Introduction
Struggling with erectile dysfunction (ED) can be frustrating and impact your quality of life. Thankfully, medical advances have brought us newer treatments like Avanafil. This medication offers hope with faster action and fewer side effects than older options.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about Avanafil in clear, straightforward language. Whether you’re considering this medication for yourself or researching for someone else, you’ll find practical information to help make informed decisions about ED treatment.
What is Avanafil?
Avanafil (brand name Stendra) is a newer medication that treats erectile dysfunction (ED). The FDA approved it in 2012. It works faster than older ED drugs and causes fewer side effects.
This guide covers how Avanafil works, its benefits, how to use it safely, possible side effects, and how it stacks up against other ED treatments. Whether you’re looking into treatment options or just curious, you’ll find clear, fact-based info here.
How Does Avanafil Work?
Avanafil belongs to a group of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors. Other drugs in this group include Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. They all work in similar ways, but Avanafil has some key differences.
The Science Behind It
When a man gets sexually aroused, his body releases a chemical called nitric oxide. This triggers a chain reaction that increases blood flow to the penis, causing an erection.
An enzyme called PDE5 breaks down the chemicals that cause this blood flow. Avanafil blocks this enzyme. This helps keep blood flowing to the penis, making erections stronger and longer-lasting. Avanafil only works when you’re sexually stimulated—it doesn’t cause random erections.
What Makes It Different
Avanafil targets the PDE5 enzyme more precisely than older ED drugs. This means it doesn’t affect other similar enzymes in the body as much. This targeted action helps reduce side effects that are common with older ED medications.
How Well Does It Work?
Many clinical studies show Avanafil works well for treating ED in different groups of men.
Success Rates
Studies show clear improvements with Avanafil:
- Before treatment, only 15% of sexual attempts were successful
- With 100mg or 200mg of Avanafil, success rates jumped to 57%
- With placebo (sugar pill), only 27% of attempts succeeded
- About 80% of men using the 200mg dose got erections firm enough for sex
- It works for men with diabetes and those who’ve had prostate surgery
How Fast It Works
One of Avanafil’s biggest selling points is how quickly it works:
- It can start working just 15-30 minutes after taking it
- Most other ED drugs take 30-60 minutes or longer
- This faster action allows for more spontaneous sex, which many users say improves their experience
Dosage and How to Take It
Avanafil comes in tablets with three strength options: 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg.
Recommended Doses
- Starting dose: Usually 100mg taken about 30 minutes before sex
- Adjusting the dose: Your doctor may increase it to 200mg or lower it to 50mg based on how well it works and any side effects
- How often: Take it only once per day, as needed
- With food: You can take it with or without food, though heavy, fatty meals might slow it down
Special Cases
- Older adults (65+): No special dose changes needed, but starting at a lower dose might be wise
- Mild to moderate kidney problems: No dose changes needed
- Liver problems: Start with 50mg if you have mild to moderate liver issues; not recommended for severe liver disease
- If you take alpha-blockers or certain other drugs: Start with 50mg and watch for possible interactions
Side Effects and Safety
Avanafil generally has fewer side effects than older ED drugs.
Common Side Effects
- Headache (affects 5-10% of users)
- Flushing or redness (3-5%)
- Stuffy nose (2-3%)
- Back pain (2-3%)
- Dizziness (1-2%)
Most side effects are mild and go away within a few hours.
Vision Effects
Unlike some other ED drugs, Avanafil barely affects an enzyme found in the eye. This means visual side effects like blue-tinted vision or sensitivity to light rarely happen with Avanafil.
Heart and Blood Pressure Concerns
Like all drugs in its class, Avanafil can lower blood pressure slightly. It’s generally safe for most men, but some important warnings apply:
- Never take it with nitrates (like nitroglycerin) as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure
- Use caution if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, recent heart problems, or heart failure
- If you have rare heart conditions, talk to a heart doctor before taking Avanafil
How Avanafil Compares to Other ED Drugs
Knowing how Avanafil stacks up against other options can help you and your doctor choose the best treatment.
Versus Viagra (Sildenafil)
- Speed: Avanafil works faster (15-30 min vs. 30-60 min)
- Food: Less affected by meals than Viagra
- Side effects: Fewer vision problems and less blood pressure lowering
- How long it lasts: Similar (4-6 hours)
Versus Cialis (Tadalafil)
- Speed: Faster than regular Cialis (though Cialis has a daily option)
- Duration: Shorter (4-6 hours vs. up to 36 hours for Cialis)
- Side effects: Less back pain and muscle aches than Cialis
- Targeting: Both drugs target ED enzymes well but differ in specific side effects
Versus Levitra (Vardenafil)
- Speed: Both work quickly
- Food: Less affected by food than Levitra
- Side effects: Similar overall but fewer vision problems
- Targeting: Better at targeting only the ED enzyme
Drug Interactions
Avanafil can interact with several medications. These interactions need careful attention.
