Generic Stendra (Avanafil)

Introduction

Stendra (generic name avanafil) is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor indicated the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult males. It is supplied as oral tablets in three strengths-50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg-and belongs to the same therapeutic class as sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. The drug is marketed in the United States by Vivus, Inc. and is also available internationally under brand names such as Stendra and Spedra. While its primary, FDA-approved use is for ED, clinical research has explored additional applications, which are discussed in the off-label section.

What is Stendra?

Stendra is the brand formulation of avanafil, a selective PDE5 inhibitor that was developed to provide a rapid onset of and a favorable side-effect profile compared with earlier agents. Avanafil was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2012 after a series of Phase III trials demonstrated efficacy in men with mild to severe ED. The medication is manufactured as a film-coated tablet containing the active ingredient avanafil and a set of inactive excipients (e.g., lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate).

Stendra is the generic version of well-known medications, containing the active compound avanafil. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost-effective treatment option.

How Stendra Works

Avanafil blocks the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5, which normally degrades cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the corpus cavernosum of the penis. Sexual stimulation releases nitric oxide, activating guanylate cycl to raise cGMP levels. Elevated cGMP relaxes smooth muscle, allowing arterial inflow and erection. By inhibiting PDE5, avanafil sustains higher cGMP concentrations, facilitating erection in response to sexual cues.

Key pharmacologic attributes:

• Onset: Clinical studies show penile rigidity within 15 minutes for the 100 mg dose, making avanafil one of the fastest-acting PDE5 inhibitors.
• Duration: Efficacy is maintained for up to 6 hours, though the therapeutic window varies with dose and individual metabolism.
• Metabolism: Primarily hepatic via CYP3A4, with a half-life of roughly 5 hours; renal excretion accounts for a minority of clearance.

These properties allow flexible dosing and a reduced need for precise timing relative to sexual activity.

Conditions Treated with Stendra

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

• Why effective: By preserving cGMP, avanafil directly addresses the vascular component of ED, which accounts for the majority of cases in otherwise healthy men.
• Evidence base: Pooled analysis of three pivotal trials (n ≈ 2,800) demonstrated a statistically significant increase in successful intercourse attempts compared with placebo (≥ 65 % vs. 30 %).

No other FDA-approved indications exist for avanafil at this time.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Stendra

These applications have not received formal regulatory approval. Use of avanafil for any off-label purpose should occur only under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

Is Stendra the Right Medication for You?

Stendra is most appropriate for adult men who:

• Have a diagnosis of ED of vascular or neurogenic origin.
• Desire a rapid-acting oral agent with flexible timing.
• Are not taking nitrates or potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir).

Clinical scenarios where Stendra may be preferred:

• Spontaneous sexual activity-the quick onset reduces the need for advance planning.
• Patients with mild hepatic impairment-dose adjustments are generally unnecessary, unlike some alternatives.

Contraindications include:

• Concomitant use of any organic nitrate medication.
• Known hypersensitivity to avanafil or any tablet excipient.
• Severe uncontrolled hypertension (systolic > 180 mm Hg or diastolic > 110 mm Hg).

If you fall into any exclusion category, alternative ED therapies should be considered.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Headache - due to vasodilation, reported in up to 15 % of users.
• Flushing - mild warmth, predominantly facial.
• Nasal congestion - transient, resolves without intervention.
• Dyspepsia - occasional mild stomach upset.

Rare

• Visual disturbances - transient changes in color perception (blue-gray tint) or blurred vision.
• Auditory changes - rare reports of sudden hearing loss; immediate medical evaluation advised.
• Priapism - prolonged erection lasting > 4 hours; requires urgent care.

Serious

• Hypotension - synergistic effect with nitrates or α-blockers may cause dangerous blood pressure drops.
• Cardiovascular events - while rare, myocardial infarction or stroke have been reported in high-risk populations.

Drug-Drug Interactions

• Nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate): Concomitant use can precipitate profound hypotension; contraindicated.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir): May increase avanafil plasma concentrations, raising the risk of adverse events; dose reduction or avoidance recommended.
• CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin, carbamazepine, St. John’s wort): May lower effectiveness; consider alternative therapy.
• Alpha-blockers (tamsulosin, doxazosin): Use with caution; monitor blood pressure closely.

Food and Lifestyle Interactions

• Alcohol: Moderate consumption is generally tolerated, but excessive intake can exacerbate dizziness and hypotension.
• High-fat meals: May delay absorption slightly; taking the tablet with water on an empty stomach yields the fastest onset.

Patients should review all concurrent medications and supplements with a healthcare professional before initiating Stendra.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Standard Dosing

The tablet is swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Onset is usually within minutes; effectiveness may be diminished if taken within 24 hours of a previous dose.

