From the FDA Drug Label
Avanafil is a selective inhibitor of cGMP-specific PDE5. Avanafil tablet is a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction ( 1) Avanafil is designated chemically as (S)-4-[(3-Chloro-4-methoxybenzyl)amino]-2-[2-(hydroxymethyl)-1-pyrrolidinyl]- N-(2pyrimidinylmethyl)-5-pyrimidinecarboxamide and has the following structural formula:
Avanafil (Stendra) is a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction 1, 1, 1.
From the Research
Avanafil (brand name Stendra) is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men, with a recommended starting dose of 100 mg taken orally about 15-30 minutes before sexual activity, with a maximum of one dose per day, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 2.
Key Characteristics of Avanafil
- Avanafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, which enhances the effects of nitric oxide in the body, leading to increased blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation 3.
- It works faster than other erectile dysfunction medications, often within 15 minutes, and its effects can last up to 6 hours 4.
- The dose can be adjusted to 50 mg or 200 mg based on efficacy and tolerability, with 200 mg showing superior efficacy to 100 mg in some studies 2.
Safety and Efficacy
- Avanafil is generally well tolerated, with common side effects including headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and back pain 3, 5.
- It should not be taken with nitrates or alpha-blockers due to the risk of severe hypotension 6.
- Avanafil has a high selectivity for the PDE5 isoenzyme, resulting in a lower incidence of drug-related side effects compared to other PDE5Is 6.
Clinical Use
- Avanafil is effective in improving the Sexual Encounter Profile and the Erectile Function Domain scores among men with erectile dysfunction 2, 5.
- It is a potent PDE5 inhibitor and is an effective treatment option for erectile dysfunction, with a rapid onset of action and a shorter duration of action compared to other medications in its class 3, 6.