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors
Your liver breaks down Avanafil using enzymes called CYP3A4. Drugs that block these enzymes can make Avanafil levels rise too high:
- Ketoconazole, itraconazole (antifungal drugs)
- Ritonavir, indinavir (HIV drugs)
- Clarithromycin, telithromycin (antibiotics)
- Avoid taking these drugs with Avanafil
Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors
- Erythromycin, fluconazole, diltiazem, verapamil
- If you take these, don’t take more than 50mg of Avanafil once every 24 hours
Other Important Interactions
- Alpha-blockers: May lower blood pressure too much when combined
- Alcohol: Too much alcohol with Avanafil might cause dizziness when standing up
- Other ED drugs: Don’t take them together with Avanafil
Special Cases
Diabetes and ED
About 50-75% of men with diabetes get ED. Studies show Avanafil helps these men too:
- In men with diabetes, successful sex rates improved from about 20% to 40-54% (depending on dose)
- It doesn’t work quite as well as in men without diabetes, but still helps significantly
After Prostate Surgery
ED after prostate removal is particularly challenging:
- Avanafil helps some men after nerve-sparing prostate surgery
- How well it works depends on how many nerves were saved during surgery
- It might be used as part of a recovery plan, though more research is needed
Mental Factors
While Avanafil addresses physical aspects of ED, psychological factors often play a big role:
- Performance anxiety can remain even with medication
- Combining Avanafil with counseling may work better
- Setting realistic expectations helps improve satisfaction
Other Possible Uses
Though mainly approved for ED, researchers have studied Avanafil for other uses.
Lung Blood Pressure Problems
Other drugs in this class (especially sildenafil as Revatio) treat high blood pressure in the lungs. Early research suggests Avanafil might help with this too, but it’s not approved for this use yet.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon
PDE5 inhibitors can improve blood flow to hands and feet. Limited studies suggest possible benefits for Raynaud’s phenomenon, though Avanafil hasn’t been specifically studied for this.
What Experts Say
Dr. Irwin Goldstein, Director of Sexual Medicine at Alvarado Hospital, says: “Newer ED drugs like Avanafil represent an important step forward. They target the problem more precisely with fewer unwanted effects. This gives doctors more options to tailor treatment to each patient.”
Dr. Arthur Burnett from Johns Hopkins adds: “All PDE5 inhibitors work similarly, but Avanafil’s faster action and less interaction with food can help patients who want more spontaneity. Its better side effect profile makes it a valuable addition to our treatment options.”
Common Questions
How quickly does Avanafil work?
Avanafil can work in just 15-30 minutes after taking it. Some men might need up to 45 minutes. This is faster than most other ED drugs, which typically take 30-60 minutes or longer.
Can I take it with food?
Yes, you can take Avanafil with or without food. Unlike some other ED drugs, food doesn’t affect it as much, though very fatty meals might slow it down a bit.
How long does it last?
Avanafil typically works for 4-6 hours. This is similar to Viagra and Levitra but shorter than Cialis, which can last up to 36 hours.
Will my insurance cover it?
Coverage varies by insurance company and plan. Many plans limit coverage for ED drugs or restrict how many pills you get per month. Check with your insurance provider about your specific coverage.
What if it doesn’t work for me?
If Avanafil doesn’t work at first:
- Make sure you’re taking it early enough before sex
- Try it several times (at least 4-6 times) before deciding
- Talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose
- Check for underlying health issues that might affect how well it works
- Discuss other options if Avanafil continues not to work
Can women take Avanafil?
Avanafil isn’t approved for women. Some PDE5 inhibitors have been studied for female sexual problems, but results have been mixed. More research is needed in this area.
Summing It Up
Avanafil marks an important step forward in ED treatment. It works quickly, causes fewer side effects, and helps many different men with ED.
Like any medication, you should only use Avanafil under a doctor’s care. Your doctor will consider your health, possible drug interactions, and treatment goals. Open talks with your healthcare provider help ensure the best results and address any concerns.
For men seeking ED treatment, Avanafil offers a good balance of effectiveness, convenience, and fewer side effects compared to older options. This can improve both physical function and quality of life