Cialis Vs. Stendra: Drug Comparison

Cialis^® (tadalafil) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It works by relaxing the muscles of blood vessels and increasing blood flow to particular areas of the body, notably the penis. Cialis is known for its long-lasting effects, allowing for more spontaneity, as it can remain effective for up to 36 hours. It is typically taken as needed, but a lower daily dose option is also available for continuous treatment. Common side effects of Cialis include headaches, indigestion, back pain, and muscle aches, which typically resolve within a few days. It is important to use Cialis with caution, especially for individuals with cardiovascular conditions, and to avoid combining it with nitrates or certain other medications due to the risk of serious interactions.

Stendra^® (avanafil) is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that is approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It is taken as needed and starts working in about 15 minutes, which is faster when compared to other common ED treatments. Stendra lasts up to 6 hours. Its action in the body is also more selective than other common ED treatments, which can make Stendra less likely to cause side effects. Side effects are still possible, including heading, flushing, and congestion. Stendra also should not be combined with nitrates, and there is a risk of experiencing low blood pressure when Stendra is used with nitrates, alpha-blockers, other blood pressure medications, and alcohol.

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor

Cialis (tadalafil) is indicated to treat:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)

• The signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

• ED and the signs and symptoms of BPH (ED/BPH)

Stendra (avanafil) is indicated to treat:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)

• Typically taken orally as needed prior to sexual activity, up to once daily (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg doses) OR taken orally once daily (2.5 mg and 5 mg doses)

• Comes in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets

• Typically taken orally as needed approximately 15 minutes before sexual activity, up to once daily

• Comes in 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg tablets

Most common adverse reactions (≥2%) include:

• Headache

• Indigestion

• Back pain

• Muscle pain

• Nasal congestion

• Flushing

• Pain in limb

Most common adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 2%) include:

• Headache

• Flushing

• Nasal congestion

• Inflammation of the nasal passages and back of the throat

• Back pain

• Administration of Cialis to patients using any form of organic nitrate is contraindicated

• History of known serious hypersensitivity reaction to Cialis or Adcirca

• Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, alcohol, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir), CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin)

• Administration of Stendra to patients using any form of organic nitrate is contraindicated

• Hypersensitivity to any component of the Stendra tablet

• Administration with guanylate cyclase (GC) stimulators such as riociguat and vericiguat

• Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha-blockers, antihypertensives, alcohol, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir, erythromycin)

• Patients should not use Cialis if sex is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status

• Use of Cialis with alpha blockers, antihypertensives or substantial amounts of alcohol (≥5 units) may lead to low blood pressure

• Cialis is not recommended in combination with alpha blockers for the treatment of BPH, because efficacy of the combination has not been adequately studied and because of the risk of blood pressure lowering

• If taking potent inhibitors of CYP3A4, dose should be adjusted

• Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours

• Patients should stop Cialis and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)

• Patients should stop Cialis and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing

• Prior to initiating treatment with Cialis for BPH, consideration should be given to other urological conditions that may cause similar symptoms

• Patients should not use Stendra if sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status or any other reason (

• Use of Stendra with alpha-blockers, other antihypertensives, or substantial amounts of alcohol (greater than 3 units) may lead to low blood pressure

• Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts greater than 4 hours

• Patients should stop Stendra and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Stendra should be used with caution, and only when the anticipated benefits outweigh the risks, in patients with a history of NAION. Patients with a “crowded” optic disc may also be at an increased risk of NAION

• Patients should stop taking Stendra and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing

*This information is from the label for brand name Cialis^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient tadalafil.

*This information is from the label for brand name Stendra^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Avanafil, the active ingredient in Stendra, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient avanafil.