Avanafil

Generic Avanafil: A Fast-Acting ED Treatment

Avanafil is the newest of the widely licensed PDE5 inhibitors. It was approved in the United States in 2012 (as Stendra) and in Europe in 2013 (as Spedra). Like sildenafil and tadalafil, it treats erectile dysfunction (ED) by improving blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal. Its main distinguishing feature is speed: it is absorbed quickly, so it can be taken closer to the time of sex. Generic avanafil tablets contain the same active ingredient as the original brands.

How Avanafil Works and What Makes It Different

Avanafil blocks the PDE5 enzyme, allowing the blood vessels in the penis to stay relaxed for longer when you are aroused. As with every medicine in this class, sexual stimulation is still needed, and it does not increase desire.

• Rapid onset: blood levels peak roughly 30–45 minutes after a dose on an empty stomach, and some men respond within 15 minutes.
• Moderate duration: with a half-life of around 5 hours, it can help for up to about 6 hours.
• Selectivity: in laboratory studies avanafil acts very specifically on PDE5 and much less on related enzymes in the eye and muscles. This may explain why visual changes are uncommon, although head-to-head trials against other ED tablets are limited, so it shouldn't be assumed to have fewer side effects overall.

Avanafil Strengths

How to Take Avanafil

• The usual dose is 100 mg, taken as needed about 15–30 minutes before sexual activity.
• A doctor may lower it to 50 mg or raise it to 200 mg depending on the response and side effects.
• The maximum is 200 mg, no more than once in 24 hours. If the highest dose doesn't work, talk to a doctor rather than taking extra.
• Swallow the tablet with water. It can be taken with or without food, but a large, fatty meal may delay the effect by roughly an hour.
• Moderate alcohol is unlikely to interfere, but heavy drinking increases dizziness and can reduce erection quality.

Possible Side Effects

The most frequently reported are headache, flushing, a blocked or runny nose, sore throat or cold-like symptoms, back pain and dizziness. These are usually mild. Get urgent medical help for an erection lasting more than 4 hours, sudden vision or hearing loss, chest pain or fainting, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Safety and Interactions

• Never take avanafil with nitrates or "poppers". If a nitrate is needed in an emergency, at least 12 hours should have passed since the last avanafil dose, and only under medical supervision.
• Do not combine with riociguat or another PDE5 inhibitor.
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir and other HIV protease inhibitors, rule avanafil out.
• Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as erythromycin, fluconazole, diltiazem, verapamil or aprepitant, limit the dose to 50 mg in 24 hours.
• Men on an alpha-blocker should be on a steady dose before starting avanafil, beginning at 50 mg.

Avanafil is not suitable for men who have had a heart attack, stroke or serious heart rhythm problem in the last six months, or who have unstable angina, angina during sex, heart failure, very low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure. It is not recommended in severe kidney or liver disease, previous NAION or retinitis pigmentosa. Men with conditions that raise the risk of priapism need a doctor's review first.

Combination Products

Some products in this range pair avanafil with dapoxetine, a short-acting medicine for premature ejaculation. No regulator in the UK, EU or US has licensed these combinations, and they add dapoxetine's own risks, including dizziness and fainting. They should only be considered if a doctor has confirmed both ED and premature ejaculation. Our dapoxetine guide explains the precautions.

Avanafil or Another ED Tablet?

Avanafil's duration is similar to sildenafil, but it usually starts working sooner. Tadalafil lasts far longer and can be taken daily. The best option depends on your routine and how well you tolerate each medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly does avanafil work?

Many men respond within 15–30 minutes, which is faster than most other ED tablets. Allow a little longer after a heavy meal.

Is avanafil better than sildenafil?

There is no strong evidence that it is more effective overall. Its main advantage is a quicker start, which some men value for spontaneity.

Can I take avanafil every day?

It is designed for as-needed use, up to once a day. Unlike tadalafil, there is no low-dose daily regimen.

This page offers general guidance only and should not be used in place of professional medical advice. Avanafil is a prescription medicine. Ask a doctor or pharmacist whether it is appropriate for you, particularly if you have heart disease or take other medicines.