Avanafil: The Revolutionary Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
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Satadeepa is a Psychologist with 5 years of experience in the field of mental health and holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology. Her areas of work interest and specialization include anxiety & mood disroders, relationship issues, self esteem development, grief, behavioural sleep medicine and sexual wellness.
Anoush Gomes is a seasoned Content Writer with over 10 years of experience, specializing in various writing styles such as medical content, creative writing, storytelling, and research papers. Anoush embarked on a unique journey, starting with pre-medical studies at the Dante Aligheri Academy and the University of Miami, where she earned a Bachelor's degree with a major in Biology and a minor in Psychology. Having pursued medical school and completed clinicals, Anoush transitioned to the world of medical content writing, where her passion for both healthcare and writing converged. Her writing skills encompass persuasive, narrative, expository, and descriptive styles, making complex medical concepts accessible to diverse audiences. Beyond her professional endeavors, Anoush is a multi-faceted individual with a rich tapestry of interests. A writer, artist, poet, avid reader, certified nerd, and hopeful author, she finds inspiration in the intersection of creativity and science. Whether crafting engaging medical narratives or weaving captivating stories, Anoush combines her diverse background and writing expertise to deliver compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences.
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Updated on 26 December, 2023
- Article was updated as part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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"Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue that affects millions of men worldwide. Thankfully, there are various options available for the treatment of Erectile dysfunction. One such option is Avanafil, a relatively new player in the ED medication market. In India, it is available under the brand name Stendra. In this article, we’ll discuss what Avanafil is, how it works, its benefits, and more.
What is Avanafil?
Avanafil is a prescription medication that belongs to the class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men by helping them achieve and maintain an erection. Avanafil is sold under the brand name Stendra in the United States and Spedra in Europe.
How Does Avanafil Work?
To understand how avanafil works, it’s essential to know a bit about the science behind erections.
PDE5 Inhibitors
During sexual activity or sexual stimulation, the body releases a substance called nitric oxide (NO) in the erectile tissue of the penis. This NO activates an enzyme called guanylate cyclase, which in turn increases the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The cGMP causes the smooth muscle cells in the blood vessels to relax, allowing blood to flow more easily and leading to an erection.
PDE5 inhibitors, like avanafil, work by blocking the action of the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which breaks down cGMP. This results in increased levels of cGMP, which helps improve blood flow to the penis and enables an erection.
Improved Blood Flow
By inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, avanafil helps increase blood flow to the penis, allowing for a firmer and longer-lasting erection.
Benefits of Avanafil
Avanafil has several advantages over other ED medications. Some of its notable benefits include:
Rapid Onset of Action
One significant advantage of avanafil is its rapid onset of action. In clinical trials, it was found to be effective within 15-30 minutes after dosing, making it one of the fastest-acting medications used in the treatment of Erectile dysfunction.
Fewer Side Effects
Compared to other PDE5 inhibitors, avanafil has a lower incidence of side effects. This is mainly due to its more selective action on PDE5, which reduces the likelihood of affecting other enzymes and causing unwanted side effects.
Effective for Various ED Causes
Avanafil has been shown to be effective in the treatment of Erectile dysfunction caused by various factors, including physical, psychological, and age-related issues. This makes it a versatile treatment option for a wide range of patients.
How to Use Avanafil
Dosage
The recommended starting dose of avanafil is 100 mg, taken as needed approximately 30 minutes before sexual activity. Depending on individual response and tolerability, the dose of avanafil may be increased to a maximum of 200 mg or decreased to 50 mg. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and never exceed the recommended dose.
When to Take It?
Avanafil can be taken with or without food, but it’s important to note that a high-fat meal may delay the onset of action. As it’s a fast-acting medication, avanafil should be taken shortly before engaging in sexual activity.
Precautions
Before using avanafil, inform your healthcare provider of any existing medical conditions, medications, and allergies you have. Men with certain heart conditions, low blood pressure, or taking nitrates should not use avanafil.
Side Effects of Avanafil
While avanafil is generally well-tolerated, some adverse effects may occur. The most common side effects include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, visual disturbances, and back pain. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. If they are intolerable and persistent, seek medical advice.
Serious adverse effects are rare but may include an erection lasting longer than four hours (priapism) or sudden loss of vision or hearing loss. If you experience any of these severe side effects, seek medical attention immediately.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions can lead to an increase or decrease in the effectiveness of one or more drugs, as well as an increase in the risk of adverse effects. Avanafil can interact with several medications, which may affect its efficacy or increase the risk of side effects. Some of the medications that may interact with avanafil include:
Nitrates, such as nitroglycerin or isosorbide
Alpha-blockers, used for high blood pressure or prostate problems
Certain antifungal and antibiotic medications
HIV protease inhibitors
Some medications for hepatitis C
Always inform your healthcare provider of any medications you’re taking before starting Avanafil. People with a medical history of heart disease, heart attacks, liver disease, or kidney disease must avoid Avanafil as it might bring about a sudden decrease in blood pressure.
Avanafil vs. Other ED Medications
There are several other PDE5 inhibitors available for treating ED, including sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra). Here’s a quick comparison of avanafil with these other ED medications:
Avanafil vs. Sildenafil
- Onset of action: Avanafil typically works faster than sildenafil, with an onset of action within 15-30 minutes, compared to 30-60 minutes for sildenafil.
- Duration of action: Sildenafil’s effects last for about 4-6 hours, while avanafil’s effects last for around 6 hours.
Avanafil vs. Tadalafil
- Onset of action: Avanafil has a faster onset of action than tadalafil, which can take up to an hour to work.
- Duration of action: Tadalafil has a longer duration of action, lasting up to 36 hours, compared to avanafil’s 6-hour duration.
Avanafil vs. Vardenafil
- Onset of action: Avanafil and vardenafil have similar onset times, with both working within 30 minutes.
- Duration of action: Vardenafil’s effects last for about 4-6 hours, similar to avanafil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can avanafil be taken daily?
A: Avanafil is designed to be taken on an as-needed basis, not daily.
Q: Is avanafil safe for everyone?
A: While avanafil is generally safe for most men, it may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions or taking specific medications. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting Avanafil to ensure it’s safe for you.
Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking Avanafil?
A: Drinking alcohol or alcoholic beverages in moderation is generally considered safe while taking avanafil. However, excessive alcohol consumption may increase the risk of side effects and decrease the medication’s effectiveness.
Q: How long does it take for Avanafil to start working?
A: Avanafil typically starts working within 15-30 minutes after ingestion, making it one of the fastest-acting ED medications available.
Q: Do I need a prescription to buy Avanafil?
A: Yes, avanafil is a prescription medication, and you’ll need a valid prescription from a healthcare provider to obtain it.
Conclusion
Avanafil is an effective and fast-acting ED medication with a favorable side effect profile. It offers several benefits over other PDE5 inhibitors and can be an excellent treatment option for men with erectile dysfunction. If you think avanafil might be right for you, consult your healthcare provider to discuss your options and obtain a prescription.
Sources
Indian Journal of Urology: This peer-reviewed journal has published a study on the effectiveness and safety of Avanafil in Indian men with erectile dysfunction. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4243306/)
MedlinePlus: This website provides information on Avanafil, including its uses, side effects, and precautions. (https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a613032.html)
Drugs.com: This website provides detailed information on Avanafil, including its uses, dosage, side effects, and interactions. (https://www.drugs.com/international/avanafil.html)
