Millions of men deal with erectile dysfunction (ED). It can affect your quality of life and relationships. Good news: effective pills called PDE5 inhibitors can help treat ED.
Two well-known options are Viagra (sildenafil) and Stendra (avanafil). Both are in the same drug class and work similarly. However, they have key differences. Knowing how Stendra vs. Viagra compare can help you talk to your doctor.
This article compares these two ED treatments simply and clearly. We use expert advice to explain how they work. We’ll look at how fast they work, side effects, safety, and why getting your doctor’s advice is vital.
How Stendra and Viagra Help with ED
Stendra and Viagra are PDE5 inhibitors. Let’s break down how erections normally happen. When you’re sexually aroused, your body releases nitric oxide (NO) in the penis. NO helps make another molecule called cGMP. This molecule relaxes muscles in the penis blood vessels. More blood flows in, causing an erection.
An enzyme called PDE5 naturally breaks down cGMP. In men with ED, this might happen too fast. Or, not enough cGMP might be made in the first place. PDE5 inhibitors like Stendra and Viagra block this PDE5 enzyme.
“These pills stop PDE5 from working,” explains Dr. Anya Sharma, a urologist. “This keeps cGMP levels higher when a man is aroused.” This helps blood flow better, making erections easier to get and keep. “Remember, these pills don’t cause erections on their own,” Dr. Sharma adds. “You still need sexual stimulation.”
Stendra’s active drug is avanafil. Viagra’s active drug is sildenafil. They work the same basic way, but small chemical differences change how fast they work, how long they last, and side effects.
Key Differences: Stendra vs. Viagra
Let’s look at the main differences when comparing Stendra vs. Viagra:
How Fast Do They Work?
This is a big difference between the two.
- Stendra (avanafil) often works quickly. Many men find it starts working in 15 to 30 minutes. Some might feel effects even sooner.
- Viagra (sildenafil) usually takes longer. It often needs 30 to 60 minutes to start working. Sometimes it takes up to two hours to fully kick in.
Stendra’s speed might be better if you want more spontaneity.
How Long Do They Last?
Both pills give you a window of time to get an erection with stimulation.
- Stendra’s effects usually last about 4 to 6 hours.
- Viagra’s effects also last around 4 to 6 hours.
These times can vary from person to person. Things like your dose and metabolism matter. Neither pill gives you an erection for the whole time. They just make it possible during that time if you are aroused.
Does Food or Alcohol Affect Them?
How food and alcohol mix with these pills matters for daily life.
- Stendra seems less affected by food. You can usually take it with a meal without problems. Moderate drinking (up to 3 drinks) also seems okay. But too much alcohol can worsen ED itself and increase side effects like dizziness.
- Viagra can be affected by food, especially fatty meals. Eating a heavy meal before taking Viagra can make it take longer to work. It might also not work as well. Moderate drinking is usually okay, but avoid too much alcohol.
Stendra might be easier if you don’t want to plan meals around your pill.
What Are the Side Effects?
Stendra and Viagra share common side effects because they affect blood vessels. These include:
- Headache
- Flushing (face feeling warm or red)
- Stuffy nose
- Back pain (possible, though less common)
- Upset stomach
There might be slight differences. Stendra targets the PDE5 enzyme more precisely than Viagra. It might be less likely to affect related enzymes in the eyes or brain.
“This precision might mean fewer vision changes, like seeing a blue tint, which some men report with Viagra,” notes Dr. Kenji Tanaka, a drug expert. “But we need more direct studies to be sure. How people react varies a lot.”
Serious side effects are rare but need urgent medical help. These include:
- An erection lasting over 4 hours (priapism)
- Sudden vision loss
- Sudden hearing loss
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Chest pain
How Do You Take Them? (Dosage)
Both pills come in different strengths. Your doctor will choose the right dose for you.
- Stendra: Comes in 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg pills. Take it about 15-30 minutes before sex.
- Viagra: Comes in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg pills. Take it about 30-60 minutes before sex.
Your doctor decides the best starting dose. They might change it based on how well it works and any side effects. Never take more than one dose per day of either drug.
What About Cost?
