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Compare Cialis vs. Stendra

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Tadalafil (Cialis) and avanafil (Stendra) are both medications used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and belong to the same drug class, phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. However, they have several differences. Tadalafil (Cialis) is also FDA-approved for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), while avanafil (Stendra) is only approved for ED. Tadalafil can be taken either as needed or daily, with effects lasting up to 36 hours, whereas avanafil is taken as needed and lasts up to 6 hours. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Common side effects of both medications include headache, flushing, and indigestion. Both medications can cause dangerously low blood pressure if taken with nitrates or certain other medications, so it's important to discuss all your medications with your healthcare provider.

  • Tadalafil (Cialis)
    Stendra (avanafil)
  • Tadalafil (Cialis)
    Stendra (avanafil)

  • Summary of Cialis vs. Stendra

    Summary for PDE-5 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Tadalafil (Cialis) is used for erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in adults. It belongs to the drug class called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. Tadalafil (Cialis) is a tablet you take by mouth. For ED, you can take a dose either just before sex or once every day. And for BPH, it's taken once a day. Side effects include headache and indigestion. Tadalafil (Cialis) can interact with many medications, including blood pressure medications. Some drug interactions can lead to very low blood pressure and dizziness. Tadalafil (Cialis) is available as a brand-name and generic version.

    Summary for PDE-5 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Stendra (avanafil) is a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that's used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Stendra (avanafil) is taken by mouth as needed, at most once a day. It works best if you take it about 15 to 30 minutes before sexual activity. Some of the more common side effects of Stendra (avanafil) include headache and flushing. Stendra (avanafil) is brand name only and isn't available as a lower-cost generic.

  • Indications of Cialis vs. Stendra

    Indications for
    •Erectile dysfunction (ED)
    •Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
    Indications for
    •Erectile dysfunction (ED)

  • Pros and Cons of Cialis vs. Stendra

    Pros and Const for PDE-5 inhibitor
    Pros
    •A first-choice medication for ED
    •For ED only, can take either as needed or once daily
    •Lasts longer than other ED medications
    •Can treat ED and BPH at the same time
    Cons
    •Can take up to 2 hours to get its full effect for ED
    •Can cause side effects like headache, stomach upset, and back pain
    •Not recommended if you've had a heart attack in the past 3 months, or a stroke or heart failure in the past 6 months
    •Can't take if you've recently taken nitrates like isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) or nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)
    Pros and Const for PDE-5 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Works faster than some other medications in its class (can be taken 15 minutes before sex)
    •Take it only when needed
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Can cause dangerously low blood pressure if you've recently taken nitrates, such as nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)
    •Can't take if you have serious heart problems, such as heart attack or stroke in the past 6 months
    •Not available as a lower-cost generic

  • Common Side Effects of Cialis vs. Stendra

    Common Side Effects for

    When taken as needed for ED:

    •Headache (11-15%)
    •Indigestion (4-10%)
    •Back pain (3-6%)

    When taken once daily for ED:

    •Headache (3-6%)
    •Indigestion (4-5%)
    •Common cold symptoms (3-4%)
    •Back pain (3%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (3%)

    When taken once daily for BPH:

    •Headache (2-4%)
    •Indigestion (up to 2%)
    •Common cold symptoms (2%)
    •Back pain (1-2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (5-11%)
    •Flushing (3-4%)
    •Stuffy nose (2-3%)
    •Sore throat, runny nose, and other symptoms of a common cold (1-3%)
    •Back pain (1-3%)

  • Warnings of Cialis vs. Stendra

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of heart problems in people with heart disease
    •Low blood pressure
    •Prolonged or painful erection (priapism)
    •Vision changes
    •Hearing loss
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of heart attack or stroke
    •Dangerously low blood pressure
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Avoid drinking alcohol
    •Prolonged or painful erection (priapism)
    •Vision loss
    •Hearing loss

  • Prices with our coupons for Cialis vs. Stendra

    Learn more about Tadalafil
    Learn more about Stendra

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