Missed Dose

Because Stendra is taken only when sexual activity is anticipated, there is no “daily” schedule. If a dose is omitted, simply wait until the next planned sexual encounter and take the tablet according to the usual timing (15-30 minutes before activity). Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one.

Overdose

Signs of overdose may include severe headache, prolonged hypotension, dizziness, or priapism. Management is supportive:

• the patient lying down with legs elevated to improve cerebral perfusion.
• Administer intravenous fluids if hypotension is significant.
• Seek emergency medical care for priapism or persistent cardiovascular symptoms.

There is no specific antidote; prompt clinical evaluation is essential.

Practical precautions - Avoid operating heavy or driving until you know how avanafil affects you, especially after the first few doses.

FAQ

• What should do if I experience a headache after taking Stendra? Most headaches are mild and resolve within a few hours. Over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen can be used, but avoid taking additional PDE5 inhibitors.

• Can Stendra be taken with a high-fat meal? A high-fat meal may delay the drug’s absorption, extending the time to onset by up to minutes. For the quickest effect, swallow the tablet with water on an empty stomach.

• How should Stendra be stored in hot climates? Keep tablets below 30 °C (86 °F) and protect them from direct sunlight. If the ambient temperature exceeds this, store the medication in a cool, dry place or a refrigerator (do not freeze).

• Is there a difference in effectiveness between the 100 mg and 200 mg doses? Clinical trials showed modestly higher success rates with 200 mg versus 100 mg, but the increase is accompanied by a greater incidence of adverse events. The 100 mg dose is generally sufficient for most patients.

• Will taking Stendra affect routine drug testing at work? Avanafil is not included in standard occupational drug-screening panels. It should not trigger a positive result for commonly tested substances.

• Can I travel internationally with Stendra tablets? Yes, provided you carry the medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription (or documentation of legitimate purchase) and comply with the destination country’s import regulations.

• What inactive ingredients are in Stendra tablets? Typical excipients include lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and a film-coating polymer. Patients with severe lactose intolerance should consult a pharmacist.

• Is Stendra safe for men over 65 years old? Age alone is not a contraindication, but older patients often have comorbidities (e.g., cardiovascular disease, renal impairment) that require careful assessment before initiating therapy.

• How does avanafil compare to sildenafil regarding side-effects? Headache and flushing occur less frequently with avanafil, and its rapid onset may be preferable for spontaneous activity. However, all PDE5 inhibitors share similar cardiovascular safety profiles.

• Can avanafil be used in combination with antihypertensive medication? Generally safe when the antihypertensive is not a nitrate. Monitor blood pressure closely, especially after the first dose, and discuss any dosage adjustments with a healthcare provider.

Glossary

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor

A class of drugs that block the PDE5 enzyme, preventing breakdown of cGMP and thereby promoting smooth-muscle relaxation in the penis.

cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate)

A second messenger molecule that mediates vasodilation; elevated levels lead to increased blood flow in erectile tissue.

Priapism

A prolonged, often painful erection lasting longer than four hours, requiring urgent medical treatment to prevent tissue damage.

CYP3A4

A liver enzyme responsible for metabolizing many drugs; inhibitors increase blood levels of substrates like avanafil, while inducers decrease them.

Buying Stendra from Our Online Pharmacy

Patients who encounter price barriers, limited local inventory, or insurance restrictions can obtain avanafil through our online pharmacy. We source the medication exclusively from licensed, FDA-registered manufacturers and internationally accredited suppliers, ensuring that each batch meets strict potency and purity standards.

Key advantages of purchasing through our service:

• Cost-effectiveness: Prices are set close to the manufacturer’s wholesale rates, providing a significant reduction compared with many brick-and-mortar pharmacies.
• Verified quality: Every shipment is inspected by certified pharmacists before dispatch, guaranteeing a genuine, correctly labeled product.
• Discreet delivery: Packages are packaged in unmarked envelopes and shipped via secure carriers, protecting your privacy from the moment the order leaves our facility until it reaches your door.
• Reliable logistics: Options include express delivery (typically 5-7 business days) and standard airmail (approximately 2-3 weeks), with tracking information provided for each order.

Our pharmacy operates as a broker service, partnering with reputable overseas pharmacies that comply with international pharmaceutical regulations. This model allows us to maintain affordable pricing while upholding the highest safety and confidentiality standards for patients who may lack convenient access to avanafil locally.

Disclaimer

The details presented about Stendra are intended for general educational purposes only and do not substitute for personalized medical advice. Treatment choices, including any off-label applications, must be made under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Readers are presumed to be competent adults capable of making informed health decisions. Our online pharmacy offers access to Stendra for individuals who may face limited availability through conventional pharmacies, insurance-based dispensing, or who seek affordable generic alternatives. Always discuss any medication changes with your clinician before initiating, modifying, or discontinuing therapy.