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Cialis vs Stendra
Introduction
Cialis and Stendra are both medications designed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). These drugs function by increasing blood flow to the penis, facilitating an erection that is sufficient for sexual activity. Cialis, which contains the active ingredient tadalafil, has a longer duration of action; it can last up to 36 hours in some cases. This extended period allows more spontaneity in sexual activity. On the other hand, Stendra (avanafil) stands out due to its rapid onset of action. It begins working as fast as 15 minutes after ingestion, making it one of the quickest acting ED medications on the market. Just like Prozac and Wellbutrin target different neurotransmitters but have similar effects on mood stabilization in patients with depression; Cialis and Stendra affect blood flow differently but ultimately provide relief from erectile dysfunction symptoms.
What is Cialis?
Tadalafil, the generic name for Cialis, was a significant advancement in the class of PDE5 inhibitors used to treat erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia. It was first approved by the FDA in 2003. Cialis helps increase blood flow to certain parts of the body by relaxing smooth muscle tissue and allowing vessels to dilate, which is particularly effective in aiding men achieve an erection when sexually stimulated. It has a long half-life lasting up to 36 hours, earning it the nickname "the weekend pill". In comparison, Avanafil (Stendra) is another medication from this class that was approved later by FDA in 2012 with its key advantage being rapid onset action within approximately 15-30 minutes. Both drugs have similar side effects profile but Stendra may be less likely to cause visual changes such as blue-tinted vision.
What conditions is Cialis approved to treat?
Cialis is approved for the treatment of certain conditions such as:
- Erectile dysfunction, which is an inability to achieve or maintain a satisfactory erection
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in both genders
How does Cialis help with these illnesses?
Cialis helps to manage erectile dysfunction by increasing the amount of nitric oxide available in the tissues of the penis. It does this by blocking phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), an enzyme that degrades cGMP, a molecule that regulates blood flow in the body. By inhibiting PDE5, Cialis allows for greater concentrations of cGMP, which leads to smooth muscle relaxation and increased blood flow within the penis. Nitric Oxide is a biological mediator that plays an important role in vasodilation and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels amongst other things. In individuals with erectile dysfunction, there may be problems with regulating proper amounts of these essential chemicals. Therefore, by increasing nitric oxide and cGMP via inhibition of PDE5, Cialis can limit symptoms related to erectile dysfunction and help patients maintain adequate sexual performance.
Stendra functions similarly as it also inhibits PDE5 allowing for increased levels of cGMP leading to improved penile erection characteristics suitable for sexual activity but has a rapid onset compared to Cialis meaning its effects are felt sooner after ingestion.
What is Stendra?
Stendra, known by its generic name Avanafil, is a PDE5 inhibitor that increases blood flow to certain areas of the body. It was approved for medical use in 2012 and functions as a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). Unlike Cialis, which is also used for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and pulmonary arterial hypertension, Stendra's primary indication is ED. The quick onset time of Stendra means it can be taken closer to sexual activity than some other drugs like Cialis - you may take Stendra with or without food about 15 minutes prior to sexual activity. Its side-effect profile differs from other ED medications such as Cialis in that it has less vision disruption but still shares common side effects such as headache and flushing. The role of Stendra can prove beneficial especially for patients who need faster action or have not responded well to "typical" PDE5 inhibitors like Cialis.
What conditions is Stendra approved to treat?
Stendra is an FDA-approved medication used to treat:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Its quick onset of action, as fast as 15 minutes for some men, and potential duration of up to six hours set it apart from other medications in its class. It also has a lower rate of side effects like flushing, nasal congestion, headache, and changes in vision compared to other ED drugs.
How does Stendra help with these illnesses?
Stendra, like Cialis, is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. The increased blood flow can lead to an erection. Stendra's unique selling point is its speed of onset; it often starts working within 15 minutes.
Just as norepinephrine plays a crucial role in wakefulness and focus, nitric oxide plays a significant role in erectile function by relaxing smooth muscle tissue and allowing for enhanced blood flow. By amplifying the effects of nitric oxide, Stendra helps to improve erectile function.
