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

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

Tadalafil

Most common
Headache (up to 15%)
Dyspepsia (up to 10%)
Back pain (up to 6%)
Myalgia (up to 3%)

Stendra vs. Tadalafil Dosage

Stendra

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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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