Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions of men worldwide, and it can have a significant impact on confidence, relationships and quality of life. Thankfully, there are several effective treatment options available.
Two commonly prescribed medications are avanafil (Stendra®) and vardenafil (Levitra®). Learn how avanafil and vardenafil compare in terms of effectiveness, timing, dosage, side effects and cost so you can choose the option that is right for your lifestyle and needs.
Key Takeaways
Both avanafil and vardenafil are PDE5 inhibitors that improve blood flow to the penis to treat ED.
Avanafil works quickly, in as little as 15 minutes, and lasts an average of six hours.
Vardenafil starts working within 60 minutes after taking it1 and lasts five to seven hours.
It is important to discuss side effects and potential drug and food interactions with your doctor.
What are avanafil and vardenafil? How are they different?
Avanafil (Stendra®) and vardenafil (Levitra®) are both medications prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction. They also both belong to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, which work by increasing blood flow to the genitals during sexual stimulation.2
Two primary differences between the two medications are onset of action and duration of effectiveness. Avanafil is faster acting, with effects taking just 15 to 30 minutes and lasting up to six hours.3 Vardenafil can take up to 60 minutes and last five to seven hours.
Cost is another difference, with vardenafil a more affordable option than avanafil.
How do dosages compare for avanafil and vardenafil?
Avanafil is available in 50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg dosages. It is taken as needed but not more than once in 24 hours.4
Vardenafil is available in 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg dosages. It is also taken as needed but not more than once in 24 hours.5
How effective are avanafil and vardenafil for erectile dysfunction?
Avanafil has been shown to be fast acting and effective at treating ED in men. One study saw a sizable jump in the number of men who were able to have successful vaginal sex after taking avanafil over the course of 12 weeks. For those taking 50 mg, success went up from 45% to 64%. For the 100 mg dose, it rose from 47% to 74% and for the 200 mg dose, it increased from 48% to 77%.6
When it came to completing intercourse, the success rate jumped from around 13%–14% to 41%–57% depending on the dose of avanafil. People who took a placebo didn’t show much change. Overall, all doses of avanafil helped more users reach normal sexual function compared to the placebo.7
Studies have also shown vardenafil to be effective for erectile dysfunction, with success rates in 71% of men under the age of 45, 76% of men aged 45-64, and 85% of men over 65.8
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Get Started for FreeHow do side effects and safety compare for avanafil and vardenafil?
Both avanafil and vardenafil are generally safe for most men when used as prescribed. However, because they affect blood flow, they may not be suitable for people who take nitrates, have certain heart conditions or experience low blood pressure.
Common side effects of avanafil include:9
Headache
Flushing
Back pai
Less common side effects of avanafil include:
High blood pressure
Nausea
Upset stomach
Constipation
Rash
Potential side effects with vardenafil include:10
Headache
Upset stomach
Heartburn
Flushing
Stuffy or runny nose
Flu-like symptoms
Less common side effects include:
Erection lasting longer than 4 hours
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Ringing in ears
Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Hoarseness
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Fainting
Hives
Rash
In rare cases, avanafil and vardenafil may cause sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes and sudden loss of hearing. If you experience these side effects, seek medical help immediately.
What are common drug and food interactions for avanafil and vardenafil?
Negative interactions may occur if the following drugs or substances are consumed while taking avanafil11 or vardenafil:12
Alcohol
Alpha-blockers
Antihypertensives
Nitrates (including nitroglycerin)
Proton Pump (PPI) (for avanafil only)
St. John’s wort (for vardenafil only)
Additionally, both avanafil and vardenafil are most effective on an empty stomach. Eating a large meal, especially one high in fat, can delay the effectiveness of each drug.
Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking either drug can also increase your risk for side effects.13, 14
Can avanafil and vardenafil be taken together?
No. Taking two PDE inhibitors at the same time could cause blood pressure to drop dangerously low.15, 16
How do costs compare for avanafil and vardenafil?
The average cost without insurance for generic avanafil can reach nearly $60 per tablet — with brand name Stendra averaging $65 or more per tablet. With RedBox Rx, generic avanafil is $40 per tablet with a 20-tablet order.
The average cost without insurance for generic vardenafil is $390-450 per tablet, with the brand name Levitra averaging $633 per tablet.17 With RedBox Rx, you can get generic vardenafil for as low as $3 per tablet.
Are avanafil and vardenafil available over the counter?
No. A prescription is required for both medications
Avanafil vs. Vardenafil Comparison Chart
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Benefits of RedBox Rx include:
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