PDE5 Inhibitor · FDA-approved (2012) · Prescription required
Stendra®
(Avanafil)
Stendra is the newest of the major oral ED medications, approved by the FDA in April 2012, and was specifically designed as a “second-generation” PDE5 inhibitor with a faster onset than sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil. It genuinely delivers on that design goal — with one honest caveat about food timing that matters more for Stendra than for the others.
Overview
What makes Stendra different
Avanafil, sold as Stendra®, was developed specifically to address two common complaints about earlier PDE5 inhibitors: slow onset and tolerability. It’s described as more selective for the PDE5 enzyme with less cross-reactivity at PDE6 receptors in the retina compared to sildenafil — the receptor overlap responsible for the blue-tinted vision some men report with sildenafil.
The FDA-approved dosing regimen calls for taking a 100mg tablet about 30 minutes before sexual activity, though real-world and small comparative studies have reported some men noticing effects in as little as 15 minutes — making it the fastest-acting option in this drug class.
A randomized, double-blind, multicenter clinical trial (Kumar et al., 2022, published in the International Journal of Urology) directly compared avanafil to sildenafil for efficacy and safety in men with ED.
The honest nuance worth knowing
Food sensitivity matters more for Stendra than the numbers alone suggest
Stendra shows a similar pattern of onset delay after a high-fat meal as sildenafil does — in absolute terms, it isn’t necessarily “less” food-sensitive. But because Stendra’s entire selling point is speed, a food-related delay matters more practically here than it would for a drug that isn’t marketed on how fast it works. If you’re taking Stendra specifically for its rapid onset, eating on a lighter stomach beforehand meaningfully protects that advantage.
How it compares
Stendra vs. Viagra vs. Cialis
| Feature | Stendra® (Avanafil) | Viagra® (Sildenafil) | Cialis® (Tadalafil) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDA approval | 2012 | 1998 | 2003 |
| Onset | ~15–30 min — fastest in class | 30–60 min | ~30–45 min, up to 2 hrs |
| Duration | Up to 6 hours | 4–5 hours | Up to 36 hours |
| Doses available | 50mg, 100mg, 200mg | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg | 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg |
| Generic available | No | Yes | Yes |
| Retail cost per dose | Higher — no generic competition | Lower with generic | Lower with generic |
Is it right for you?
Who typically considers Stendra
Men who want the fastest possible onset for spontaneous timing
Men who experienced visual side effects with sildenafil and want a more PDE5-selective option
Men comfortable paying more, since no generic version currently exists
Men who can plan around eating lightly before taking it, to protect the fast-onset advantage
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is Stendra really faster than Viagra?
Yes, generally. Stendra is designed and marketed for a faster onset, with some men reporting effects in as little as 15 minutes versus sildenafil’s typical 30-60 minutes. The FDA-approved label instructs taking it about 30 minutes before activity, so individual response varies, but it’s consistently described as the fastest-acting option in this drug class.
Why is Stendra more expensive than Viagra or Cialis?
Unlike sildenafil and tadalafil, there is currently no FDA-approved generic version of avanafil, so Stendra doesn’t have the same generic price competition that has significantly lowered costs for the other two medications.
Should I still avoid a heavy meal before taking Stendra?
Yes. A high-fat meal can meaningfully delay and reduce Stendra’s effect, similar to sildenafil. Because Stendra’s main advantage is speed, eating lightly beforehand protects that advantage more than it would matter for a slower-acting medication.
Related
Other ED medications
Talk to a provider about Stendra
Search our directory of vetted physicians, or ask in the forum to hear from men who have tried it.
Key sources: FDA prescribing information for STENDRA (avanafil), NDA 202276 · Kumar et al., “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 (2022)
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a licensed physician before starting or changing any medication. Stendra® is a registered trademark of its manufacturer. PhallusMD does not endorse specific providers or products.
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