What does Stendra contain?

Stendra is actively composed of a PDE5-inhibitor called avanafil. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved avanafil for the treatment of ED in April 2012. Avanafil is a prescription-only drug. You must use it under the supervision of a doctor. Like sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil, avanafil is a relatively new ED drug. It has been found safe and effective for most men with erectile issues.

How does Stendra help men with ED?

Stendra (avanafil) temporarily prevents the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) from degrading cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP). When this happens, the body is able to release nitric oxide when you are sexually stimulated. Nitric oxide is primarily responsible for increasing the size of arteries (blood vessels) carrying blood to and from the penile organ, causing an erection. The persistence of cGMP in the penile organ leads to more prolonged blood engorgement, sustaining an erection. Remember, This medication does not work in the absence of sexual stimulation.

How to use Stendra pills?

The recommended starting dose of Stendra is 100 mg, which is to be taken orally as needed, approximately 15 minutes before indulging in sexual activity. Depending on the efficacy and tolerability, the dose can be increased to 200 mg or decreased to 50 mg. You must take this ED medication orally with or without food, usually as needed, meaning when you intend to make love. Follow your doctor’s directions carefully and do not take more than once in 24 hours. Avoid alcohol, grapefruits, and other illicit substance, including cannabis, during treatment.

What are the side effects of Stendra?

The most common side effects of Stendra are facial flushing, headaches, back pain, nasal congestion, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, and flu-like symptoms. The drug may also cause a mild reduction in blood pressure levels, causing symptoms such as dizziness and blurry vision. In rare cases, the drug may cause a prolonged erection (priapism), which is a medical emergency. If you notice erection not subsiding even after 2 hours, immediately seek medical attention.

Which drugs interact with Stendra?

Drugs such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, erythromycin, amprenavir, diltiazem, fluconazole, fosamprenavir, and verapamil interact with avanafil. However, the drug adversely interacts with chest pain drugs containing nitrates or nitroglycerin and antihypertensive agents such as alpha-blockers. These drugs, if taken along with avanafil, could decrease your blood pressure to a potentially dangerous level. Stendra and alcohol both can also lower your blood pressure. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid alcohol while taking this ED medicine.

Is Stendra more effective than Viagra?

Both Stendra and Viagra belong to the same class of drugs so their safety and efficacy are somewhat similar. However, studies have noted that avanafil has less of an effect on reducing your blood pressure than sildenafil. Other trials concluded that this medication was as effective as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra when it comes to treating ED, noting that this medication acts much faster than other ED drugs. It takes Stendra 15 to 20 minutes, while other drugs need almost an hour.

How long does Stendra last?

Depending on the dose you take, Stendra will start working in as little as 15 minutes. Post-dosage, the drug shows it is efficacy for up to six hours, meaning it stays in your system for six hours. In that period, you can experience erection multiple times when you are sexually aroused. When compared with sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil, avanafil is fastest acting ED drug. It is a relatively new drug among all FDA-approved PDE5 inhibitors.

Who cannot use Stendra?

This medication can only be used by men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. Males under the age of 18 should not use the drug. More importantly, this medicine is not advised for men who have cardiovascular or heart disease, liver dysfunction, kidney impairment, neurological disorders, or cancer. The drug is also not recommended to men taking nitrates, alpha-blockers, and certain HIV drugs. This medication is not for women and children.

Is Stendra cheaper?

When compared to brand Viagra ($70 per pill), Stendra is cheaper ($35 per pill). However, Stendra is more expensive compared to generic versions of sildenafil, vardenafil, or tadalafil. However, this avanafil-based medication has numerous advantages over other ED drugs, as it acts with 15 minutes of dosage. Also, it has fewer side effects. Stendra is a safer ED treatment option if you are vulnerable to side effects from other PDE5 inhibitors.

The Bottom Line

This medication begins to work within 15 minutes of dosage, giving an added advantage of spontaneity compared to other ED drugs. Once in the body, it persists for up to six hours, giving you enough time to make love. However, currently, there is no generic Stendra or generic avanafil available in the United States. This medication is only available online under a prescription in the United States. However, in some countries, one can buy generic Stendra online without a prescription. Generic avanafil is much cheaper than the brand Stendra.