Stendra vs. Sildenafil
See how Stendra and Sildenafil compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Both Stendra and sildenafil are PDE5 inhibitors that treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow, but they differ in speed and price.
Stendra can start working in as little as 15 minutes, while sildenafil typically takes about an hour to take effect.
Sildenafil is available as an affordable generic, while Stendra has no generic option and usually costs more out of pocket.
Stendra vs. Sildenafil Drug Summary
Stendra
Stendra (avanafil) is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It's taken as needed before sexual activity, with the 100 mg and 200 mg doses able to work in as little as 15 minutes.
Sildenafil
Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor approved for erectile dysfunction in men and, as Revatio, for pulmonary arterial hypertension. It's taken as needed before sexual activity, usually beginning to work within about an hour.
Stendra vs. Sildenafil Side Effects
Stendra
Sildenafil
Stendra vs. Sildenafil Dosage
Stendra
Sildenafil
| 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 |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 mg as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 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 |
Sildenafil
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 mg as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Stendra vs. Sildenafil Indications
Stendra
Stendra is FDA-approved only for treating erectile dysfunction in adult men. It has no other approved uses, and it is not approved for women, children, or any other condition, unlike some other PDE5 inhibitors.
Treats erectile dysfunction in adult men
Not approved for use in women
Not approved for pediatric use
No additional FDA-approved indications
Sildenafil
Sildenafil is FDA-approved for erectile dysfunction in men and, as Revatio, for pulmonary arterial hypertension. It's also used off-label for other conditions, though those uses aren't FDA-approved.
Treats erectile dysfunction in men
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (Revatio)
Off-label: Raynaud's phenomenon
Off-label: female sexual arousal disorder
Stendra vs. Sildenafil Pros and Cons
Stendra
Stendra stands out for its fast onset, working in as little as 15 minutes for some doses. Because there's no generic version, it tends to cost more and is less likely to be covered by insurance.
Pros
Fastest onset among PDE5 inhibitors, working in as little as 15 minutes
Lower rates of flushing and stomach upset compared with sildenafil
Available in three dose strengths for flexible dosing
Can be effective even when taken shortly before sexual activity
Cons
No generic version available in the U.S.
Rarely covered by insurance, including Medicare
Roughly $660 to $1,900 per month without insurance
Less long-term safety data than sildenafil, approved in 2012
Sildenafil
Sildenafil has the longest track record of any PDE5 inhibitor and is widely available as an affordable generic. It works reliably but typically takes about an hour to take effect, longer than Stendra.
Pros
Available as a low-cost generic in most pharmacies
Roughly $400 to $1,060 per month for brand, generic much cheaper
Decades of safety data since its 1998 approval
Also FDA-approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension
Cons
Slower onset, typically around 60 minutes before it works
Higher rates of headache and flushing than Stendra
Effectiveness can be delayed by high-fat meals
Less ideal for more spontaneous sexual activity
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.