Stendra vs. Tadalafil
See how Stendra and Tadalafil compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Stendra works faster than tadalafil, with some doses effective in as little as 15 minutes, while tadalafil's effects can last up to 36 hours.
Tadalafil is available as a lower-cost generic and also treats BPH and pulmonary arterial hypertension, while Stendra is approved only for erectile dysfunction.
Stendra has no generic version and is rarely covered by insurance, making it typically the more expensive of the two options.
Stendra vs. Tadalafil Drug Summary
Stendra
Stendra (avanafil) is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It is taken by mouth as needed before sexual activity, with the 100 mg and 200 mg doses working in as little as 15 minutes.
Tadalafil
Tadalafil is a PDE5 inhibitor approved for erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. It can be taken daily in a low dose for spontaneity or as a single dose before sexual activity.
Stendra vs. Tadalafil Side Effects
Stendra
Tadalafil
Stendra vs. Tadalafil Dosage
Stendra
Tadalafil
| 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 | 2.5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 40 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 5 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 |
Tadalafil
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 40 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 5 increases | As tolerated |
Stendra vs. Tadalafil Indications
Stendra
Stendra is FDA-approved only for erectile dysfunction in adult men. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, helping a man achieve and maintain an erection.
Treats erectile dysfunction only
Taken as needed before sex
100 mg/200 mg can work in 15 minutes
Not approved for women or children
Tadalafil
Tadalafil covers a broader range of approved uses, including erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and the combination of both. It is also approved to improve exercise capacity in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Treats ED, BPH, and combined ED/BPH
Also approved for pulmonary hypertension
Can be taken daily or as needed
Not approved for women or children
Stendra vs. Tadalafil Pros and Cons
Stendra
Stendra stands out for its fast onset, working in as little as 15 minutes for some men, but it comes only as a brand-name drug with a high list price. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, typically do not cover it.
Pros
Fastest onset of any PDE5 inhibitor, as fast as 15 minutes
Lower rates of dyspepsia and back pain than tadalafil
Simple as-needed dosing with no daily pill
Cons
No generic version, so it is typically the most expensive PDE5 inhibitor
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, do not cover it
Approved only for erectile dysfunction, not other conditions
Tadalafil
Tadalafil offers the longest duration of action among PDE5 inhibitors, up to 36 hours, and is available as a low-cost generic. It also carries FDA approval for BPH and pulmonary arterial hypertension, broadening its use beyond ED.
Pros
Available as a low-cost generic tablet
Longest duration of action, up to 36 hours
Also FDA-approved for BPH and pulmonary arterial hypertension
Cons
Higher reported rates of headache and dyspepsia than Stendra
Typically slower onset than Stendra when taken as needed
Long half-life means side effects can last longer
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