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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)

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Stendra

(avanafil)

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Summary for Viagra

Prescription only

Sildenafil (Viagra) is a tablet that's taken by mouth for erectile dysfunction (ED) in adults. It works as a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor to help people get an erection or keep an erection that lasts for sex. You only take a dosage when you need it (usually about an hour, or anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours, before sex). Take sildenafil (Viagra) no more than once a day. Otherwise, it can put you at risk of serious side effects, such as vision loss or low blood pressure. Other more common side effects include headache and flushing. Sildenafil (Viagra) is a brand-name and generic medication.

Indications for Viagra

Pros and Cons for Viagra

Pros

  • A first-choice medication for ED
  • Taken only when you need it
  • Can take it 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity
  • Comes in different strengths, so you and your prescriber can find which works best for you

Cons

Common Side Effects for Viagra

  • Headache (16-28%)
  • Flushing (10-19%)
  • Indigestion (3-17%)
  • Changes in vision (e.g., color tinge, blurry vision, light sensitivity; 1-11%)
  • Stuffy nose (4-9%)

Warnings for Viagra

  • 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

Summary for Stendra

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 for Stendra

Pros and Cons for Stendra

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 for Stendra

  • 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 for Stendra

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Viagra10 tablets / 100mg
$251.30$973.29
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Avanafil10 tablets / 200mg of
$160.91$707.63
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