If you’re exploring treatment options for erectile dysfunction (ED), you’ve probably come across two popular medications: avanafil (Stendra®) and tadalafil (Cialis®). Both are prescription drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors, which work by improving blood flow. While they share some similarities, they also have key differences in how quickly they work, how long they last and their potential side effects.

Learn how avanafil and tadalafil 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.

What is avanafil?

Avanafil (Stendra®) is a medication prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction. It belongs to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors and works by increasing blood flow to the genitals during sexual stimulation.¹

What is tadalafil?

Tadalafil (Cialis®) is prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction, ease symptoms of an enlarged prostate and improve the ability to exercise in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Tadalafil also belongs to the class of medications called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. It works to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow during sexual stimulation.²

What’s the difference between avanafil and tadalafil?

Avanafil and tadalafil are both PDE inhibitors that work similarly to treat erectile dysfunction. 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.³ Tadalafil takes at least 30 minutes to take effect, sometimes longer.⁴

Avanafil’s max effectiveness lasts an average of six hours. Tadalafil’s effectiveness can last up to 36 hours.⁵ Tadalafil can be taken as a daily, long-term ED treatment or as needed before a sexual interaction.⁶ Avanafil is designed to be used primarily as needed.⁷

Another key difference is that avanafil is most effective on an empty stomach. Eating with avanafil, especially food high in fat, can significantly delay the onset of action for avanafil. Tadalafil was not affected by food consumption in clinical trials.⁸

How do dosages compare for avanafil and tadalafil?

Avanafil is available in 50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg dosages.⁹ It is taken as needed.

Tadalafil comes in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg dosages.¹⁰ It can be taken daily as a long-term treatment or as needed.

How do side effects and safety compare for avanafil and tadalafil?

One advantage avanafil has compared to tadalafil is fewer side effects.

Common side effects of avanafil include:¹¹

• Headache

• Flushing

• Back pain

Common side effects of tadalafil include:¹²

• Headache

• Indigestion or heartburn

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Flushing

• Pain in the stomach, back, muscles, arms, or legs

• Cough

According to research, PDE-5 inhibitors – like avanafil and tadalafil – are generally well tolerated in users. There are no statistically significant differences in safety among these ED medications.¹³

How effective are avanafil and tadalafil for ED?

Avanafil has been shown to be fast acting and effective at treating ED in men. In one study, more people 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%.

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.¹⁴

Clinical studies of tadalafil also showed significant improvement in completing intercourse. With the 10 mg dose, success increased by 34%, reaching 58% overall. The 20 mg dose worked even better, with a 46% boost and 68% total success. In comparison, the placebo only led to an 8% increase, reaching 31% overall.¹⁵

How do costs compare for avanafil and tadalafil?

Average costs without insurance for generic avanafil can reach nearly $60 per tablet – with brand name Stendra averaging $65 per tablet or more.¹⁶ With RedBox Rx, generic avanafil is $40 per tablet with a 20-tablet order.

The average cost of generic tadalafil can be upward of $2 per tablet. Name brand Cialis averages over $10 per tablet.¹⁷ With RedBox Rx, generic tadalafil can be as low as $1 per tablet and brand name Cialis is $11 per dose.

Can avanafil and tadalafil be used together?

It is not recommended to take two PDE inhibitors, like avanafil and tadalafil, together. Taking both at the same time could cause blood pressure to drop dangerously low. It also increases the risk of adverse effects like dizziness, fainting, headache, flushing and heart palpitations.¹⁸

Avanafil and Tadalafil Comparison Chart

How RedBox Rx can help

RedBox Rx makes receiving a prescription for ED, like avanafil or tadalafil, easy and affordable.

Benefits of RedBox Rx include:

• Transparent, affordable, flat rates for ED medications starting at $1 per tablet.

• Free consultations with a U.S. licensed medical professional.

• No insurance required. HSA and FSA eligible.

• No office wait times or scheduling issues typical with physical medical practices.

• Free shipping directly to you.

Start your treatment today with our ED assessment and free online consultation.