Stendra vs Female Viagra: side-by-side comparison
Stendra (Erectile Dysfunction (ED)) and Female Viagra (Women's Sexual Health) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely interchangeable. This page compares the medications' purposes, mechanisms and the situations where each is used.
| Property | Stendra | Female Viagra |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Avanafil | Sildenafil Citrate |
| Manufacturer | Metuchen Pharmaceuticals | Various generics |
| Class | Erectile Dysfunction (ED) | Women's Sexual Health |
| Strengths | 50mg, 100mg, 200mg | 100mg |
| Forms | tablet | tablet |
What's the same
Stendra and Female Viagra are used in very different patients, and the points in common are limited. The main shared element is that both meet regulatory standards for efficacy and safety and benefit from pharmacist oversight.
Key differences
Stendra belongs to Erectile Dysfunction (ED) while Female Viagra belongs to Women's Sexual Health. Indications, mechanisms and target populations differ. The comparison is most useful when a clinician has mentioned both medications and the patient wants to understand where each fits.
Mechanism and action
Stendra: Avanafil selectively inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) in the corpus cavernosum, increasing cGMP and enhancing nitric-oxide-mediated vasodilation in response to sexual stimulation. Female Viagra: Sildenafil citrate inhibits PDE5, allowing cGMP to accumulate in vascular smooth muscle and increasing local blood flow during arousal.
When Stendra is preferred
Stendra is approved for erectile dysfunction in adult men.
When Female Viagra is preferred
Female Viagra has no approved indication.
Frequently asked questions
Is Stendra or Female Viagra better? ▾
Stendra and Female Viagra are not interchangeable — they treat different conditions. Asking which is "better" is meaningful only when a clinician has weighed both for the same specific clinical scenario.
Can I switch from Stendra to Female Viagra? ▾
Switching between Stendra and Female Viagra is rarely an appropriate decision since they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. The real question is usually whether the diagnosis calls for one medication or the other — which the prescriber resolves.
Do Stendra and Female Viagra have the same side effects? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each medication has its own prescribing information.
More Stendra comparisons
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.