Stendra vs. Vardenafil

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

Key Takeaways

  • Stendra can start working in as little as 15 minutes, while vardenafil typically takes about an hour to take effect.

  • Both drugs are PDE5 inhibitors that treat erectile dysfunction and carry similar risks with nitrates and blood pressure medications.

  • Vardenafil is available as a generic and costs far less each month, while Stendra remains brand-only and considerably more expensive.

Stendra vs. Vardenafil Drug Summary

Stendra

Stendra (avanafil) is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It is taken as an oral tablet only when needed before sexual activity, with the 100 mg and 200 mg doses working in as little as 15 minutes.

Vardenafil

Vardenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor also used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It comes as a standard oral tablet or an orally disintegrating tablet, taken as needed roughly 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity.

Stendra vs. Vardenafil Side Effects

Stendra

Most common
headache (up to 10.5%)
flushing (up to 3.4%)
nasal congestion (up to 2.1%)
nasopharyngitis (up to 2.7%)

Vardenafil

Most common
headache (up to 16%)
flushing (up to 11%)
nasal congestion (up to 9%)
dyspepsia (up to 4%)

Stendra vs. Vardenafil 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

Vardenafil

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

Stendra vs. Vardenafil Indications

Stendra

Stendra is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men by improving blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. Its fast onset makes it a practical option for men who want more spontaneity. It is not approved for use in women or children.

  • Treats erectile dysfunction in adult men

  • Not approved for use in women

  • Not approved for pediatric use

  • Works within 15 minutes for the 100 mg and 200 mg doses

Vardenafil

Vardenafil is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men by improving blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal. It has a longer track record than newer PDE5 inhibitors on the market. It is not approved for use in women, children, or pulmonary arterial hypertension.

  • Treats erectile dysfunction in adult men

  • Not approved for use in women

  • Not approved for pediatric use

  • Not approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension

Stendra vs. Vardenafil Pros and Cons

Stendra

Stendra stands out for its fast onset, working in as little as 15 minutes for the higher doses, which appeals to men who dislike planning ahead. It has no generic version in the U.S., and most insurance plans, including Medicare, typically don't cover it, making it the priciest PDE5 inhibitor.

Pros

  • Fastest onset among PDE5 inhibitors (as early as 15 minutes)

  • Three dose strengths (50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg) allow fine-tuning

  • Fewer drug interaction warnings than vardenafil, with no QT or dialysis restrictions

Cons

  • No generic version available in the U.S.

  • Most insurance plans, including Medicare, typically don't cover it

  • Roughly $660 to $1,900 per month without insurance, before savings programs

  • Newer drug with a shorter real-world track record than vardenafil

Vardenafil

Vardenafil has been available since 2003, giving it a longer real-world track record, and it is sold as an affordable generic. It carries more contraindications than Stendra, including restrictions for severe liver disease, dialysis, and QT-prolongation risk.

Pros

  • Available as a generic, widely accessible and affordable

  • Roughly $390 to $450 per month without insurance, before savings programs

  • Longer track record, on the market since 2003

Cons

  • Contraindicated in severe liver impairment and dialysis patients

  • Not for use with certain antiarrhythmic drugs due to QT prolongation risk

  • Contains phenylalanine, relevant for patients with PKU

  • No brand-name version currently available in the U.S. since Levitra was discontinued

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