Stendra vs Viagra: Which Is Better?

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex. According to statisics, up to 35 million men in the USA are struggling with this condition. Stendra and Viagra are two of the most popular drugs used to increase potency. They are from the same group of FDA-approved Rx medicines known as phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors). Other popular PDE5 inhibitors are Cialis and Levitra.

PDE5 inhibitors work by blocking the action of the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5, or PDE5. This improves blood flow to the male genitalia, causing a steady erection. Drugs also help prolong erections and increase sexual satisfaction. You must remember that PDE5 inhibitors work in combination with sexual stimulation.

What are the main differences between Stendra and Viagra?

Stendra (avanafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) are PDE5 inhibitors used to treat erectile dysfunction.

Stendra is currently only available under the brand name. The chemical name is avanafil, but the medication is not yet available as avanafil, only under the brand name Stendra.

Stendra should be taken at a dose of 100 or 200 mg 15 minutes before sexual activity. It can also be taken at a dose of 50 mg about 30 minutes before sexual intercourse.

Viagra should be taken about an hour before sexual intercourse. Whether you are taking Stendra or Viagra, you should only take one dose per day.

Regardless of the drug or dose, a drug must go with sexual stimulation to be effective. Any drug can be taken with or without food.

The key differences between Stendra and Viagra:

Diseases treated by Stendra and Viagra

Both Stendra and Viagra have only one official indication – they are indicated for use in men with ED. However, both drugs can be used off-label due to Raynaud’s phenomenon. Viagra is sometimes used off-label to treat sexual arousal disorder in women.

Compare Stendra vs Viagra: which is more effective?

A review of clinical studies concluded that Stendra was as effective and safe as Viagra, as well as Cialis and Levitra. The study also noted that Stendra has fewer side effects and drug interactions, and had less of an effect on lowering blood pressure.

Studies have concluded that avanafil is more safe and effective, but have suggested that Stendra’s place in the market is uncertain. This is because all PDE5 inhibitors are similar and, except for Stendra, they are all available in generic form, which gives the patient a significant cost savings. The authors predict that it may be difficult for a new agent without such a long history to find market share.

The most effective drug for your situation should only be selected by your physician, who can review your condition(s), anamnesis, and other medications you are taking.

Common side effects

Stendra and Viagra have many similar side effects, however, it is necessary to keep in mind that the frequency depends on the dose. For example, 16% of patients taking Viagra 25 mg experienced headaches, but at a dose of 100 mg 28% of patients experienced headaches.

The most common side effects of Stendra are headache, hot flashes, nasal congestion, and back pain. The most common side effects of Viagra are headache, hot flashes, nasal congestion and indigestion.

Unfrequent side effects of Stendra and Viagra are memory problems, an inability to differentiate between the colors green and blue, loss of hearing, ringing in the ears, and dizziness. Rare side effects are heart attack symptoms, vision changes or sudden vision loss, painful erection, severe shortness of breath, cough with foamy mucus, ringing in your ears, or sudden hearing loss, irregular heartbeat, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; a seizure; or (convulsions), or a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

This is not a complete list of side effects. Consult your physician for a complete list.

Drug interactions

Patients taking avanafil or sildenafil should never take nitrate medicines such as nitroglycerin. These drugs canot be used together because this combination can lead to very low blood pressure.

There are many medications that, when combined with Stendra or Viagra, can cause a drop in blood pressure. These include alpha blockers (such as Doxazosin (Cardura), Prazosin (Minipress), Terazosin), riociguat (a stimulator of guanylate cyclase which causes relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and is used to treat severe pulmonary arterial hypertension), and blood pressure medications (diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, alpha-blockers, alpha-2 receptor agonist, central agonists). These drugs should only be used with Stendra or Viagra with caution and under the proper supervision of your healthcare provider.

Drugs are metabolized by enzymes, the most common of which is the cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) system. A drug that inhibits CYP3A4 can cause another drug to accumulate in the system, inhibiting or slowing down the processing of the other drug. For example, if drug A inhibits the effects of drug B, drug B accumulates in your body, which can lead to increased side effects. Medicines can be strong or moderate inhibitors.

Patients taking a strong 3A4 inhibitor should not take Stendra, and patients taking a moderate 3A4 inhibitor should not take more than 50 mg and only with the approval of a physician. Start using Viagra at the lowest dose (25mg) when taken along with a strong 3A4 inhibitor. If taken together with the protease inhibitor ritonavir, sildenafil should be taken at a dose of 25 mg at least 48 hours apart.

Other drug interactions may occur. Consult your doctor for a complete list of drug interactions.

Warnings

Before taking Stendra or Viagra, it is necessary to evaluate the cardiovascular system. Some patients should not take sildenafil or avanafil. Talk to your doctor before taking avanafil or sildenafil if you have heart or blood pressure problems.

The use of these drugs is not recommended in patients with recent cardiac events (e.g., myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease). See your health care provider if you have heart or blood pressure problems.

Stendra or Viagra should not be used by patients who are taking nitrates such as nitroglycerin or a guanylate cyclase stimulant such as riociguat due to increased blood pressure lowering effects. Other medicines in combination with Stendra or Viagra may also affect blood pressure.

Use Stendra or Viagra with caution in patients with an anatomical deformity of the penis.

Sometimes a prolonged erection (more than 4 hours) or priapism (painful erection lasting more than 6 hours) can occur. If an erection lasts more than 4 hours, seek immediate medical attention. If this condition is not treated immediately, it can cause permanent damage.

If you experience sudden vision loss or sudden hearing loss (which may be accompanied by dizziness or tinnitus), stop taking ED drugs and seek medical attention immediately.

Avoid significant amounts of alcohol with Stendra or Viagra because the combination can lead to increased heart rate, lower blood pressure, dizziness, and headache.

ED medicines do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, so other pregnancy prevention methods should be used (condoms).

Since Stendra and Viagra are not indicated for women, there are no clinical data on the safety of these drugs during pregnancy. Therefore, it is not recommended to use sildenafil or avanafil tablets during pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Stendra and Viagra

What is Stendra?
Stendra (avanafil) is a PDE5 inhibitor that treats erectile dysfunction in men. Along with sexual stimulation, it helps increase blood flow to the penis, helping the patient achieve and maintain an erection. It is currently only available under the brand name; there are no universal ones yet.

What is Viagra?
Viagra (sildenafil) is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It increases blood flow to the penis (when combined with sexual stimulation) so you can achieve and maintain an erection. Viagra is available in branded and generic forms.

Are Stendra and Viagra the same thing?
Not really. They are very similar and belong to the same category of drugs – PDE5 inhibitors. However, they have some differences, as described above.

Is Stendra better/more effective than Viagra? 
Judging by the trials, both drugs are very similar in effectiveness, and both drugs are well tolerated. Viagra seems to be more well-known and sought-after, but probably because of its lower price and shorter time on the market.

Can I use Stendra or Viagra while pregnant?
Since none of the drugs is indicated for use in women, studies to determine safety in pregnancy have not been conducted. Therefore, it is not recommended to use Stendra or Viagra during pregnancy.

Can I take Stendra or Viagra with alcohol?
Alcohol can affect the body’s ability to have an erection; however, it may be fine in small amounts. Seek advice from your doctor.

How long does Stendra last?
Stendra begins to work as early as 15-30 minutes after taking the medicine and can last up to 6 hours.

How long does Viagra last?
The effects of Viagra can last 4 to 8 hours, depending on the individual person and the dose you take.