Introduction
Stendra® (avanafil) is a prescription medication specifically designed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Part of the PDE5 inhibitor drug category—just like Viagra® (sildenafil), Cialis® (tadalafil), and Levitra® (vardenafil)—it helps men with ED achieve and sustain erections by enhancing blood flow to the penis.
As a newer generation ED treatment, Stendra was approved by the FDA in April 2012, making it more modern than some of the older options like Viagra, which debuted in the late 1990s. Its new formula offers several advantages, including fewer side effects and a faster onset of action, setting it apart from older erectile dysfunction medications.
Below, we’ll explore what Stendra is, how it works, and why it may be a beneficial alternative to other ED treatments.
What is Stendra (Avanafil) and How Does It Work?
Stendra is a medication developed to help men with erectile dysfunction achieve satisfactory erections during sexual activity. Like other PDE5 inhibitors, it works by increasing blood flow to the corpora cavernosa—the spongy tissues inside the penis that fill with blood during an erection.
Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- Improved Blood Flow: When a man feels sexually aroused, a signal is sent from the nervous system to relax the muscles surrounding the blood vessels in the penis. This process widens these blood vessels, allowing blood to flow into the erectile tissue and causing an erection.
- Facilitates Natural Erection Process: Stendra doesn’t directly cause an erection. Instead, it works alongside natural sexual arousal by enhancing the mechanisms already in place for getting and maintaining an erection.
Stendra does not trigger random or unexpected erections. You need to be sexually stimulated, either mentally or physically, for the medication to work. Once ingested, Stendra starts to act within 15 to 30 minutes and remains effective for several hours—typically up to six hours. This timeframe provides flexibility when planning sexual activity.
Benefits of Stendra Over Traditional ED Medications
As a second-generation ED treatment, Stendra offers several advantages over older counterparts like Viagra or Cialis. Here’s why Stendra might be a superior choice:
- Fast-Acting Formula: Stendra’s rapid onset—working in as little as 15 minutes—makes it one of the fastest ED medications available. This makes it a convenient choice for spontaneous sexual activity.
- Fewer Side Effects: Since Stendra selectively inhibits PDE5, the enzyme responsible for regulating blood flow in the penis, it has a lower likelihood of causing side effects such as headaches or facial flushing compared to older ED medications, which tend to affect multiple PDE enzymes.
- Less Impacted by Food: While many first-generation ED medications, like Viagra, are less effective when taken after high-fat meals, Stendra is less influenced by food intake. This makes it an excellent option if you often eat before intimacy.
- Safe for Moderate Alcohol Use: Unlike some ED drugs that interact poorly with alcohol, Stendra is relatively safe to use if you’ve consumed moderate amounts. You can have up to three servings of alcohol (such as three beers or glasses of wine) without significantly increasing side effects or lowering the medication’s effectiveness.
- Longer-Lasting Effects: While Stendra doesn’t last as long as tadalafil (available in Cialis), it remains effective for up to six hours—longer than Viagra’s typical effectiveness of about four hours.
Stendra vs. Generic and Other ED Medications
Currently, Stendra is not available as a generic version in the United States since it is still protected by patents. However, in some countries, it is marketed under the brand name Spedra, which contains the same active ingredient, avanafil.
Older ED medications like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) are available in generic forms, making them more affordable. However, Stendra distinguishes itself due to its faster action, longer-lasting effects, and reduced side effect profile.
When compared specifically to Viagra, the differences include:
- Precision: Stendra targets PDE5 enzymes more selectively than Viagra, resulting in fewer unwanted side effects.
- Faster Onset: Stendra starts working in 15 to 30 minutes, while Viagra takes 30 to 60 minutes.
- Lower Food Sensitivity: Viagra’s effectiveness may be delayed or reduced by large, fatty meals, whereas Stendra is minimally impacted by food consumption.
If you’re uncertain between these medications, consult with your doctor to determine which option is best for your personal needs and lifestyle.
Dosage and Usage
Stendra is available in three dosage strengths: 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg.
How to Take Stendra:
- Take Stendra about 15–30 minutes before sexual activity.
- You can take it on an empty stomach or after food.
- Avoid exceeding one dose per day.
The starting dose is typically 100mg, but your doctor may adjust it depending on your needs, age, or tolerance. For milder effects, the 50mg dose may suffice, while the 200mg dose is often recommended for men with more severe ED. Remember, different people respond differently to medication, and it may take time to find the optimal dose for you.
Side Effects of Stendra
While Stendra is safe and well-tolerated for most men, it can still cause mild side effects. Common side effects include:
- Headache
- Facial flushing
- Nasal congestion
- Back pain
- Cold-like symptoms (nasopharyngitis)
These effects are generally temporary and tend to fade as the medication wears off. Rare, more severe reactions like priapism (a prolonged erection lasting more than four hours) or sudden changes in vision or hearing require immediate medical attention.
If you have a history of heart conditions, low blood pressure, or are taking medications such as nitrates, inform your doctor before using Stendra. This will help minimize risks associated with drug interactions.
Effectiveness of Stendra
Clinical studies confirm that Stendra is highly effective at improving erectile function. Research highlights include:
- A review of five studies involving over 2,200 men with varying degrees of erectile dysfunction found that Stendra significantly improved sexual function across all dosage levels (50mg, 100mg, and 200mg).
- 200mg doses yielded the strongest results, with minimal increase in side effects compared to lower doses.
- Men across all age groups—ranging from 23 to 88 years—reported improved erection quality and general satisfaction during trials.
Overall, Stendra has proven effective at treating ED while maintaining a tolerable safety profile.
Who Should Consider Stendra?
Stendra is generally suitable for:
- Men of all ages with erectile dysfunction, including younger men in their 20s and 30s as well as older individuals.
- Men seeking a fast-acting ED medication with fewer side effects.
- Those who experience side effects or drug interaction issues with older medications like Viagra or Cialis.
You may also want to discuss Stendra with your doctor if you’ve undergone prostate surgery or have other medical conditions affecting erectile function.
Important Considerations: Stendra and Alcohol, Food, Drug Interactions
- Alcohol: Stendra can be safely used with up to three alcoholic drinks, but overconsumption may result in dangerous drops in blood pressure.
- Food Intake: Unlike Viagra, Stendra is less affected by high-fat meals and works effectively regardless of recent food consumption.
- Drug Interactions: Avoid using Stendra if you take nitrates, alpha blockers, or certain heart medications. Be sure to inform your doctor about any substances or medications you are currently using.
Bottom Line
Stendra is a highly effective, modern treatment option for erectile dysfunction that provides several benefits over older medications like Viagra. With its fast-acting formula, longer duration, and reduced likelihood of side effects, Stendra is an excellent choice for men seeking convenience and reliability in their ED treatment.
If you’re considering ED medications, speak with your doctor to determine if Stendra fits your health profile and lifestyle. With proper use, it can help restore confidence and improve your sexual function effectively.
