Indications
Avanafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men, which is difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex. It works only when there is sexual stimulation and is not for women or for men without ED.
How It Works
Avanafil is a PDE5 inhibitor. It blocks the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5, which lets a natural chemical (cGMP) build up in the penis during sexual arousal. This relaxes the blood vessels, allows more blood to flow into the penis and helps an erection to happen.
Dosage and Administration
The usual starting dose for adults is 100 mg taken about 15 to 30 minutes before sexual activity, with or without food. Depending on response and tolerance, the doctor may change the dose to 50 mg or 200 mg. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. Avoid large amounts of alcohol.
Interactions
- Nitrates such as Glyceryl Trinitrate, Isosorbide Mononitrate or Isosorbide Dinitrate, and Riociguat: must never be used together, as blood pressure can fall dangerously.
- Alpha blockers such as Tamsulosin, Doxazosin or Terazosin and other blood pressure medicines: risk of low blood pressure and dizziness.
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin and Ritonavir: should not be used with Avanafil.
- Moderate inhibitors such as Erythromycin, Fluconazole, Diltiazem and Verapamil: a lower dose (maximum 50 mg) may be needed.
- Other medicines for ED: do not combine.
- Grapefruit juice and heavy alcohol use can increase side effects.
Contraindications
- Taking any nitrate medicine or Riociguat.
- Severe heart disease where sexual activity is not advised, a heart attack or stroke in the past 6 months, or uncontrolled high or low blood pressure.
- Severe liver or kidney disease.
- Past loss of vision due to non-arteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
- Allergy to Avanafil.
Side Effects
Common side effects are headache, flushing, nasal congestion, back pain, indigestion and dizziness.
Get urgent medical help if you have chest pain during or after sex, an erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism), sudden loss or decrease of vision in one or both eyes, sudden hearing loss or ringing in the ears, or fainting.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Avanafil is not meant for women. It is not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
See a doctor before starting, as sexual activity can strain the heart. Use with care if you have a penis deformity, sickle cell anaemia, leukaemia or multiple myeloma (higher risk of priapism), bleeding disorders, a stomach ulcer or retinitis pigmentosa. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. It may cause dizziness or changes in vision; be careful when driving.
Overdose
An overdose may cause stronger side effects such as severe headache, low blood pressure, dizziness, visual changes or a prolonged erection. Seek medical help.
Therapeutic Class
Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor; drug for erectile dysfunction.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.