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Compare Viagra vs. Stendra

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

Key takeaways

Viagra (sildenafil) and Stendra (avanafil) are both medications used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), but they have some key differences. Viagra is available as a lower-cost generic, while Stendra is only available as a brand name. Viagra typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour to work and can be taken 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity, whereas Stendra works faster, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. You can take Stendra with or without food, but Viagra works best on an empty stomach. The effects of Viagra can last up to 8 hours, while Stendra's effects last up to 6 hours. Both medications should not be taken more than once a day and have similar side effects, such as headaches and flushing. However, Stendra is noted for causing fewer side effects like indigestion and vision changes compared to Viagra.

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  • Sildenafil (Viagra)
    Stendra (avanafil)
  • Sildenafil (Viagra)
    Stendra (avanafil)

  • Summary of Viagra vs. Stendra

    Summary for PDE-5 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Sildenafil (Viagra) is taken by mouth to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). You take it only as needed, typically about an hour before sexual activity (but you can take it anywhere between 30 minutes to 4 hours before sex). Don't take sildenafil (Viagra) more than once a day because doing so can put you at higher risk for serious side effects, such as vision loss or low blood pressure. It's available as a lower-cost generic.

    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 Viagra vs. Stendra

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

  • Pros and Cons of Viagra vs. Stendra

    Pros and Const for PDE-5 inhibitor
    Pros
    •One of the first-choice medications for treating ED
    •Taken only when you need it
    •Can take it 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Comes in different strengths, so you and your provider can find which works best for you
    Cons
    •Can take some time to work, so some planning is needed
    •Can't be taken if you've had a heart attack or stroke in the past 6 months
    •Can't be used if you've recently taken nitrates like isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) or nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)
    •Higher risk for side effects, such as headaches and flushing, for people age 65 years and older
    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 Viagra vs. Stendra

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (16-28%)
    •Flushing (10-19%)
    •Indigestion (3-17%)
    •Changes in vision or light sensitivity (1-11%)
    •Stuffy nose (4-9%)
    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 Viagra vs. Stendra

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart problems
    •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 Viagra vs. Stendra

    Learn more about Sildenafil
    Learn more about Stendra

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