Viagra vs. Stendra

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

Key Takeaways

  • Viagra and Stendra are both PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction, but Stendra tends to work faster and cause fewer side effects.

  • Viagra has been available since 1998 and comes in an affordable generic form, while Stendra is newer and has no generic option.

  • Both drugs carry the same nitrate warning and are taken as needed before sexual activity, not on a daily or weekly schedule.

Viagra vs. Stendra Drug Summary

Viagra

Viagra (sildenafil) is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It comes as an oral tablet taken as needed before sexual activity, with effects typically lasting several hours. It was the first oral medication of its kind, approved by the FDA in 1998.

Stendra

Stendra (avanafil) is also a PDE5 inhibitor prescribed for erectile dysfunction in adult men. It is taken as an oral tablet before sexual activity and was designed to act faster than older PDE5 inhibitors. It received FDA approval in 2012, about 14 years after Viagra.

Viagra vs. Stendra Side Effects

Viagra

Most common
headache (up to 28%)
flushing (up to 19%)
nasal congestion (up to 9%)
back pain (up to 4%)

Stendra

Most common
headache (up to 10.5%)
flushing (up to 3.4%)
nasal congestion (up to 2.1%)
back pain (up to 2%)

Viagra vs. Stendra Dosage

Viagra

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

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

Viagra vs. Stendra Indications

Viagra

Viagra is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. It does not treat the underlying cause of ED and is not approved for use in women or children. It is one of the most established treatments in this drug class.

  • Treats erectile dysfunction in adult men

  • Works by increasing blood flow during sexual stimulation

  • Not approved for women or children

  • Does not address underlying causes of ED

Stendra

Stendra is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men, using the same underlying mechanism as other PDE5 inhibitors. It does not treat the root cause of ED and is not approved for use in females or children. Its faster onset makes it an option for men who want less lead time before sexual activity.

  • Treats erectile dysfunction in adult men

  • Works by increasing blood flow during sexual stimulation

  • Not approved for females or children

  • Effective as early as 15 minutes for higher doses

Viagra vs. Stendra Pros and Cons

Viagra

Viagra has decades of clinical use behind it and is available as a generic, making it widely accessible. It carries a higher rate of common side effects like headache and flushing compared to newer options in this class. Its three dosing strengths allow adjustment based on response and tolerability.

Pros

  • Available as a generic, a more affordable option

  • Long track record with over two decades of use

  • Three dosing strengths (25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg)

Cons

  • Higher rates of headache and flushing than Stendra

  • Slower onset, typically 30 to 60 minutes

  • Contraindicated with guanylate cyclase stimulators like riociguat

Stendra

Stendra was designed for faster onset, working in as little as 15 minutes for some doses, which appeals to men wanting more spontaneity. It generally caused fewer and milder side effects than older PDE5 inhibitors in clinical trials. It remains a newer, brand-only option with less insurance coverage than more established treatments.

Pros

  • Fastest onset among PDE5 inhibitors, about 15 minutes

  • Lower rates of headache and flushing in trials

  • Three dosing strengths (50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg)

Cons

  • No generic version currently available in the U.S.

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

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

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