- Viagra (sildenafil) has been around longer. Its patent expired. This means generic sildenafil is available. Generic versions cost much less than brand-name Viagra.
- Stendra (avanafil) is newer. A generic version might not be available everywhere yet. The brand name is often more expensive than generic sildenafil.
Check with your insurance about coverage. Cost is often a big factor for many men.
Safety First: Warnings and Drug Interactions
Stendra and Viagra need a prescription because they aren’t safe for everyone. They can also interact badly with other medicines.
Most importantly: NEVER take Stendra or Viagra with nitrate drugs. Nitrates are often used for chest pain (like nitroglycerin). Taking them together can cause a sudden, dangerous drop in blood pressure. This is extremely serious.
Other things to know:
- Alpha-blockers: These drugs treat high blood pressure or prostate issues. Taking them with Stendra or Viagra needs caution. Your doctor might need to adjust doses.
- Other Drugs: Some antifungal drugs, antibiotics, and HIV drugs can raise Stendra or Viagra levels in your blood. This increases side effect risks. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take.
- Health Conditions: Men with certain heart problems, recent stroke, severe liver or kidney disease, or low blood pressure might not be able to take these pills. Your doctor needs your full health history.
Expert Advice: Choosing Your ED Pill
There’s no single “best” ED pill. Choosing between Stendra and Viagra depends on you.
“It really comes down to the patient’s needs and lifestyle,” says Dr. Sharma. “Is speed important for spontaneity? Stendra might be better. Is cost the main issue? Generic sildenafil is cheaper. Does he often eat near dose time? Stendra handles food better.”
Experts agree both drugs work well when used right. “Both avanafil and sildenafil help most men with ED,” adds Dr. Tanaka. “Sometimes, if one doesn’t work well or causes side effects, switching to the other might help. Talk openly with your doctor.”
You might need to try different options under your doctor’s care. This helps find the best balance of results and side effects for you.
More Than Pills: Lifestyle Matters for ED
Remember, pills like Stendra and Viagra treat the symptom (trouble with erections). They don’t always fix the root cause of ED.
Lifestyle choices are very important for erection health. Things like quitting smoking, cutting back on alcohol, losing weight, and exercising can help. Managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol also improves blood flow. Stress, anxiety, or depression can cause ED too. These might need separate help, like therapy.
Often, the best plan combines medication with healthy habits. Treating underlying health issues is also key.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Stendra vs. Viagra
Q1: Which pill works faster, Stendra or Viagra?
A: Stendra usually works faster. It can start working in just 15-30 minutes. Viagra often takes 30-60 minutes. If speed is important, Stendra might be better.
Q2: Can I eat or drink alcohol with Stendra or Viagra?
A: Stendra is less affected by food than Viagra. You can usually take Stendra with a meal. Fatty food can make Viagra take longer to work. A small amount of alcohol (1-2 drinks) is likely okay with either. Too much alcohol can make ED worse and increase side effects.
Q3: Do Stendra and Viagra have different side effects?
A: They share common side effects like headache and stuffy nose. Stendra might be less likely to cause vision changes (like seeing blue) because it targets the ED enzyme more precisely. But people react differently. Talk to your doctor about side effects.
Q4: Is one pill definitely better than the other?
A: No, one isn’t clearly “better” for everyone. Stendra is faster and less bothered by food. Viagra (generic sildenafil) is much cheaper. Both work well. The best choice depends on your needs and what your doctor advises.
Q5: Do I need a prescription for Stendra and Viagra?
A: Yes, you need a doctor’s prescription for both Stendra and Viagra. A doctor must check if they are safe for you. Don’t buy these pills online without a real prescription. They could be fake and harmful.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for You
Choosing between Stendra vs. Viagra means thinking about speed, side effects, food interactions, and cost. Stendra offers faster action and less food impact. Viagra (as generic sildenafil) is usually much cheaper and has a long history. Both pills work well for ED if used correctly with a doctor’s guidance.
The best choice is personal. Talk to your doctor. They can review your health and help you decide if Stendra or Viagra is right for you. They’ll explain the risks and benefits and pick the best dose. ED is common, and good treatments are available to help improve your sex life and well-being.