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Compare Levitra vs. Stendra

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

Key takeaways

Levitra (vardenafil) and Stendra (avanafil) are both medications used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), but they have some key differences. Levitra (vardenafil) is only available as a lower-cost generic, while Stendra (avanafil) is only available as a brand name. Levitra typically needs to be taken about 60 minutes before sexual activity, whereas Stendra can be taken just 15 to 30 minutes before. This means Stendra might offer more spontaneity. Both medications can be taken with or without food, but Stendra's effects last up to 6 hours, which is slightly shorter than Levitra's 5 to 7 hours. Common side effects for both include headache and flushing, but Stendra also lists sore throat and back pain among its common side effects. Additionally, neither medication should be taken with nitrates due to the risk of dangerously low blood pressure.

  • Vardenafil
    Stendra (avanafil)
  • Vardenafil
    Stendra (avanafil)

  • Summary of Levitra vs. Stendra

    Summary for PDE-5 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Vardenafil is a first-choice medication for erectile dysfunction (ED). It's no longer sold under the brand name Levitra, but it's available as generic tablets and orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs). Common side effects of vardenafil include headache, flushing, and stuffy nose. Interactions between vardenafil and other medications generally involve those that lower blood pressure.

    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 Levitra vs. Stendra

    Indications for
    •Erectile dysfunction
    Indications for
    •Erectile dysfunction (ED)

  • Pros and Cons of Levitra vs. Stendra

    Pros and Const for PDE-5 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Might work slightly faster than sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis)
    •Improves how long an erection lasts
    •Can take with or without food
    •Available as orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) for people who have trouble swallowing
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Should take about 1 hour before sex, so you might need to plan ahead
    •Not recommended if you've had a heart attack or stroke in the past 6 months
    •Can't use if you've recently taken nitrates like isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) or nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)
    •Not recommended if you have severe liver or kidney problems
    •Doesn't prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
    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 Levitra vs. Stendra

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 15%)
    •Flushing (up to 11%)
    •Stuffy nose (up to 9%)
    •Indigestion (up to 4%)
    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 Levitra vs. Stendra

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart problems
    •Low blood pressure
    •Prolonged erection
    •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 Levitra vs. Stendra

    Learn more about Vardenafil
    Learn more about Stendra

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