FDA approves new erectile dysfunction pill Stendra

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new erectile dysfunction drug, Stendra, on Friday. The pill's makers claim it works faster than Viagra. (EPA/ANTONIO LACERDA / April 27, 2012)

April 27, 2012, 11:45 a.m.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administrationapproved Stendra, a new drug to treat erectile dysfunction in men, on Friday.

Like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra, Stendra (generic name avanafil) is a pill, and is in a class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors.These work by increasing blood flow to the penis. Patientscan take Stendra as needed 30 minutes before sexual activity, the FDA said in a statement released Friday.

One possible advantage of the new drug? Vivus Inc., the company that markets Stendra, has claimed that it will provide erections in 15 minutes or less in about half as much time as Viagra can.

Like other PDE5 inhibitors, Stendra is not recommended for men who take nitrates for chest pain, because taking both drugs can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure, the FDA said.Side effects reported during clinical trials of Stendra included headache and cold-like symptoms.

The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse provides information about erectile dysfunction and its treatment at this website.

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FDA approves new erectile dysfunction pill Stendra