While both drugs serve similar purposes, Stendra may offer benefits over Cialis for some patients due to its faster action time. However, since everyone reacts differently to medications, it's important that you discuss with your doctor which medication would be most suitable for you.
How effective are both Cialis and Stendra?
Both tadalafil (Cialis) and avanafil (Stendra) have established histories of effectiveness in treating erectile dysfunction, and they were initially approved by the FDA roughly a decade apart. Since they act on similar physiological mechanisms, their prescription may depend more on patient-specific factors rather than differing efficacy. The effectiveness of Cialis and Stendra was directly studied in numerous clinical trials; both drugs exhibited comparable efficacy in managing symptoms of erectile dysfunction as well as similar safety profiles.
A 2004 review demonstrated that Cialis is effective at improving erectile function within 30 minutes to several hours post-dose, with effects lasting up to 36 hours. Its side effect profile is generally favorable compared to other ED medications, although it can cause minor side effects such as headache or indigestion. Cialis has also been shown to improve urinary symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), making it an attractive option for men suffering from both conditions.
On the other hand, a 2016 meta-analysis indicated that Stendra seems equally effective at treating ED when compared with other common treatments like sildenafil or tadalafil. One advantage is its faster onset of action – often working within just fifteen minutes – which might make it preferable for some patients seeking spontaneity. It's typically considered alongside first-line treatment options such as Viagra or Cialis due to its newer status on the market and less extensive long-term study data available.
At what dose is Cialis typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Cialis range from 2.5–20 mg/day, but research suggests that most adults find a dosage of 10 mg before sexual activity to be effective. However, those who plan on regular sexual activity may opt for a daily dose of 2.5 to 5 mg. Stendra, on the other hand, can be taken in doses ranging from 50-200mg around fifteen minutes prior to sexual activity; many men start with a dose of 100mg. Dosage adjustments can be made based on efficacy and tolerability but should not exceed the maximum recommended dosage (20mg for Cialis and 200mg for Stendra per day).
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At what dose is Stendra typically prescribed?
Stendra treatment for erectile dysfunction usually begins at a dosage of 100 mg/day, taken as needed about 15 minutes before sexual activity. The dose can be increased to a maximum recommended dose of 200 mg or decreased to 50 mg based on efficacy and/or tolerability. It's important to note that you should not take more than one Stendra tablet in any 24-hour period, regardless of the dosage. If there is no response or if side effects occur, the patient may need to switch medications or adjust their current Stendra regimen under medical supervision after several attempts.
What are the most common side effects for Cialis?
Potential side effects of Cialis and Stendra include:
- Headache
- Flushing (reddening of the skin, typically over the cheeks or neck)
- Indigestion
- Nasal congestion (blocked nose)
- Back pain
- Muscle aches
- Vision disturbances, such as blurred vision, changes in color vision (seeing a blue tint), and decreased vision
- Dizziness -In rare cases, priapism: an erection that won't go away. If not treated immediately, this condition could lead to permanent erectile dysfunction.
Remember to seek immediate medical assistance if you experience any severe symptoms or reactions after taking these medications.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Cialis?
While both Cialis and Stendra are generally safe, they can cause some serious side effects in rare cases:
- Hypotension (low blood pressure) or hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Signs of an allergic reaction like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat
- Severe dizziness and fainting
- Vision changes such as blurred vision, trouble telling blue from green color, difficulty seeing at night
- Sudden decrease or loss of hearing
- Prolonged erections lasting more than 4 hours which could lead to permanent damage if not treated immediately
- Symptoms indicating cardiovascular problems: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder
If you experience any of these symptoms while taking either medication, seek immediate medical attention. Always talk to your doctor about potential risks before starting new medication.
What are the most common side effects for Stendra?
Stendra, like most erectile dysfunction treatments, can have side effects. Here are the commonly observed ones:
- Flushing (warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest),
- Headache and dizziness,
- Cold symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, sore throat,
- Diarrhea and stomach upset,
- Sleep problems (insomnia),
- Back pain and muscle aches.
