Stendra
AvanafilWhat is Stendra?
Stendra is a prescription medication that is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It is taken by men only and is not for use in women or children.
Stendra is one of the newest additions to a group of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, all of which are used to treat ED. PDE5 Inhibitors work by blocking the degradation of a substance called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This causes blood vessels in the penis to increase in size, allowing more blood to flow into the penis following sexual stimulation. This increased blood flow improves a man’s ability to get and maintain an erection during sex.
The active ingredient in Stendra is called avanafil. Since Stendra is relatively new, there is not yet a generic alternative available, only the brand-name medication. Stendra (avanafil) can be taken with or without food, on an as-needed basis. It comes in two different doses: a 100 mg tablet and a 200 mg tablet. Additionally, the 100 mg tablet may be split in half to take a smaller 50 mg dose. A unique feature of Stendra is that it is very fast-acting: it can be taken as early as 15 minutes before sexual activity. However, if you are taking a smaller dose (i.e. 50 mg) it is best to take it at least 30 minutes before sexual activity. The effects of Stendra can be felt for up to 6 hours. Please note that avanafil can stay in your system for many hours, so avoid taking it more than once in a 24 hour period.
Always remember to follow the medical advice and instructions of your physician. If you are unhappy with the results of the treatment, make a follow-up with your doctor, but do not increase your medication dose without consulting them first!
What is Stendra used for?
Stendra is used as a treatment for men with Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
If you have been having difficulty getting or maintaining an erection that is firm enough for sex, you are not alone! Millions of men in the United States suffer from this common condition that can arise due to a number of physical and/or psychological factors. In order for a man to become sexually aroused, there are many processes in the body that need to be working perfectly together: from emotions and hormones, down to muscles and nerves. Disturbances in any of these can trigger or worsen ED. In many instances, there is an underlying physical condition that is contributing, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure or heart disease. These conditions block or reduce blood flow to the penis, making it difficult to maintain an erection, which can lead to lots of frustration. Thankfully, avanafil (the active ingredient in Stendra) actually increases the blood flow to the penis in the lead up to sex, effectively reversing these underlying causes of ED. This not only improves sexual satisfaction for both partners but also helps increase mood, confidence and psychological wellbeing.
What you should know before taking Stendra.
Before you use Stendra, you should make your doctor aware of any preexisting conditions that you might have, including heart conditions, kidney or liver problems, low or high blood pressure, inherited eye conditions, and bleeding disorders. As with all medications, Stendra can interact with other products you may be taking, so it is also important to inform your doctor of all the medications you use, including prescriptions, non-prescription, herbal remedies and vitamins or supplements. Specifically, you should not take Stendra if you are taking any products with nitrates, such as nitroglycerin or isosorbide. It is also best to avoid drinking substantial amounts of alcohol (> 3 units) in the 4 hours leading up to taking Stendra as it can cause sudden drops in blood pressure. Eating grapefruits or drinking grapefruit juice may also cause unwanted side effects so should be avoided while taking avanafil (Stendra).
All prescription medications have the potential for unwanted side effects. People who use Stendra should be aware of the following common side effects associated with its use:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Sore throat
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Back pain
- Redness or warmth of the skin (flushing)
There is also the possibility of more serious side effects, such as sudden changes in vision and hearing, although these are very rare. Notify your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms. Another rare, but serious, side effect is having a prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours. If you experience this side effect, you should seek emergency medical attention right away.
Many men choose Stendra (either 100 mg or 200 mg) to treat their erectile dysfunction. A big reason for this is that it is very fast-acting (can be taken as soon as 15 minutes before sex), which minimizes the need to plan ahead when it comes to sexual activity. However, there are also many other treatment options available when it comes to ED medications. It can be difficult to say with certainty whether Stendra is more effective than Viagra or something else because each person will react differently to each medication, leading to variances in efficacy and side effects. Ultimately, when choosing between Stendra vs. Viagra vs. Levitra vs. Cialis, be sure to talk with your doctor so that you can find the best ED medication for you.
