Stendra is an erectile dysfunction (ED) medication that takes effect within 15 minutes and can last up to 6 hours.[1]
It contains avanafil, which increases blood flow to your penis to help maintain an erection.
How is Stendra different from Viagra?
Stendra contains avanafil, while Viagra contains sildenafil. Unlike Stendra, Viagra takes longer to work, usually around 30 minutes and usually lasts 4 to 6 hours, although for some people it can last up to 12 hours.[1]
Apart from these differences, both medications work in the same way.
How does Stendra compare with Cialis?
Stendra can work in as little as 15 minutes, but the on-demand version of Cialis may take from 30 minutes to work. So Stendra is often faster to take effect.
However, Cialis lasts much longer than Stendra; Stendra lasts around 5-6 hours, whereas Cialis can last up to 36 hours, making it a more suitable option for longer periods of use where you expect to have sex several times.
Is there a generic version of Stendra?
Currently, there is a generic version of Stendra, Avanafil tablets, that’s been approved by the FDA.[2]
What active ingredient does Stendra contain?
Stendra contains avanafil, which is a PED5 inhibitor that works by increasing blood flow to your penis, helping maintain a firm erection.[3]
What dosages of Stendra are there?
Stendra comes in three doses: 50mg, 100mg and 200mg.
You’ll typically start on the lowest dose of 50mg, and a clinician may adjust it based on how well you respond to the treatment.
Burke, R.M. and Evans, J.D. (2012). Avanafil for treatment of erectile dysfunction: review of its potential. Vascular Health and Risk Management.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on February 18, 2025. Next review due on February 18, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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How to take Stendra
Swallow one Stendra tablet whole with water, about 15-30 minutes before you have sex. It’ll usually take around 15 minutes to kick in.
Although Stendra can help you maintain an erection, you’ll need to be sexually stimulated for this to happen.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on February 18, 2025. Next review due on February 18, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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There are some things you need to watch out for when taking Stendra, and not everyone can use it.
Here’s the official safety info. If there’s something you’re not sure about, let us know.
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Stendra: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Is my ED medication covered by insurance?
Answer:
Most insurance plans will cover some ED medications, although these will likely be generic versions or more common types like Viagra.
It’s unlikely they’ll cover Stendra as it's less common, but it depends on the specific plan.[3] It's best to contact your provider for specific details.
If you have Medicare, medication may be covered under Part D or Medicare Advantage (Part C), but this will still be decided by your provider.
Stendra vs. Viagra: which is better?
Answer:
In one study, avanafil was found to be more effective than sildenafil. It also worked much faster with 84.8% of patients experiencing a positive response, compared to only 28.22% of sildenafil patients reporting a positive response in the same timeframe.[4]
Stendra also has fewer reported side effects compared to other ED medications, but it hasn’t been around as long as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra, so it’s possible that those reports will come in time.
Does Stendra cost more than other drugs?
Answer:
Stendra tends to be more expensive than some other ED meds. That’s because it’s a brand-name pill, whereas pills like Viagra are available in a cheaper generic form.
However, some men may prefer to pay more for Stendra given that it can get to work faster than other options. So the option you choose can depend on your 'performance' preferences as well as your budget.
Does Stendra work as well as other ED drugs?
Answer:
Stendra contains avanafil, which is a PDE5 inhibitor and from the same drug class as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra). One study found avanafil was more effective than sildenafil.[1] It also works a lot faster (within 15 minutes) than other ED medications on the market.
It’s up to you which ED medication you choose; each one has their advantages and disadvantages. You’ll only know what works best for you after trying them.
How effective is Stendra?
Answer:
Stendra has shown to be an effective ED medication, with clinical trial data showing successful intercourse was achieved by 47%, 58%, and 59% of participants using it for the 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg doses respectively.[1]
If you find the 50mg dose doesn't work well for you, it’s important to let your prescriber know so that they can assess whether to change your dose, or recommend a different treatment.
Can you get Stendra over the counter?
Answer:
No. Most ED drugs like Stendra are prescription-only medicines. You’ll need a doctor or nurse practitioner’s approval to use them. That’s because even though they’re generally considered low risk, they may potentially be harmful to some people with pre-existing conditions, or taking certain medications.
Kumar, M., et al (2022). Efficacy and safety of avanafil as compared with sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A randomized, double blind, multicenter clinical trial. International Journal of Urology, 29(4), 351-359.
Last updated on Feb 18, 2025.
How we reviewed this page:
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Why this page was updated on Feb 18, 2025
Content checked and updated as part of our 3-yearly periodic review, to ensure accuracy and currentness.
Current version (Feb 18, 2025)
Edited by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell, Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
Aug 01, 2022
Published by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell, Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell
Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
Cristina writes content for Treated, and reviews content produced by our other writers to make sure it’s clinically accurate.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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