common
Headache (up to 15%)
Flushing (up to 11%)
Rhinitis (up to 9%)
Dyspepsia (up to 4%)

Stendra

Most common
Headache (up to 10.5%)
Flushing (up to 3.4%)
Nasopharyngitis (up to 2.7%)
Nasal congestion (up to 2.1%)

Levitra vs. Stendra Dosage

Levitra

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 5 mg At the start
Maximum dose 20 mg If needed
Dose changes 2 increases As tolerated

Stendra

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 50 mg At the start
Maximum dose 200 mg If needed
Dose changes 2 increases As tolerated

Levitra vs. Stendra Indications

Levitra

Levitra is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction by helping increase blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. It works across many underlying causes of ED, including those linked to diabetes, prostate surgery, or vascular disease. It is not approved for use in women or children.

  • Treats erectile dysfunction in adult men

  • Works across multiple underlying causes of ED

  • Not approved for women or pediatric patients

Stendra

Stendra is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men by supporting the blood flow needed for an erection. Its fast onset makes it an option for men who want more flexibility in timing before sexual activity. It is not approved for use in women or children.

  • Treats erectile dysfunction in adult men

  • Designed for rapid onset before sexual activity

  • Not approved for women or pediatric patients

Levitra vs. Stendra Pros and Cons

Levitra

Levitra has been available since 2003 and is now sold only as generic vardenafil, which can make it more affordable for some patients. Like other PDE5 inhibitors, it carries cardiovascular precautions and cannot be combined with nitrates. Coverage varies widely by insurance plan.

Pros

  • Available only as lower-cost generic vardenafil

  • Long track record since FDA approval in 2003

  • Multiple dose strengths for flexible titration

Cons

  • No branded version currently sold in the US

  • Typically needs 25 to 60 minutes before it works

  • Not recommended for patients on dialysis

Stendra

Stendra is the newest PDE5 inhibitor and was designed for faster onset than older options in its class. It remains available only as a brand-name product, and most insurance plans, including Medicare, often do not cover it. It carries similar cardiovascular precautions as other PDE5 inhibitors.

Pros

  • Can start working in as little as 15 minutes

  • Newer formulation approved in 2012

  • Three dose strengths allow tailored dosing

Cons

  • No generic version currently available

  • Often excluded from insurance coverage, including Medicare

  • Not recommended within 6 months of a heart attack or stroke

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