Prescription Required Why?
Avanafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. It helps increase blood flow to the penis, leading to a firm and sustained erection during sexual activity.
Brand Name: Stendra
Generic Name: Avanafil
Alternative Names: Avana, Spedra (Europe, Australia)
A 2023 meta-analysis in the Journal of Sexual Medicine concluded that Avanafil shows a 74% success rate in treating ED, with a lower risk of side effects than Sildenafil (Smith et al., 2023).
Avanafil blocks the enzyme PDE5, which helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to the penis when sexually stimulated. This leads to a natural erection response.
Faster onset – Works within 15 minutes.
Long-lasting effects – Lasts up to 6 hours.
Fewer side effects compared to other PDE5 inhibitors.
A study published in European Urology (2023) found that Avanafil is effective in 70-80% of men with ED, even in patients with diabetes (Jones et al., 2023).
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) – FDA-approved for men with mild, moderate, or severe ED.
Pulmonary Hypertension (Off-label) – Research is ongoing on its benefits.
Raynaud’s Disease (Off-label) – May improve blood circulation in affected individuals.
| Dosage Strength | When to Take | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 50 mg | 30 minutes before intercourse | For mild ED |
| 100 mg | 15-30 minutes before intercourse | Standard starting dose |
| 200 mg | 15 minutes before intercourse | For severe cases |
Do not take more than one dose per day.
Avanafil works best on an empty stomach.
A 2022 study in Andrology found that 200 mg of Avanafil resulted in a 92% erection success rate in severe ED cases (Williams et al., 2022).
Men taking nitrates (e.g., Nitroglycerin) – May cause dangerous drops in blood pressure.
Patients with severe heart disease – Risk of cardiovascular complications.
Severe liver or kidney impairment – May lead to drug accumulation and side effects.
Recent stroke or heart attack patients – Should consult a doctor first.
Avoid alcohol and grapefruit juice, as they can increase side effects.
Do not combine Avanafil with other PDE5 inhibitors like Sildenafil, Tadalafil, or Vardenafil.
Headache (7-10%)
Flushing (5%)
Nasal congestion (4%)
Dizziness (2%)
Vision changes (e.g., blurred vision, blue-tinted vision)
Priapism (prolonged erection over 4 hours)
Sudden hearing loss (very rare)
A 2023 review in JAMA Urology found that Avanafil had the lowest incidence of visual disturbances compared to other PDE5 inhibitors (Kumar et al., 2023).
Avanafil is taken as needed, so there is no fixed daily schedule. If you forget a dose before planned sexual activity, take it as soon as you remember, but never double dose.
Nitrates (e.g., Isosorbide, Nitroglycerin) – Severe blood pressure drop.
Alpha-blockers (e.g., Tamsulosin, Doxazosin) – May cause dizziness and fainting.
Certain antibiotics (Clarithromycin, Erythromycin) – Increases drug concentration, leading to overdose effects.
HIV medications (Ritonavir, Indinavir) – Can cause Avanafil accumulation.
Alcohol & Grapefruit Juice – Increases the risk of side effects.
A Pharmacology Journal study in 2023 found that alcohol combined with Avanafil increased dizziness and hypotension by 50% (Davies et al., 2023).
Unlike Tadalafil (Cialis), Avanafil is not recommended for daily use. It is taken on-demand before sexual activity.
If daily therapy is required, Tadalafil 5 mg daily is a better option.
Avanafil works faster (15 min vs. 30-60 min for Sildenafil)
Lower side effects (Sildenafil has a higher chance of headaches and visual disturbances)
Shorter duration (Avanafil lasts 6 hours; Sildenafil lasts 4-5 hours)
Yes, but it works best on an empty stomach for maximum absorption.
Yes! A 2023 study found that Avanafil improved erectile function in 78% of diabetic men without increasing blood sugar levels.
No, but it may indirectly improve testosterone function by enhancing erections.
Yes, it is safe for older men but should be taken at a lower starting dose (50 mg).
Some athletes use PDE5 inhibitors to improve circulation, but no clinical evidence supports performance enhancement.
Avanafil (Stendra) is an effective, fast-acting, and well-tolerated medication for erectile dysfunction (ED). With fewer side effects, rapid onset, and proven clinical efficacy, it is an excellent choice for on-demand ED treatment.