It should be noted that while some of these side effects may seem minor they could lead to more serious conditions if experienced frequently or for prolonged periods. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Stendra?
Stendra is generally considered safe, but in rare cases, it can cause serious side effects. They include:
- Signs of allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of your face or throat
- Vision changes such as sudden vision loss or blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or sudden hearing loss
- Heart attack symptoms: chest pain spreading to the jaw, shoulder, nausea and sweating.
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swelling in hands, ankles and feet
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness and fainting especially upon standing up too quickly from a sitting position
- A painful erection that lasts over four hours.
If you experience any of these adverse reactions while taking Stendra discontinue use immediately and reach out to your healthcare provider right away.
Contraindications for Cialis and Stendra?
Both Cialis and Stendra, along with most other erectile dysfunction medications, may cause side effects in some people. If you notice any severe or persistent problems such as chest pain, blurred vision, an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, or sudden hearing loss after taking these drugs, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Cialis nor Stendra should be taken if you are using nitrates for chest pain or guanylate cyclase stimulators for pulmonary hypertension. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take; drugs like nitrates and guanylate cyclase stimulators can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure when combined with Cialis or Stendra.
Furthermore, both of these medications should not be used by individuals who have heart disease and have been advised against sexual activity. It's crucial to discuss your full medical history with your doctor before starting these treatments.
How much do Cialis and Stendra cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 8 tablets of Cialis (20 mg) averages around $410, which works out to roughly $51 per tablet. Depending on how often you use it, this could be as low as $12–25/day or higher.
- The price for Stendra (200 mg), with a pack size of 6 tablets, costs about $380, working out to approximately $63 per day.
Thus if you're using both medications at their maximum frequency (once daily), then brand-name Cialis is less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. However, cost should not be your primary consideration in determining which medication is right for you.
For the generic versions of these drugs:
-
Tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis) typically costs between $100 and $600 for thirty 5mg pills – roughly equivalent to one month's supply – depending on pharmacy pricing and insurance coverage.
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Avanafil tends not to have many generic options available yet due its relative newness compared to tadalafil/Cialis. Still when generics are available they may significantly lower the current cost structure which stands at nearly twice that of tadalafil/Cialis.
As always please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication regimen.
Popularity of Cialis and Stendra
Tadalafil, in generic form as well as brand names such as Cialis, was estimated to have been prescribed to about 8.3 million people in the US in 2020. Tadalafil accounted for just over 29% of erectile dysfunction prescriptions in the US. However, it appears to be the most-common “long-acting” PDE5 inhibitor (with effects that can last up to 36 hours), making it a popular choice for men who desire more spontaneity.
Avanafil, including brand versions like Stendra, had significantly fewer users with around 600 thousand prescriptions filled within the same year. The number accounts for roughly only 2% of all erectile dysfunction prescriptions. Being one of the newer drugs on the market approved by FDA later than its counterparts might explain this lower usage rate despite having a faster onset and fewer side effects reported compared to other ED medications.
Conclusion
Both Cialis (tadalafil) and Stendra (avanafil) are well-established treatments for erectile dysfunction, with numerous clinical trials demonstrating their effectiveness over placebo. In some cases, these medications may be combined or alternated depending on the patient's response and tolerability. Both drugs work by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), leading to an increase in blood flow to the penis, but they have different characteristics that might make one more suitable than the other in certain circumstances.
Cialis is notable for its long duration of action — up to 36 hours — which has earned it the nickname "the weekend pill." Its longer half-life allows for greater spontaneity compared to most other PDE5 inhibitors. On the other hand, Stendra is known for its rapid onset of action; it can start working as quickly as 15 minutes after ingestion.
Both drugs are available in generic form which provides a significant cost advantage especially for patients who must pay out of pocket. It should be noted that both Cialis and Stendra might not produce noticeable effects immediately upon first use.
With regards to side effects, both drugs share similar profiles including headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, back pain and upset stomach but with slight variations: Stendra tends less likely than Cialis to cause muscle aches and back pain. Patients should closely monitor their reactions when starting treatment - any sudden vision loss or painful erection lasting more than four hours warrants immediate medical attention.