avanafil at a glance
Medicine class
Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor
Licensed use
Erectile dysfunction in adult men
Sexual stimulation
Required for avanafil to work
Food
May delay the onset of effect
What is avanafil used for?
Avanafil is licensed for:
Erectile dysfunction in adult men when sexual stimulation occurs.
How does avanafil work?
Avanafil blocks PDE5, reducing the breakdown of cyclic GMP. This relaxes smooth muscle and increases blood flow into the penis during sexual stimulation. It has no erectile effect without stimulation.
avanafil preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg
How to take avanafil
Take the oral tablet exactly as prescribed. It may be taken with or without food, although food can delay its effect. Avoid grapefruit juice because it may increase avanafil exposure. Alcohol can worsen dizziness and low blood pressure.
Sexual stimulation is still needed.
Do not combine it with another erectile-dysfunction treatment unless directed by a specialist.
Do not drive or use machinery if dizziness or altered vision occurs.
avanafil side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Flushing
- Blocked nose
Get urgent medical advice
- An erection lasting 4 hours or more
- Sudden loss or significant change of vision
- Sudden hearing reduction or loss, sometimes with tinnitus or dizziness
- Chest pain, collapse or symptoms of marked low blood pressure
avanafil in pregnancy
Avanafil is not indicated for women, and there are no human pregnancy data. Anyone exposed during pregnancy should consult a prescriber or pregnancy specialist.
avanafil while breastfeeding
Avanafil is not indicated for women, and there are no data about its use while breastfeeding. Seek specialist or prescriber advice if exposure occurs.
avanafil interactions
A full medicines review is important before avanafil is prescribed.
Organic nitrates and nitric oxide donors, including glyceryl trinitrate and amyl nitrite
Contraindicated because the combination can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure.
Riociguat
Contraindicated because of additive blood-pressure lowering.
Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, including ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole and clarithromycin
Contraindicated because they can greatly increase avanafil exposure.
Common questions about avanafil
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does avanafil work without sexual stimulation?
No. Sexual stimulation is required.
Can avanafil be taken with food?
Yes, but food may delay its effect.
Can I drink alcohol while taking avanafil?
Alcohol can increase dizziness, fainting and low blood pressure and may make erections more difficult.
Can avanafil be taken with nitrates?
No. The combination is contraindicated because it can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.