Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM
Summary:
- Stendra® is a more recently FDA-approved PDE5 inhibitor compared to Viagra® or Cialis®, and it generally causes fewer and less severe side effects.
- PDE5 inhibitors are a type of drug used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. They block the enzyme PDE5 before it can break down the hormone cGMP, which helps increase blood flow to the penis by allowing blood vessels in the area to expand.
- Potential side effects of Stendra® include headaches, flushing, sore throats, back pain, and runny noses. Less common side effects may include priapism, and hearing or vision problems. It may also lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure if taken with other medications. In rare cases, this may cause heart problems.
Stendra® guide: what is it?
Stendra® is an FDA-approved medication for treating erectile dysfunction, which is newer than other similar medications like Viagra® and Cialis®. If you are considering taking this medication, it’s imperative that you understand what it’s for and how to take it responsibly.
Introduction to Stendra® (avanafil)
Stendra® is known generically as avanafil. Like Viagra® and Cialis®, it inhibits PDE5, which is an enzyme responsible for breaking down the hormone cGMP.
Because cGMP helps facilitate blood flow to the muscles in the penis, erectile dysfunction can occur in men when it breaks down too quickly in their bodies. Blocking PDE5 therefore enables cGMP to help the penile muscles relax during sexual arousal, and can make it easier to achieve or sustain an erection.
A quick history of Stendra®
- Stendra® was developed by VIVUS Inc. in collaboration with Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation.
- It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2012 for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).
Uses of Stendra®
Note: the information below is also referenced in the official patient information for Stendra®.
Primary usage
Stendra® is typically used for treating erectile dysfunction in men. Like other PDE5 inhibitors, it cannot automatically give you an erection. It only helps you get an erection if you are already aroused.
Key benefits of Stendra®
Stendra® delivers the same benefits as other PDE5 inhibitors—but may also have fewer associated risks. Research indicates the following:
- Fast onset of action: Stendra® can start working as quickly as 15-30 minutes after ingestion, which is faster than many other erectile dysfunction medications.
- Lower rate of side effects: Clinical trials indicate that Stendra® may have a lower incidence of side effects compared to other ED medications like Viagra® (sildenafil) and Cialis® (tadalafil).
- Flexibility in timing: Due to its quick onset, Stendra® offers more flexibility for spontaneous situations, as it doesn’t require as much pre-planning regarding its intake.
- Duration of effectiveness: Stendra® typically remains effective for up to 6 hours, providing a substantial window for effectiveness without the longer duration of action that some other ED drugs have, which some users may prefer for more natural experiences.
Common side effects
Like all PDE5 inhibitors, Stendra® has potential side effects (see patient information above). Most common side effects are non-serious and resolve themselves in a few days or weeks after ceasing to take the medication:
- Headache
- Flushing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Back pain
Potentially severe side effects
Less common—but potentially more serious—side effects of Stendra® include:
- Priapism: a painful erection that will not go away (priapism). Seek medical attention immediately if you have an erection that lasts more than four hours.
- Vision loss: sudden vision loss in one or both eyes, which can indicate a serious eye problem. It is not known whether PDE5 inhibitors can cause vision loss directly.
- Sudden partial or complete hearing loss: this may or may not be accompanied by tinnitus or dizziness.
If any of the above take place, stop taking Stendra® right away and see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Stendra® & blood pressure issues
According to the patient information for Stendra® (see above), it can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure if it interacts with certain other medications (see below). This loss in blood pressure may make heart conditions such as heart attacks or strokes more likely.
Interactions & contraindications
Potential interactions with other medications
- Nitrates: Stendra® should not be used with nitrates, which are often prescribed for chest pain. It should also not be used by anyone who is taking street drugs such as amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate.
- Guanylate cyclase stimulators: These are used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic-thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
Dosage & administration
Starting doses
The typical recommended starting dosage for Stendra® is 100mg, taken as needed up to 30 minutes before sexual activity.
Adjusting your dose
Stendra® doses can be increased to as much as 200mg or decreased to as low as 50mg, depending on tolerances. Adjusting your dosage is a decision that should only ever be made with a qualified healthcare professional who can consider your health history and individual needs.
Information on recommended dosages can be found in the drug’s patient information, as well as a summary of its application to the FDA for approval.
Learn more about Stendra® from Lemonaid Health
Stendra® can help many men ease the difficulties they face as a result of erectile dysfunction. However, it’s critical to understand the implications of taking this medication if you’re considering its use, and only take it as directed by a qualified medical practitioner.
If you have any unanswered questions about what Stendra® can do for you, reach out to our online medical team for a consultation. We’re here to provide education and resources that help you find the healthcare support you need.
Frequently asked questions about Stendra®
When is using Stendra® not recommended?
Do not take Stendra® if you:
- Take any nitrates or guanylate cyclase stimulators
- Are allergic to avanafil or any of the ingredients in Stendra®
- Are currently drinking more than a moderate amount of alcohol (three or so drinks in a sitting)
Can I take Stendra® more than once per day?
No. Taking this medication more than once per day may increase your risk of severe side effects.
What ingredients does Stendra® have?
The active ingredient in Stendra® is avanafil.
Inactive ingredients include:
- Mannitol
- Fumaric acid
- Hydroxypropylcellulose
- Low substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose
- Calcium carbonate
- Magnesium stearate
- Ferric oxide yellow
Stendra® is a registered U.S. trademark of Metuchen Pharmaceuticals, LLC.
Cialis® is a registered trademark of Lilly ICOS LLC.
Viagra® is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc.
