Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common yet undertreated conditions among men worldwide. ED affects roughly 10% of men aged 18 to 59, and the rate rises to about 61% in men aged 70 and older. Despite how common it is, many men never seek treatment, and for those who do, finding the right medication can make all the difference.
Avanafil is one of those options worth knowing about. A newer generation ED medication and a prescription Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, it has been gaining attention for its fast action and tolerability.
Read on to find out more about what is Avanafil, how it works, what doses are available, what side effects to watch for, and who should avoid it.
What is Avanafil and how does it work?
Avanafil is a prescription ED treatment approved by the FDA on April 27, 2012, and sold under the brand name Stendra. It is a PDE5 inhibitor that works by supporting the body’s natural response to sexual arousal, helping men get and maintain a firm erection. Unlike many older alternatives in its class, it works faster at the 100 mg dose; it can begin working in as little as 15 minutes, while the 50 mg dose typically takes closer to 30 minutes.
It is primarily prescribed for men with mild to severe ED. Beyond its standard use, it has also been studied and shown positive results in men with Diabetes who experience ED, as well as in men who have developed ED following radical prostatectomy.
Here is what happens in the body when Avanafil is taken:
- During sexual stimulation, the body releases Nitric Oxide (NO), which raises levels of cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) in penile tissue.
- cGMP relaxes smooth muscles and widens blood vessels in the penis, enabling greater blood flow and producing an erection.
- Normally, an enzyme called PDE5 breaks down cGMP, which weakens or ends the erection.
- Avanafil inhibits PDE5, prolonging cGMP activity. It is also more targeted than older medications, interfering less with other enzymes, such as PDE6 in the eyes, which reduces the likelihood of visual side effects.
While Avanafil is not a permanent cure for Erectile Dysfunction, taking it under a doctor’s guidance can significantly improve quality of life.
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Dosage and how to take Avanafil
Avanafil is available in three strengths: 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg. A doctor will usually start on a moderate dose and adjust based on how well it works and how well it is tolerated.
Follow these general guidelines when taking Avanafil:
- Take one tablet 15 to 30 minutes before sexual activity.
- Do not exceed one dose per day.
- Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush, break, or chew it.
- It can be taken with or without food.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. Sexual stimulation is still needed for the ED medication to work.
What are the side effects of Avanafil?
Avanafil is generally well tolerated. Most side effects are mild and tend to go away as the body adjusts to the medication.
Common and mild side effects include:
- Headache
- Facial flushing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Back pain
- Upset stomach
In rare cases, some reactions require immediate medical attention. Watch out for these serious side effects:
- Prolonged or painful erection lasting 4 hours or more (Priapism).
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- Sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears.
- Severe drop in blood pressure causing dizziness or fainting.
- Signs of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain, weakness, or trouble speaking.
Who should avoid Avanafil?
Avanafil is not suitable for everyone. A doctor must review a patient’s full medical history before prescribing. It should be avoided or used with great caution by those who:
- Are taking nitrate medications or riociguat (Adempas).
- Are allergic to Avanafil or any of its ingredients.
- Are taking other PDE5 inhibitors such as Sildenafil, Tadalafil, or Vardenafil.
- Have had a heart attack, stroke, or irregular heartbeat in the past 6 months.
- Have uncontrolled High or Low Blood Pressure.
- Have severe liver or kidney disease.
- Have a history of Priapism.
- Have Retinitis Pigmentosa or other serious inherited eye conditions.
- Have blood disorders such as Sickle Cell Anemia or Leukemia.
- Have a penile structural abnormality such as Peyronie’s disease.
- Consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice regularly, as it can increase Avanafil levels in the blood and raise the risk of side effects.
Conclusion
Avanafil is a PDE5 inhibitor prescribed for the treatment of ED in men. Sold under the brand name Stendra, it is taken as an oral tablet in doses of 50 mg, 100 mg, or 200 mg, as needed before sexual activity.
Its key advantage over older ED medications is its faster onset, which can be achieved in as little as 15 minutes. It has also shown positive results in men with Diabetes and those who have undergone prostate surgery.
Like all medications, it does carry side effects, with headache, facial flushing, and in rare cases, sudden vision or hearing loss being the most notable. It is not suitable for men with certain heart, eye, or blood conditions, and should never be combined with nitrates.
Avanafil should always be taken under medical supervision and only as prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Avanafil stronger than Viagra?
Avanafil is not necessarily stronger than Viagra; both work through the same mechanism but differ in speed and selectivity. Avanafil acts faster and is more selective for PDE5, potentially reducing certain side effects. The right choice depends on individual health, tolerance, and a doctor’s recommendation.
Can Avanafil be taken with coffee or other caffeine?
Yes, Avanafil can be taken alongside caffeine, as no direct interaction has been established between the two. However, caffeine can raise heart rate and blood pressure, which can amplify side effects such as headache or flushing. It is best to moderate caffeine intake and inform your doctor about all dietary habits before starting treatment.
Does Avanafil affect fertility or sperm quality?
No, Avanafil does not affect sperm quality or male fertility. It only supports the physical process of achieving an erection and does not interfere with reproductive hormones. Men concerned about fertility should discuss this separately with a doctor, as ED itself can have underlying causes worth investigating.
How should Avanafil be stored?
Avanafil should be stored at room temperature (20-30 °C), away from direct light, heat, and moisture. It should never be kept in a bathroom. Always store it out of reach of children and dispose of any expired tablets safely through a medicine take-back program.
Can women ever take Avanafil?
No, Avanafil is approved strictly for adult males and is not indicated for use in women. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding must not take it. If a pregnant woman accidentally takes Avanafil, she should contact her doctor immediately for guidance on the next steps and monitoring.
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